Focusing on the Long Game
After a much needed social media break over the summer, I spent some time thinking about my blog and remembering why I started it again. As I talked about recently, I started a new job not too long ago, and have been trying to figure out how to balance work + life + everything in between. I decided earlier this year that I wanted to put my energy into the important relationships in my life and work. Even though I love writing, creating content, and sharing all of this with my readers. I knew I had to take a small step back and learn to be ok with this. At the end of the day, blogging is something I can always come back to. But living in the moment with the ones you love is something that can only be experienced in the present.
All Good Things Take Time
Even though it’s easier to take shortcuts or try to find a quick fix that claims to give instant results, the truth is all good things take time. Rome wasn’t built overnight, and the same applies to anything worth having in your life. Strong friendships and relationships take time and energy. Looking and feeling your best physically takes commitment and discipline. Moving forward in your career or growing your own business takes years. There’s no secret formula to achieving success in any area of your life. The truth is all things take time and lots of hard work.
Stop Comparing
One of the best pieces of advice I received this year was to stay in your own lane. The way I think about this is – we’re all moving along in our own lane, but sometimes we start veering into other people’s lanes. This happens when we compare ourselves to others, focus on what they’re doing, and lose sight of our own journey. It’s not always easy to do, but I’m constantly reminding myself to stay in my own lane. This is particularly important when you’re trying not to get caught up in the short term, and focus on the long term. I think we are all guilty of comparing ourselves to others and wondering why our lives aren’t as great or easy.
This is especially true when it comes to social media. Not to sound like a broken record at this point, but I can’t begin to tell you how many people have completely unrealistic expectations. Mostly of what they should look like, how fun their lives should be, how much money they should have. Even how over the top relationships must be in order to be considered “couple goals” thanks to social media. It helps sometimes to take a break from it all and level set. To refocus and stay in your own lane. You do you and what feels good to you.
The Long Game.. Even In Style
I think the same goes for style and developing your own personal style. Mine is constantly evolving and I really want to mix things up and try different looks in the upcoming months. Going to the flea market has become a bit of a weekend ritual. I’ve grown to love incorporating vintage finds into my wardrobe. Speaking of shopping at flea markets – it definitely requires going in with an open mind. Yo have to have no expectations, patience, and a willingness to leave empty handed and try again. I stumbled upon this metallic olive-gold pair of high waisted joggers at the flea market a couple months ago. I am so happy I made the decision in the moment to buy them. Sometimes I get buyer’s remorse when I can’t return things, but the loose fit and metallic color of these pants is perfect for the upcoming holiday season!
Since the pants definitely make a statement, I try to keep the rest of the look fairly neutral. You can never go wrong with all black – all outfit details are below.
top: cami nyc | duster: vdv the label | pants: similar | shoes: similar
I really enjoyed reading this post. I completely agree, you need to be the leading lady of your own life and comparing yourself to someone else prevents you from doing that.
Cant’ believe you found those pants at a flee market! love them.
xo Jamie
http://jamieonthings.com/
Yasss girl, you do you!! Love your look btw, the way you style those pants is so chic and classy <3
XO, Jessi
https://www.mywhitet.com/4-easy-diy-baby-shower-treats
Loving this look for a nice dinner date!
http://sepatuholig.blogspot.com/
ig @grace_njio
Really agree with you Amy – it’s important to stay in our own lanes and to remember that everything takes a lot of time and hard work 🙂 A perfect little pick-me-up piece for the middle of the week! And I’m loving those metallic pants so much too <3 Have a great week, pretty girl!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
Love the whole look and the details are perfect!
http://chicglamstyle.com
Just fabulous! Amazing pics!! love that pants!!!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: CORDUROY OVERALLS | PETO DE PANA
Great advice, I certainly think it is best to stay in my own lane. Your photos and outfit are fabulous.
xoxo Falasha
Bite My Fashion
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Love the entire look ! Perfect for the holiday season !
Nina
xox
http://www.thecrispylipstick.com
OMG those pants are absolutely adorable ♥
What a great combo – you look amazing!
xxx
Tina
https://styleappetite.com
I absolutely love this outfit 🙂 Perfect for the holidays!
– http://www.youthofthesun.com
You look awesome! Great photos <3
http://www.meriwild.com
Girl this look is perfect! Those pants are amazing. Also, thanks for being so honest with this post. It really helps for me to see other bloggers who deal with the same doubt and insecurities as me. I constantly struggle with my blog because I see others getting so successful so fast and I’ve been plugging away without much growth. But, you’re right – it’s best to focus on why I do it and enjoying it without too much pressure.
Amy, your thoughts are so beautiful! Love what you wrote and agree with each and every word!It’s so easy to look into someone’s life and feel insecure, but the truth is we are perfect the way we are:) BTW, love those pants!!
xo,Dhwani
http://www.quirksofme.com
I sooo love the pants dear, it sparkles! ha! Also, your top is cute and sexy.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
This is such an important post, and yes I agree to the fullest on all your points. I feel like as hard as it is to compare, you have to concentrate on yourself and your own content! And omg, can we talk about your pants? I want to kira kira them rn!! 🙂
Erica
http://www.eggcanvas.me
[…] big thing. If this is the year you’re set on achieving your goals, it’s important to play the long game and stay focused for longer than a few weeks. For me, this year is about cultivating a vision […]