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My Goals…Why do I set them? Why do I share them here?
- Setting goals helps me remain focused.
- Sharing my goals helps to hold me accountable.
- I hope that it may inspire you to set goals for yourself? Give it a try! Start small if it seems overwhelming or like too much work. Or maybe it seems pointless to you? Give it a shot and see what you think.
Are you new to goal setting? Here are a few posts that may help or inspire you:
- How to Set Goals using Short Challenges and Mini Goals
- How Short Challenges and Mini Goals Work for Me
- One Simple Task to Help You Follow Through On Your Goals
Wake-up & bedtimes
August: My goal was to be in bed for 7 hours most nights of the week. I am getting so much better! I have finally figured out that I need to make sleep more of a priority. Yes, I still forget some nights…but I am much better than I used to be.
It helps that I now often force myself to adjust my alarm clock depending on my bedtime. I know that if I have to set my alarm for later than 6 AM due to going to bed late, I will miss my alone time before the girls wake up. Some days this is enough motivation to get to bed at a decent time.
If you have trouble making sleep a priority, check out these resources:
- Sleep It Does a Family Good
- Make Over Your Mornings
- 4 Essential Habits of Healthy Families Free eCourse (Habit 1 focuses on sleep!)
September: I am still keeping this on my goal list. I am trying to be in bed for 7 hours most nights of the week. I was shooting for 11:00 – 6:00 in August, but it ended up closer to 11:30 – 6:30 many nights. My girls are starting to get up earlier, so I would like to try to move my nights to 11:00 – 6:00.
Computer shut-down
August: My goal was 10:30. I was turning the computer off between 10 and 10:30 most nights. It’s much easier to wind down and fall asleep if I have time to read before bed.
September: No goal.
God’s Word
August: My goal was to read my devotion first thing in the morning at least 5 days a week. I now have decided against reading my devotion first thing. When reading within a few minutes of waking up I was too groggy to understand what I was reading. I would have to read the same sentence over and over because I was too tired to understand it! Now I make my coffee and either check my e-mail or unload the dishwasher while it is brewing. Being awake for a few extra minutes (and having coffee!!) helps me to be more awake while reading. The goal is NOT just to make it through and check it off my list. I want to start my day refreshed from His Word!
I continued to read from my NIV Mom’s Devotional Bible* or another devotional. I also completed a book on the Proverbs 31 Woman. I read the devotion from the First 5 app a few mornings. I liked it but it will probably be not be my go-to every morning.
September: I feel like I am in a good habit with this one. No goal in September.
Books
July: Read 1 book. I didn’t get to a book from my Summer Reading List, but still read a few books.
For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards I enjoyed much of this book, but didn’t love everything about it. Here is my review!
The Busy Mom’s Guide to Teaching Character. The resource section at the end gave me a few great ideas for preschool for my 4 year old.
This book was part of the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle. The Bundle is not currently available. Sign up to be notified when Bundles become available. There are occasional flash sales, so I will let you know if the Homemaking Bundle becomes available again. :)
Putting God First: How to Make God the #1 Priority in Every Area of Your Life
I also read The Proverbs 31 Woman One Virtue at a Time (free eBook).
September: Read 1 book.
Exercise
August: Cardio (running or elliptical) – I increased this to 4 days per week at minimum. I was planning on running a 10 mile race this fall and wanted to run at least three times per week.
I worked out 3 times most weeks, so I was short of my cardio goal. When figuring out my training plan, I realized that it would be better to sign up for a 10K (6.2 miles). I would not have enough opportunity to train like I wanted to for a full 10 miles. I can get competitive with myself when it comes to running. I decided that I wanted to run a time I was excited about instead of just run the race to finish it. Due to my husband’s crazy schedule right now, training for a 10 mile race isn’t doable. I wasn’t willing to do all my training miles pushing both girls in the jogging stroller. That is so much weight to push when trying to run at a decent pace!
September: Run at least 3 times per week, preferably 4. Continue with my training plan until the 10K on September 27.
Weekly “date” night with hubby
August: One movie, game or date night in August. We had a birthday date involving Thai food and a walk around the lakes.
September: One movie, game or date night in September. I am hoping that the busy season he is in is done soon, so we can hang out a little more!
Garden
August: I am excited that we finally had success with our tomatoes this year. We have been making so much salsa!
We also split a CSA this summer and I am enjoying the fresh veggies we get every week. It’s forcing me to come up with new fresh recipes for dinner, but I occasionally get lazy and toss a vegetable I don’t want to use. I would like to try and not waste any of them. I am not excited about the eggplant that is currently on my counter. I just finished baking a coffee cake because that sounded more enjoyable than figuring out what to do with the eggplant…
September: Don’t waste the CSA vegetables.
Other August Goals
- Plan for the fall session of my church’s mom group. ~ I have done what I need to so far…Continue in September.
- Figure out fall “school” plan. ~ We decided not to send our 4 year old to preschool and send her to one day of ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) instead. Now I need to make a plan for a little preschool at home!
