new year goals are all the rage. everyone talks about their goals, sharing their tips for setting goals, and why we all should do it. we welcome a new year with ambition and excitement. the growth we're going to experience and the joy of finally achieving that dream. it's a wonderful time... we're given a clean slate, a whole year to write our story over. it's a second chance. it's so fun.
although I am a sucker for goals, I also realize that come March... the gyms are emptied, fruits and veggies are back on the shelf, and our goal list is lost - I know this isn't everyone, but we've all been there. I've written amazing goals that I was determined to complete, then came spring... it happens. but, this year I decided to take a different approach. once again, goals to be reached must be SMART, meeting these requirements:
S - specific
M - measurable
A - achievable
R - relevent
T - time-bound
and so, I took this approach when creating my 2023 goals... or my 2023 bucket list.
First - vision board
I created a vision board. I see people creating these everywhere, and I finally made one (thanks to THIS video.) it's actually quite simple - gather photos (online, or personal) along with quotes, words and add them to a collage. I'm very anti-visual clutter, so I made mine simple. it just reflects how I want my year to look. experiences I want to have. how I'd like my camera roll to look come December. have a go at it. it's quite fun and really gives you a visual of your goals.
so what are my goals? I went with the idea of 23 things for 2023. so without further ado, here's my goals: find inspiration and create your own. bonus: tips on how to make your goals happen.
#1 - catechism in a year podcast
following along daily with Fr. Mike Schmitz. link here.
#2 - write 24 blog posts
write 2 each month and there. achieved. (this is my second post for january :) )
#3 - read 12 books
I created a list of 12 BOOKS to read this year. a book each month. some that I put on my list:
january - boundaries by drs. cloud + townsend
february - atomic habits by james clear
march - persuasion by jane austen
and so on... you get the jist.
make a list of the book you want each month and mark it off as you finish. they don't have to be long novels or anything... in fact, there's really no requirement for the type of book, just one you want to read.
#4 - go on a camping trip
pretty self explanatory :) not a generic goal, but definitely on my list to do this year.
#5 - workout 4 times a week
following along with my pro-metabolic lifestyle - I've got a strength training regime ( days 1 + 3 are lower body, days 2 +4 are upper body ) .
#6 - spend 1,000 hours outside
I've been seeing this challenge - I'm not the only one missing the outdoors these days. apartment living makes this more of a challenge... no, it makes it to be more intentional. opposed to my life of having lived and grown-up on a homestead. but I'll be beginning my pot garden this spring,
other ways I'm getting outside:
weekly hikes - 4 - 8 miles
daily walks - 2 - 4 miles
reading on the patio
#7 - save for a down-payment
we have a specific amount that we decided by determining the overall cost of a house, and putting 15% down-payment our goal. example: buying a house for $230,000, save $34,500, (+ a buffer to be safe).
#8 - visit a new country
any in the world. grab my passport, and let's go !!
#9 - donate 10% of time or money
finding a local church or non-profit and volunteering in anyway they need help.
#10 - take a class
I signed up for spanish :) starting next week.
#11 - make some non-toxic swaps
clean soaps, make-up products, clothing, whole, local foods... I've been doing this for a time now, but there's always improvement. + leaning to make my own soap.
#12 - learn a new recipe monthly
I'm a foodie so I love cooking, but I want to expand my realm of cuisines. I'm going monthly, as in choosing a new dish depending on what I want. january - I'm going to make jollof. I'll share soon.
#13 - shop small business
this is fun. finding local, co-op type shops is not only an adventure in itself, but supporting small is supporting your neighbors. I also want to do this with foods I buy. come spring, summer, and fall it's growing season so this'll be more attainable. but I can start now. bonus: this helps with my non-toxic swaps as well :) win - win
this can be biblical, from a saint, motivational speaker, mentor, a book... just something that will support me in my growth.
my january verse: mercy is love when we don't deserve it, yet need it most. - fr. mike schmitz
#15 - no impulse buys !!
I remember this each month. when I want to buy something... I ask myself this:
do I need it?
do I love it?
is it clutter? will I actually use/keep it?
and lastly, can I live without it?
#16 - prioritize my health
pro-metabolic meals
listening to my body
seeking help if needed - mental + physical
#17 - practice daily gratitude
every morning - 3 things I am grateful for
#18 - take a monthly date with God
this can be simple - journaling at a park. a holy hour at church. a way to reconnect, and grow my relationship. adding in daily prayer is where it begins.
#19 - limit screen time
turn off phone + laptop by 20:00 (8:00pm)
no shows during the week
limit screen time to 2 hours / daily
#20 - upgrade our pots + pans
did this :) I got new pots + pans for christmas !!
#21 - enforce emotional boundaries
I've been reading boundaries by drs. cloud + townsend. I've learned that boundaries are more than physical, in fact the larger issue is usually emotional. it's looking at yourself, recognizing the problem in you, realizing you cannot change anyone but yourself. and so, this year I really want to focus on holding myself accountable in keeping my emotions at bay. emotions can seem to be always your problem, but everyone is responsible for their own feelings, including me. don't let others put their feelings on you. it's not your responsibility. oh, this is also my word of the year.
#22 - go on a friend date monthly
catching up with friends. having lived out of state for quite a while, in a place where I didn't know anyone, made socializing hard. I felt quite lonely... also, past friendship hurt has created a barrier in me that I am battling with. I am learning to let go, trust God, and know that he is guiding my friendships.
he that is a friend loves at all times: and a brother is proved in distress - proverbs 17:17
#23 - hold myself accountable
yes. check back weekly. monthly resets. have my goals written down where I will see them - in my planner, journal, sticky notes. plus, habits. it's small, daily habits that will lead to change. it's making daily habits that will help me achieve my goals. if I want to read a book in a month, then I need to read 2 chapters a day, or read for a set amount of time. often, I set a timer for 3 hours, sit outside and read. this helps meet my outside hours goal + reading goal.
when you reflect on your 2023 in december, you want to be able to cross of your goals. to know where and how you achieved what you set out to do. but writing down goals + creating a vision board is only the beginning. taking those goals, applying them to your daily habits... that's how you achieve them.
* form daily habits that will achieve your goals *
it's actually that simple. don't rely on being able to just "get it done", actually form your habits to achieve your goals. keep your goals realistic. know your strengths and weaknesses. and, write goals that you actually love. they don't have to be extravagant, make them personal and realistic. so I encourage you,
write down your goals
practice daily habits towards your goals
and have fun !! don't get down if you fail at times, pick yourself up and start again. you don't have to wait until tomorrow. start that very minute.
2023 is going to be a blessed year. I am so excited to journey with you all.
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