A friend of mine has a monthly goal section on her blog. She sets her goals and then reports back as things get done, or don't get done. I like that idea. But she has multiple sections and multiple goals under each section, and is vastly more organized about it than I intend to be (I think she's awesome to do it... I just know myself, and I can do organization in small portions. Too much, and I throw it all out.).
So here's the plan:
- Every month, I will start out the month by posting a list of five goals for that month.
- I will try to be specific, or make them measurable in some way.
- At the end of the month, I will report back about how & if I met those five goals.
If you'd like to join me, I welcome that.
By the way, have I shared with you all the beautiful view we have from our balcony? We live on the 12th floor, and very occasionally, we get a morning like this one a few months ago:
Tonight, we saw some great fireworks shows, and didn't pay a nickle! :)
So, anyway, back to the matter at hand, for January 2011, here are my Five-a-Month goals:
- I will read or listen to Scripture every day.
- I will visit two neighbors and get back in the groove of speaking Turkish more frequently.
- I will read one book about pattern making/clothing design (something I've been wanting to learn about, but haven't made time to read the books yet...).
- I will continue faithfully doing the "No S Diet".
- I will take the kids to at least one cultural/arts activity (I'm currently trying to decide between an art exhibit and a classical music concert...) during this month.
I'm going to write these out and clip them to my mirror. If you think this sort of system would be helpful for you, please join me. If not, no pressure! For those bloggers who will participate, here's a way to link up to your post and we can all be in this together. (If you don't blog, but still want to participate, feel free to leave your goals in the comments and then report back with me at the end of the month.)
Blessings to you, and Happy New Year 2011! :)
16 comments:
I may be "vastly more organized" than you, but I only have one kid so far. We'll see how I am after I have three or four! I also have a checklist that I keep by my bed. I check things off once in the afternoon (usually after I've had my QT) and every evening. I like it.
Jess, I have followed your blog for the past two years. I wish you and your family a blessed new year filled with much wisdom, health and joy. - samba
This is a wonderful idea. It should be easier to achieve my goals this year if I'm held more accountable.
I just got an email from the generous wife today about goal setting, she had some great advice. Here is a portion of her email. She said that goals should be:
S - Specific
M - Measurable
A - Attainable
R - Relevant
T - Targeted Time
Saying "I want to have a neater home" is a good idea, but doesn't give you any specific direction in doing that. A more doable goal is "I want to dejunk my living room this month and I'm going to invite my friend Helen over to help me with that process." You've picked a reasonable sized goal, given yourself a target time and you've even thrown in a bit of help and accountability.
The rest of it is here:
http://www.the-generous-wife.com/2011/01/01/smart-goals-for-the-new-year/
:) Michelle, I admire your organization! You are so very intentional. My mom is a list-maker too. It's a good thing.
Samba, thanks!
TaMara, glad you joined us!
Jenny, that's a good word. Breaking up philosophical goals or general desires into specific steps is such a great way of reaching those goals.
Thank you for posting this, Jess! I was actually sitting here pondering whether or not to post aspirations for 2011 when I read your post. It's perfect and exactly what I need to be doing.
Happy New Year! And welcome back to the blogging world. :)
You can count me in. I've already started a list on my blog but I'll have to revise it since I've already met most of the goals. It was a great self-esteem booster.
I'm looking forward to this year!
-alice
Thanks for the helpful and practical idea of considering goals in little spurts rather than huge lumps (which most often overwhelm me!). I've linked up and look forward to a month of greater discipline in many things by God's grace!
Jess,
At long last, I linked myself up and my goals. I am hoping the accountability will be a good thing. And it is. I made myself kickbox tonight so I didn't fail on my very first day. :) I am aiming to meet my goals, but I am not going to beat myself up if I don't. Life is full these days.
Thank you so much for posting this little "challenge"...it's exactly what I need for the new year! :) I really look forward to reading your updates :D
Jess, thanks for doing this! I've posted my list for January and I LOVE the easy break down for month-by-month goals rather than huge goals for the year. This, I can do. And a crossed off list every month -- a reward in itself. : )
Clearly the unpacking took me a while, but I got the post up this morning : )
-TexasHeather, aka, The Reader
Thanks for inspiring me to set some goals! I hadn't set any goals or resolutions for this year, because I know I generally don't keep them anyways! I think setting five measurable goals for a month will actually help me accomplish them, and hopefully create some healthy habits in the meantime.
-Charisa
Jess,
I'll be joining either Friday or next week and I'll add my link!
Also, wanted to thank you for the inspiration on the No S Diet. I started Monday after reading what you've written! I'm loving this. I'll probably blog on my progress as I go along!
Have you lost any weight on it? Have you found that you are doing pretty good keeping to it??
As always - you inspire me Jess!
Hi Jess!
Great idea and great blog!
Thanks,
Kimberly
Jess,
Joining you in this challenge. Looking forward to the coming weeks and seeing how the Lord will use this in all our lives!
Many blessings to you, sweet friend!
Kat
I have been thinking about my goals for this year all week, and realizing the list has grown. This gives me a perfect way to organize them, and of course the accountability is the clincher.
Post a Comment