- Keep up with Diana Kerr’s Summer Accountability Sisterhood (registration is now closed). I won a scholarship to this group and am excited to be a part of it. ~ This group is wrapping up and I have enjoyed getting the opportunity to be a part of it.
- Enjoy the last month of summer!! Done!
New September Goals
- Make a plan for a little preschool at home. There are so many great resources online. I would like to make use of a few of them and make a plan for a little homeschool preschool of sorts. I think it will be best for me if I find a plan and make a schedule for us. I would like to have a plan in place by mid-September.
- Enjoy the outdoors before it starts to get even chillier. We have had cool days in August and I am not ready for fall!
August Blog Goals
- Focus on managing blog/work time. When I started blogging, I soon found out that there are so many ways to be busy with blog work. Some days I have limited or no time on the computer, which is fine because I spend my days with two darling girls! As I thought of my blog/work goals it became apparent that I need to make sure my time on the computer is focused and in line with my goals. I started making changes in July and want to continue to do so in August. ~ Work in progress. Continue in September. I have considered blogging about this topic, but don’t want to bore my non-blogger readers. We shall see how that plays out. ;)
- Virtual Assistant Research – I started some Virtual Assistant work in July and need to work out details with invoicing and such. ~ Done. I am enjoying the extra projects I am working on.
September Blog Goals
- I am considering joining #write31Days. It is an online challenge where bloggers pick a topic and write a post every day in October. I go back and forth on whether or not I want to try. I am not going to be able to revolve my days around getting a post out every day! If I do decide to do it, I would need to create an outline of daily blog topics in September. My goal is to decide whether or not to do it and then write an outline if I decide to give it a try. If you are a blogger: Have you ever done this?
Do you make monthly goals? Feel free to link to your September goals in a comment. I enjoy reading goal lists. I find encouragement hearing what others are desiring to focus on.
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Michelle says
Such a great idea Emily. I really should write mine down too. Always say I will, but just keep leaving them inside my head. Have a great Sunday.
Emily says
If it works to just leave them inside your head, go with it!
Candice says
Thank-you for sharing your goals. It was inspiring and gave me ideas for my own goals this month. Have a happy September!!
Emily says
Thanks! I hope you enjoy your September also.
Life Breath Present says
Great job on keeping to your goals for August! I see there are some marked off for September, and/or continued with ease.
As for me, I’ve done much more focusing on my blog/work and it’s felt great to me. Plus, I’m feeling really accomplished as I close out this month of blogging! With some other projects in the works for the blog, I’m hoping to reach a few of those short term goals. Additionally, I’m looking forward to continued positive feelings/energy surrounding my blog/work. I also want to make much more progress with both reading and crochet/sewing in the month of September as we continue our preparations for Baby #2!
Oh, and I’m totally with you on the spend more time outside/doing fun stuff before it gets too chilly or rainy and gray! :)
Good luck to both of us this month!
Emily says
Good job on accomplishing what you wanted to with your blog. Enjoy the reading and crochet/sewing (and rest up!) before baby #2.
Debbie Prater says
I’m happy to say that my goal this week is to prepare for my vacation. Sorry, just had to get that in! But seriously, for September, I want to get the garden and flowers cleaned up. I’m making autumn swags and wreaths. And I’ll get my fall decorations out. Also I’m teaching an adult Sunday School class so I’ll be preparing for it every week. I will be busy.
Emily says
Preparing for vacation sounds like a great goal. Enjoy!
Jennifer says
I always love reading your monthly goals. Many of our goals for the month of September look similar. I’d love to hear more about your #write31Days. I’ve never done it, but it sounds intriguing.
Emily says
We will see whether or not I actually do it! It maybe too much of a commitment for right now. We will see. :)
Jeanne Grunert says
Hello! I found your site via the Monday Madness link up party. I enjoyed reading your goals. I have similar ones – for example, I’m trying to read my devotional every evening while I unwind before dinner. It’s hard to remain focused but it seems like you’re doing a great job. Enjoy :)
Emily says
Thanks for stopping by. Before dinner sounds like a good time to read your devotion! It wouldn’t work for me now as I have two kiddos and the pre-dinner time isn’t for winding down here. ;)
Emily says
I’m with you about needing some coffee and wake up time before reading my devotional. My son usually wakes up around 6:30, so during August my goal was to start waking up before him. Last year I did the 31 day challenge. I was just starting out blogging and I hadn’t planned out all of the days before hand, so I only posted on 26 of the days. I highly recommend planning each day in September. Looking forward to your book review on For the Love!
Emily says
I would say that 26 out of 31 days is pretty good. Especially with a new blog! I am still on the fence, but would only attempt it if I had outlined the entire month. Are you doing it again this year?
Emily says
I’m not planning on doing it this year. It’s so much work, and I don’t want to stress about it!
Emily says
Thanks for the warning about how much work it is!
Rhiannon S says
That was a really encouraging post. I recently purchased the Make Over Your Morning course and it has really helped a lot. I am still getting the hang of setting goals and making to-do lists, but what I have learned has helped so much. Glad I came by from Titus 2 Tuesday!
