Category: goals

I said I wasn’t going to make goals for this year, but I changed my mind. I’m allowed to do that, right?

I already knew this, but I was reminded recently that my personality thrives on detailed goals. And since I’m really hoping that this is the year we get out of survival mode, I went ahead and wrote out some ideas. The idea is that by writing them out (and making them visible) I’ll make some sort of forward progress, even if I don’t complete everything.

So here are my 2016 goals:

Financial

• Pay off our USAA credit card
• Continue debt snowball
• Make monthly budgets

Home

• Declutter/KonMari the entire house
• Fully decorate & set up the master bedroom

Family

• Have the kids spend the night with grandparents at least once per month
• Write love notes to David
• Start traditions to celebrate small holidays and the entire church year

Health

• Move more (ideas: weekly yoga, daily small challenges, getting 10,000 steps)
• Eat less sweets
• Drink more water

Personal

• Read 45 books
• Have a daily quiet time habit
• Find a mantra to keep me from snapping in times of stress

Not all of these are measurable, I know. I am still in the process of figuring out how I want to go about some of them, but I wanted to write down the ultimate goals anyway. If you have any ideas for me I’d love to hear! And I’ll try my best to update on my progress throughout the year.

And just like that, the first quarter of 2015 is past. I’m loving this time of year! Here’s a recap of how I did with March’s goals:

organize purse – done. I bought this and it’s been perfect.

purchase real pajamas – done. I got these and they are super comfy.

do another closet and makeup purge – I didn’t get around to it, so I’m rolling it to next month.

take a knitting class – done. I love it and when I finish knitting my ball of yarn I’m going to go back to learn to purl, bind off, and read a pattern.

complete Friday and Saturday in Week in the Life album – I completed Friday but didn’t get to Saturday.

optimize two previous blog posts – not yet. I really just need better photos for these, and it’s hard for me to coordinate. Maybe soon.

Now on to April’s goals! I’m changing the categories a bit because I can. I’m adding a declutter category because that’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about and goes along with my one little word “light” for the year. I’m combining the nagging task and purchase categories because I can’t spend extra money every month and sometimes the purchase IS a nagging task. So here are the goals:

Declutter: closet and makeup purge.

Nagging task or purchase: replace car windshield wipers.

Style & beauty: wash brushes and organize vanity area.

Leisure: knit a little every day.

Memory-keeping: Finish 2014 Week in the Life album.

Blogging: optimize two previous posts.

What do you want to get done this month?

Welcome March and the beginning of spring right around the corner. I’ve been pleased with how these categories of goals are working out for me. I think they are definitely helping me make small improvements in my life that might not otherwise get done. Here is what I have planned this month.

Nagging task: organize purse

I don’t even carry that much around in my purse but it’s still very frustrating to rummage around in it. I need a better system, so I think I’m going to try a purse organizing insert.

Purchase: real pajamas

I have really been wanting some actual pajamas that aren’t sweatpants and a t-shirt, and since I’m basically going to sleepaway camp in a few weeks, I figure this is a good time to upgrade.

Style & Beauty: do another closet and makeup purge

I did a closet purge last summer, but now that we’ve been through a couple more seasons I know that I can get rid of even more stuff. And I don’t have a lot of extra makeup, but I could still definitely stand to simplify.

Leisure: take a knitting class

This is happening on Saturday! Implied in this goal is also that I will spend some time practicing afterwards. :)

Memory-keeping: complete Friday and Saturday in Week in the Life album

Really want to get this project done! If I’m ambitious, maybe I can finish the whole thing.

Blogging: optimize two previous posts

There are a few previous posts of mine that I find myself linking to and I want to update them a bit.

I feel good about these goals! Here is how I did in February:

Replace dead light bulbs – done

Purchase iPhone tripod – yep, I bought this one and it’s going to be so helpful.

Find a tinted moisturizer – I’m loving my Tarte, as discussed here.

Take a knitting class – scheduling was out of my hands, but I’m signed up for this Saturday!

Complete Wednesday and Thursday in my Week in the Life album – done and done.

Design blog business cards – designed and ordered.

Happy February! I know this is lots of people’s least favorite month because it’s winter with no sign of spring, but thankfully it is my birthday month so I’ve always had a sweet spot for it. :) Here are my goals!

Nagging task: replace dead light bulbs

This is pretty straightforward, but it’s one of those things that I tend to put off and then when we finally get around to doing it, it makes such a huge difference. Anyway, we’ve got a bunch of dead bulbs right now.

Purchase: iPhone tripod

I wanted to make my purchase this month something fun, but also that is practical and has been on my wish list for a long time. Since my phone is my only camera right now, having a flexible tripod will be a huge help to me.

Style & Beauty: find a tinted facial moisturizer

My tried-and-true routine of regular facial moisturizer + powdered mineral foundation is not cutting it right now. My fine wrinkles seem to be multiplying lately, and the powder just enhances them in this weather. I think I need a light, cream foundation instead. I’ve heard good things about this one, so I’m going to try it!

Leisure: take a knitting class

This is my mom’s birthday gift to me and I’m so excited to learn! We are going to go to this adorable independent yarn shop for the class.

Memory-keeping: complete Wednesday and Thursday in my Week in the Life album

Getting ambitious and aiming for two days completed this month! After all, I want to have it finished before the next one starts! ;)

Blogging: design business cards

I just need to do this for Texas Style Council, which I am attending in March, and I don’t want to leave it till the last minute. It will be good to have it done for the future as well, though.

So those are my goals for this month, and here’s how I did in January…

Clean the car – yes!

Purchase running gear – I bought a band to attach my phone to my hand while I run and that was the main thing I needed. I do need a jacket but this is more of an investment that I will save up for. And I’ll probably need another couple of shirts in the summertime.

Make a list of needs for my cold-weather wardrobe – I did it, but it’s going to take me a long time to purchase all the items! It’s good to have a guide though.

Read three books – I read five!

Complete Monday in my Week in the Life album – I did Monday and Tuesday.

Choose blog fonts – I think I’m settled on Gill Sans and Didot for my graphics.