I recently received an e-mail that talked about the importance of the number seven, and it’s use of over 700 times in the bible. It is the number of spiritual perfection and completion. I truly believe that anything you want in life, starts within you. Your belief, your mentality, your inner circle and anything that influences your thoughts and actions all play a role in how you show up in the world. How much time do you take to focus on yourself?

The year 2014 is the year of completion (2 + 0 + 1 + 4 = 7). Here are 14 ways I plan to focus on myself this year, and I invite you to do the same:

1. Spend more time with Him

There is always more I could be doing to exercise and stretch my spirituality muscle. I know that I have some big goals that can only be accomplished through not only believing in myself, but also believing in God and being able to listen to and receive His word.

2. Let go

I’m currently in the process of writing a book. And in the process, I realized that sometimes we burry feelings until we don’t have to face them, and then we think we’ve gotten over them. But in atuality, we haven’t. It’s like putting tape over your “check engine” light so you don’t have to see it. But the problem is still there. We can’t truly let go until we’ve dealt with the actual problem.

3. Affirm my love

It’s so easy to get caught up in what I should be doing, and how I should be doing things. Instead of allowing myself to get caught up in other people’s perspectives or opinions, I’m going to walk boldly in my own love for myself. I think I’ll start with some love letters.

4. Speak my mind

I’ve always been much of an introvert. Because of how we were raised, I carried a lot of that into my adulthood which included suppressing my thoughts. Up until recently, it was tough for me to challenge someone on a topic or issue even when I knew I was right. Well 2014 is the year I stop holding my tongue and start speaking up for what I want and need.

5. Be unapologetic

No more explaining who I am and what I do to people that simply don’t make a difference one way or another. No more feeling the need to make any decision that is not in the best interest of myself or my family.

6. Be more giving

I love surprises. Even more, I love to surprise others with nice surprises. I want to spend more time giving back to others and surprising them this year with the gift of love.

7. Make more time to read

I have bought so many books in the last year or two and have started reading different ones at different times. But I have yet to finish them all. They all have great wealth of information and inspiration that I need, so I’m going to make it a priority.