I’m not the kind of girl who likes to make New Year’s Resolutions. But I am the kind of girl who wants to grow.

So in my attempt to become the person I want to be, I’ve resolved to focus on five things in 2014.

Sharing that quintet of goals here is my way of staying committed to the process. It’s my way of being accountable.

I hope you’ll be inspired by my choices, be there to cheer me on, or even to chide me, whichever is necessary.

Wishing you a 2014 of greatness, growth and zero regrets!

After nearly 30 years, I’ve discovered that the simplest things make me happy. Singing a soulful song. Cooking a delish meal. Getting dressed up. Spending time with the ones I love.

Yet, during the past year, I hardly found time for the things that truly bring me joy. And it blows.

So in 2014, it’s not so much about what makes me money, what makes people like me, or whose opinion of me might change. I’m going to be deliberate about making time for happiness. Why? Because I deserve it.

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Growing up in a Pentecostal church, I must have heard this scripture (Proverbs 18:21) no fewer than 1,000 times.

But in 2013, more than ever, I witnessed firsthand how words and thoughts become things. When I spoke words of life and growth and success, I reaped life and growth and success. When I entertained thoughts of failure and fear and powerlessness? You guessed it…

This year, I’ve already begun to be intentional about my words and my thoughts. Let’s not get it twisted, there’s a lot of “unlearning” to do. But if getting my words right is what it takes for me to live out my dreams, then I’m all in.

I’ve never been a fan of “numbers” but this year–more than ever–I plan to be one.

Despite a global recession, job cuts and the like, too many of us are still measuring our worth by the monogram on our handbags, the emblems on the hoods of our cars, and the labels in our clothes.

Am I saying I won’t buy myself nice things? Absolutely not. What I am  saying is that I’m tired of seeing my money hanging in my closet. It’s time to see it in the foundation of a home, on the bottom line of an investment fund statement, and maybe even a retirement savings plan. Here’s to a 2014 of managing the heck out of my money!

At the end of 2013, I learned a valuable lesson. If I truly expect something good to come my way, I’ve got to be prepared to receive it.

Moment of honesty. I’m guilty of setting goals and having them sit in a notebook or in a computer file for months–and maybe even years. Every now and then, I’d reopen the book or folder and ponder over the list as if by staring long and hard, the goals would materialize. Pathetic, I know.

Sure, I’ve achieved a few things in life so far but they’re a drop in the bucket compared to the dreams I’ve dreamed for the past (almost!) 30 years. So, I’m getting ready: getting fit, writing business plans, creating logos, and even choosing office furniture.

Because when opportunity comes knocking, I want to be ready to answer.

“Fabulous” is an inside-out job.

It’s more than hair and makeup, a great outfit, or making the “it” list in the papers. It’s about the woman, her heart, her motives, and her thoughts.

In 2014, I want to wow people not only with my appearance but also with my attitude.

Will I always get it right? I’m human, so it’s unlikely. But if it’s one thing I want to do this year, it’s to be more of an all-round fabulous woman than I was in 2013.

Looking forward to it!