Emily says
I am glad the Make Over Your Mornings course was helpful for you! It’s such a helpful resource.
Sarah says
Great goals! I need to do the same….:)
Emily says
Thanks for stopping by, Sarah!
Alyssa says
I love how detailed you are with your goals. I Plan to write a post on my blog about my August stats and then share goals for September. Thanks for the inspiration.
Emily says
No problem! I always enjoy stats posts, so I will stop on over.
Keri Snyder says
Love your goals! I am trying to figure out a good preschool plan for my son this fall too… Let me know if you find one! I did 31 days last year and it helped to have a plan ahead of time! It’s a lot but it’s really good too.
Emily says
Thanks for the warning on the 31 days. I am leaning against doing it…
I am getting closer to a preschool plan. The resource you sent me was very helpful. Thank you!
Lisa @ Fun Money Mom says
These are some great goals. I also need to shut off my computer earlier at night…I’m pretty bad about staying up too late working on my blog. I also need more date nights with hubby…definitely going to work on that! Good luck reaching all your goals :-)
Visiting from Ladies Collective
Jamie @ Medium Sized Family says
You have some great goals. I know I’d be interested in blogging posts! I will take all of the help and advice I can get. :) Here are my goals right now: http://www.mediumsizedfamily.com/plan-your-work-and-work-your-plan/
Emily says
Thanks for sharing! I love how you break your goals out into the different sections.
I might enjoy blogging about blogging, so maybe I will consider it. :)
Salty Sweet Smiles says
Humm…that #write31days sounds challenging yet interesting. I would love to hear if you have decided to do it or not. I might add that to my radar.
JES says
Thank you for sharing your goals on the Art of Home-Making Mondays! I also had to adjust my devotionals to after drinking some coffee! I felt like the words just would not stick! I hope you have had a lovely summer! :)
Emily says
Thanks Jes! I hope you have had a lovely summer also.
Cathy McInnes says
Oh, did I ever need to read this today! Thank you for the reminder, refreshment and encouragement to make goals! Thanks for sharing on MMM! :-)
Cathy
Faith says
Thank you for sharing this with the Mommy Moments link up last week! It was the top viewed link and will be featured in next week’s link up! Congratulations :)
Emily says
Thanks for the feature!
Noemi @ Wealthy in Health says
I love blog challenges but I usually fail them at around the 15th day :))))) but I love trying :) I’m tempted with this one, too :) how did you decide? Will you try the challenge?
Emily says
I wanted to list out the post topics and see how easy it was to get to 31. I am not sure though…I am thinking that I may need to focus on other things and will maybe try next year. I am still on the fence!
Jennice says
I guess for September, my goals are to blog more and find a new job that pays more! Also, my daughter is in second grade so its time for her to get a chore around the house.I haven’t figured out what is suitable for her, but I will.
Emily says
Good luck in your job hunt and finding chores for your second-grader! It’s so helpful once the kiddos can do little chores themselves. When they are younger, they actually enjoy being helpful. :)
Tanya @ Mom's Small Victories says
Great job on your August goals. Love that you are getting a date in and that reading before bed is helping you shut down earlier, I have to do read before bed too or I can’t sleep. Good luck with the homeschool preschool, I was doing some of those activities before my little guy started Kindergarten, he loved it. I still need to get my goals up! Thanks for sharing with Small Victories Sunday Linkup. Pinning to our linkup board and hope you found some great posts to visit this week!
Emily says
Thanks, Tanya! That is nice that your little guy enjoyed the preschool activities. I hope that my girl does also! I have my plan for the first few weeks almost done.
Julie Jordan Scott says
The book “For the Love” looks so great. Grace is so significant with the standards the world sets for us. Oh, to cut comparison… perhaps that is a goal to set, eh?
You reminded me of #write31days! I have done that in the past… thanks to you it is now on my radar.
THANK YOU for inspiring me today!
Emily says
“For the Love” was very entertaining, but I didn’t love everything about it. I will be reviewing it soon.
Good luck if you do the 31 days this year!
Deanna Hershberger says
Thank you for sharing. I too should start writing my goals down. Monthly goals is a great idea!
I clicked on the link for the 31 day writing challenge because I am always up for a good challenge. The only thing that concerns me is finding a topic that I could write about 31 times. Maybe..let the brainstorming begin. I wish you good luck if you decide to do it!!
Emily says
Start brainstorming! Once you start writing down your post ideas for 31 days, you probably will come up with more than you think.
Joyce says
Wow, great goals. I found you through the moneysavingmom.com linky.I have a goal of cleaning off the buffet. I will comment back http://www.oldefashionmom.com
Jenny @ Women With Intention says
I always love your goals :) I’ve done the 31 days and definitely have your outline done (and maybe some posts to get ahead in case you need it)! I love doing 31 day challenges but usually by Day 16 I’m over it unless it’s a topic I love. Thanks for linking at Women With Intention Wednesdays!