With all of the “New Year, New You” discussion in January, we found ourselves asking “How does someone leverage that motivation without overcommitting or setting themselves up for failure?”.
And who better to weigh in on this than our friends, Meredith Schroeder and Ashley Lewis, cofounders of cannabis apothecary, Fleur Marche. Meredith and Ashley are passionate about combining CBD wellness, education, and community in one trusted experience for women. But as co-founders of a new, rapidly growing business, being new moms (congratulations!) and having an endless amount of other roles, they offer a unique perspective about setting realistic intentions for the new year, especially when everything may seem like it should be your top priority.
1. Do you set intentions or resolutions for the new year?
Meredith Schroeder (MS): Definitely. I think it’s important to set feasible but aspirational goals for yourself each year. As life becomes increasingly more complex I find that my goals actually become more simplified each year. Honestly, simple things like ACTUALLY drinking enough water every day, or reading a book a month are hugely important but slide down the priority list as your daily routine becomes more complicated. For 2020, I have two goals I’ve been thinking a lot about: 1) meditation and 2) walking more. Research seems to point to both for happiness, reduced anxiety, and better focus.
Ashely Lewis (AL): I’ve historically been horrible at setting resolutions beyond trying to have a better year than last year (even if last year was great). But this year, as a new mom (of both a baby and a startup), life often feels pretty overwhelming and always slightly out of control. I’m realizing that taking stock of what I’m doing well and what, specifically, I want to do better could be really helpful in setting myself up for success going forward.
2. How do you decide what you want or need to focus on and how to prioritize those intentions?
MS: I took inventory of the last year (personally). It was an intense year for me; I had a second baby and started a company. I listened to countless entrepreneur-focused podcasts and interviews, read as much as I could, and I took notes on common threads in strong leaders.
AL: My plan is to take some time to think about what has been hardest and/or what makes me feel least in control and try to tackle those specific issues head-on. I haven’t yet had time to do this, however, which might be the first place to start (time management and prioritization!!). Mostly, I want to feel more present whether I’m with my baby or at work. Gotta figure out how to be better at both.
3. Do you do a mid-year check-in to see your progress or reassess priorities and challenges?
MS: I do! Like any goal, it requires tracking and diligence. You need to check up on yourself, probably much more often than at the half-year point! Having a friend or your spouse who is well aware of your goals or also participating is helpful because they too can keep you honest on how you’re doing.
AL: I haven’t typically been good at that (things end up moving so quickly, and then another year is gone), but it’s a really good idea. I’m setting a calendar reminder for June right now!
4. Can you offer any advice to people who have a tendency to overcommit at the beginning of the year?
MS: Simplify, simplify, simplify! Doing a lot of things with mediocrity is totally pointless in my opinion. I’ve learned over the past year specifically that simplifying your approach and being super intentional about your goal gives you a better chance of great execution. Once you’ve mastered that ONE thing really well, then layer on. But not until then.
AL: Focus. Figure out what you’re good at and what makes you tick—in my experience, this is obvious based on what work you gravitate towards vs. the work you procrastinate and then lean hard into that. It’s what will ultimately make you successful. For everything else, find someone who can do it better than you (and probably enjoys it more).
5. When the high of the New Year wears off, how do you give yourself a break to recharge?
MS: Prioritizing yourself in some way most days is critical. You need to disconnect, go on vacations, take a yoga class (or whatever it is) that’s entirely for YOU, in order to recharge yourself and be more productive in all of the other areas in your life. For me sometimes that means crawling into bed and watching bad TV, time with my babies, or a really stiff cocktail or strong edible ;)
AL: I take the weekends seriously. Regardless of whether they have to also include work at some point, I make a point of shutting off and indulging in quality time with my family and friends. A weekend can be as restorative as a 2-week vacation if you do it right. :D
6. What are your favorite ways to re-engage and re-motivate yourself?
MS: I find it’s helpful to participate in events that support the overarching goals. And, get yourself out of your comfort zones. If jogging is your goal, for example, sign up for an upcoming race. For 2020, I am thinking of making myself sign up for a meditation retreat. If you know me, you’ll know that’s completely out of my wheelhouse. Wish me luck…
AL: Workout, get a massage, listen to a good podcast, read a good book, take a long, hot shower. I find that the quiet moments when I’m not trying to think about life or work end up being the most valuable in terms of collecting my thoughts, getting back on track and getting excited about whatever’s coming up next.
About Meredith Schroeder
Co-founder and CCO, Meredith Schroeder is a veteran merchant, with extensive experience in building and scaling fashion retail platforms for female consumers, and most recently oversaw the fashion business vertical at goop.
About Ashley Lewis
Co-founder and CEO Ashley Lewis is a seasoned brand strategist who launched the wellness business vertical at goop, overseeing the launch and roll-out of goop’s acclaimed vitamin line as well as the growth of its clean wellness shop.
Follow Meredith, Ashley & Fleur Marche
Instagram: @fleurmarche, @meredith__schroeder, @ahlewis
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