New Year – New Dude – Design Dude's Life

Looking into 2019 like…

I think we can all agree that 2018 proved to be a crazy and trying year for everyone. From some serious celebrity breakups that we were all a little to personally invested in to Kanye entering politics to people literally eating Tide Pod detergent to the yanny vs laurel divide, this was probably the most nonsensical year yet. And, does anyone remember that raccoon who scaled the skyscraper? He is literally all of us trying to overcome 2018 and make it to 2019.

2018 was also a pretty crazy year for me personally. I started a new job, moved to a new apartment, got serious about blogging, had a number of failed relationships, and had some of the most trying interpersonal moments since high school. I got to meet 7,469 more of you dudes (thanks for the follows)! I was featured on my dream site, Apartment Therapy. I saw Taylor Swift in concert, and I subsequently reflected a lot about the state of my own reputation in 2018.

I got to attend some amazing events, travel, meet awesome people, try cool products, and make fun content for you dudes. But, I ultimately ended the year in burnout and depression, with rumors circulating about who I am as a person and some pretty nasty fallouts professionally and personally. But, it’s ok to be sad about things. (Did you hear that fragile masculinity? DUDES CAN BE SAD SOMETIMES!)

From this, I picked myself up (with some help), learned a lot about what to value, how to say no, who to trust, and who to call a friend. And, this crazy year shaped who I am and how I am going into 2019.

Even in my worst times, you could see the best of me. – Taylor Swift

So, let’s move on to those resolutions, eh? These are my personal resolutions, but I hope that you dudes can take some bits and pieces for yourself.

Take some time to learn about your main dude, you!
- I focused a lot on other people in 2018, whether that be in relationships, comparing myself, or fulfilling others’ needs before I could fulfill my own. So in 2019, I am making it a priority to take care of myself first and even take time to get to relearn myself. (Because, yes we change and don’t even realize it sometimes.) For some actionable steps, I am not dating anyone until Quarter 2, and I am making it a point to practice doing things by myself.

Be aware of what’s worth the energy of a dude.
- In 2018, I said yes to EVERYTHING. Every event I was invited to, every date, every night out, I tried it all – even when I knew I didn’t want to. This eventually just lead to burnout at the end of the year and a collection of VIP lanyards on my door handle. (The real question is: who cares?) I felt that I had to say yes to everything, had to be seen at every event, had to try out every big new thing, and that somehow this was connected to how important I was. News flash: you don’t have to be busy to be important, no one cares if you were at that event the next day, and if you don’t like your date you are not going to have fun at that rooftop bar. I promise! This year, I am practicing the art of saying no and asking the question “will this move me forward?” before I do something. If I don’t think it will be fun, don’t think it will advance me as a person, or don’t think it’s good for me, I am saying no. (But making sure to say no politely.)

A healthy dude is a happy dude.
- I am definitely planning on stepping up the health game this year. I found that going to the gym actually gives me energy. Who knew a healthy lifestyle made you feel good? My goal is to commit to the gym four times a week, to yoga three times a week, and to a low sugar, veggie based home diet with all eating out as a cheat. Also, trying to sub a Netflix series for a book every month. Wish me luck!

Know the dudes behind the screen.
- I am so lucky to be able to meet amazing people through blogging and Instagram. I consider some of you dudes my closest friends. But, I am also trying to reduce screen time in the new year. So, let’s meet the dudes behind the screens! If we chat all the time on Instagram, let’s plan to meet IRL. Wouldn’t that be more fun?