Words of Wisdom from Daniella Forrest "Resolution Versus Intention

Resolutions. Goals. New start. 

Ah, happy Monday, all.

These words can trigger a fresh excitement for some or a feeling of dread/pressure for others, especially around goals that have anything to do with health, wellness, staying fit...ALL THE THINGS. But if you're anything like me, sometimes the new year can start off with that excitement but later evolve into a nag of anxiety when the feeling of newness wears off a bit and it's getting harder to achieve goals under my preferred time frame.

One of my awesome clients, Daniella Dayoub-Forrest, owner of DFit Life here in the Bay Area recently wrote an article worth sharing simply because I believe the title alone helped shift my perspective a bit when it came to new goals and all things with the new year....and hopefully it will help you as well! 

Below is just a snippet from this piece...you can read the full article here!

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Resolution Versus Intention

by Daniella Dayoub-Forrest

Here we are again. Another year done and dusted.

I think it is quite wonderful that most people use this time to reflect on where they have been, where they are, and where they'd like to be. For many, this means some serious thinking about their health and wellness. Needless to say, I get a lot of inquiries in January from people who are sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. They are ready to finally start reaching those goals they keep setting for themselves every New Year.

While I love the renewed interest and enthusiasm that New Year's resolutions bring, I don't much care for the "all-or-nothing" "come out guns blazing" general tone of it all.

Being gung-ho can often backfire in a big way!

This year, I encourage you to be a little more focused on your general intentions and long-term goals instead of adhering to a strict new regimen. For example, instead of saying, "I'm going to get a workout in 5 days every week," try shifting the focus to, "I am going to put on 5 pounds of muscle and lose 3% body fat." With the first resolution of working out five days a week, there's no excitement in why you want to do that. But if your goal for the year is better body composition (more lean mass and less fat mass), that is way more motivating.

By shifting your focus from what to why, you will be far more likely to succeed.

(...full article may be read  here!)

Remembering The Why's

Sometimes, like most people, I get swept up in the busyness of striving and moving forward as an entrepreneur that I forget the why’s of my work and even the impact it has on people I have the privilege to serve. So many years ago, when first starting to think about what this photography business could even be, I remember wanting it to simply succeed, but also deeply wanting the work I create to have an impact, inspire, and uplift women of various ages, shapes, races, and backgrounds. I wanted to make a living doing something extremely fun and inspiring, not just for myself, but for the people around me.

In an effort to remember my why’s, I recently asked a handful of previous clients some questions and share their input about their favorite images from their photo shoot with Heartbox Photography. It was encouraging to hear/read some of their responses. I am extremely honored to share with you all one of the responses I received from my client, the lovely Danielle Dayoub-Forrest and her input on her favorite image below.

I guess what I am trying to say is that when you’re an entrepreneur like me, make a concerted effort to remember your why’s regularly. Not just as an end of the year, beginning of the year thing, but throughout the year, throughout the months, throughout the weeks. And if you forget or need help, a great place to start is simply reconnecting with the clients you serve or have served in the past. =)

Happy Thursday, everyone.

Image | Heartbox Photography

Hair & Makeup | Kalani Style

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How does this photo makes you feel?

“I feel so myself here. It just sums up my work and my personality. And when I'm not present/in the moment, this is how I aspire to be.”

Why is the woman in that photo beautiful?

“She's a listener, she's smart, she's happy, she's comfortable in her own skin.”

What would you say to the woman who wants to do a personal portrait shoot of herself but is too afraid to or thinks they shouldn't because of how they feel/look?

“Maria does a great job of helping you just feel at ease- to move with confidence, and when the inner you is shining, the pictures always turn out beautifully.”

What do you think your children or grandchildren will say when they look back and see this photo of you years down the road? “I think they'll see the essence of the same woman they know, but a glowing version of her.”