Woohoo! It is 2019! The last few years have been a doozy. Really really. 2018 was definitely the year where I experienced the most positive change and growth. I was able to move from managing my anxiety (and holding on for dear life), to actively working on some new improvements and feeling a little bit of motivation again. I think the last time I felt that way was about 2015. This year, oh this year.. this year I'm feeling so ready to work on so many things and have a lot of fun. I want out of the shell even more. I feel prepared to do it, because I've spent the last few years learning to take care of myself. That is so exciting, friends! (I'm having trouble expressing myself... but I think you get it!)
Personal vs. Common Goals
This year KC and I set some common goals and divided them up first into categories, and then into actionable chunks through the months. The header goals are the main ones, and the little bullets are ideas that we have to carry them out throughout the year. :) In other words... this might look like a massive list... but it's really just an actionable list to be divided up over the next 12 months. This makes the blog post look crazy, but I enjoy knowing how people break down their big goals, and their specific actions toward tackling them, so I wanted to share them anyhow! :) A lot of these are things that I put on my lists year after year and have trouble tackling by myself. I think approaching them as a family will make us more successful, and make it more fun!
So... here are my goals for 2019!
Personal Goals
Word of the Year:
Cultivate!
I really want to grow all of the things. From a flower garden and pollinator friendly yard to better habits, and more diverse experiences.
Personal Goals:
Plant a Garden (flowers, fruit/veggies that we will eat, bee-friendly plants)
Go Kayaking (as much as possible)
Try Family Recipes and Learn Their Stories (probably document it)
More Outdoor Adventures (horseback riding, SUP, camping, hiking, etc.)
Read 60 Books (more fairy tales, more non-fiction, a few classics, a biography)
Feed the Birds!
Make a Hummingbird Cake
Go to the Beach
Settle into our home!
Try a New Pie Recipe
Common Goals:
Home
Things Have A Physical Home
-Craft/Scrapbook Items
-Books (build built-ins)
-Closet Storage (winter clothes x_x)
-Entertainment System (built in, video games, etc.)
-Laundry Area (storage, tiny mudroom spot)
-Kitchen Organization (streamline, creative storage)
-Pantry Organization
Yard Woes + Low Maintenance Landscape
-Get Grating Done (Save Money, Schedule)
-Add Stair Rail to Outdoor Stairs
-Edge the Sidewalk
-Repair Fence
-Landscaping on Hill
-Wood Pile (cut up into manageable bits, dispose or us)
-Tree Management (take down more trees? :(, save money, etc.)
-Hang Up Mailbox
-Grow a Moonflower Plant on Our Porch
-Get a Lilac Plant
-Buy Garden/Lawn Tools
-Consider our backyard/driveway (garage? shed? patio area/furniture?)
Plan for Home Updates (budget, timeline, wish list, etc.)
-Living Room Floor
-Stair Flooring
-Tile (both bathrooms, laundry room)
-Back Splash
-Paint Burgundy Strip of Wall
-New Stove (gas?)
-New Dishwasher
-Furniture (chairs for upstairs, dining chairs, card table, etc.)
-Hang Things on Walls
-Light for Landing
-Basement Storage (shelves, what goes down there, light, etc.)
-Get "last" of Things from KC's Parent's House
-Paint Bathroom Sink Cabinet
-Paint Bedroom Furniture
Health
Take After Dinner Walks
Go Kayaking
Go Hiking
Spend More Time Outdoors
Money
Save Money to Achieve Goals (and determine what those are, how to prioritize, etc.)
-Meet Twice Per Month About Budget
Reliable and Accurate Budget Plan
Learning
Master One Loaf of Bread
Add 5-10 New Reliable Recipes to Our Go-To List
-Go to Aldi
-Try a Few New Recipes Each Month (both choose!)
Lifestyle
Have a Kitchen Garden (use it)
-Get Tools
-Plan What To Grow (how much, map it out, planting schedule, etc. etc.)
-Learn Maintenance, Skills, etc.
-Grow Flowers (which, where, etc. etc.)
Learn to Meal Plan (in some capacity) by End of Year
Have Cleaning Schedule (light) by End of Year
Keep Social Calendar Manageable
-Set Off Limits Days (no plans!)
-Set Scheduled Days (to do an actual thing together)
-Meet Every Sunday about Social Calendar (for upcoming week)
Focus on Our Marriage
-Go On Two Dates Per Month
-Enjoy More Everyday Together Activities (walks, cooking dinner, baking, playing games) vs. sitting and reading/playing video games. :)
Experiences
Make Plans for Europe (even if it's a 2020 or 2021 type of trip)
Volunteer/Give Back
Go to Hawaii
Go to the Beach (could be in Hawaii)
Because I think it's fun to look back... here are my goals from 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012! What are your goals for this year? If you have a post, send me the link!! I'd love to read it... and get back into blogging and blog reading a bit more regularly this year!! Do you break up your big goals to make them more actionable or manageable? XO, Alexandra
Whew, this year is off to a slow start, but I am feeling back to my old self more or less. I want to stay up late to finish books or projects, I want to go out and do things, etc. So, I finally have some finalized goals for the year, and some thoughts on my word of the year as well.
2018 Goals:
"Invest" My Love, Money, and Time (see below for more)
Go to the Beach
Treat My Body Better
Watch 12 New (to me) Period Dramas
Buy A House - BUT DON'T SETTLE!
Eat Advenurously
Read 50 Books
See Family More
Get Warmer Socks
Have Adventures
Elaboration:
Where You Invest Your Love (& Time & Money), You Invest Your Life
This is something that I have been thinking about SO much lately. My word for the year is Invest, and here's why. Our world is kind of a mess sometimes. The news is terrifying, the internet is full of trolls, and sometimes I feel really really hopeless. One thing I thought of at the end of the year is this quote, which funnily enough was one of the first things I posted on this blog:
"Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want." - Anna Lappe
Wow, right? Its so true, and it is so easy to forget. I think that this quote definitely extends to the way you spend your time, and also your love.
This year I want to be more intentional about supporting the kind of world that I want.
Money:
I've been thinking a lot about the word "invest". Not just in the sense of money, but in the sense of every resource and attention that I have. I want to invest my money in quality products, sustainable products, creative ones, things that will enhance my life and help me live a better one. Things that will allow me to create: paints, glitter, paper, and notebooks. I also want to invest my money in experiences, in learning, and in seeing new places. I want to hear live music, learn new skills, take classes, and see more of the world. I want to spend my money on sustainable goods, to sustainable companies. More quality clothing, more things made in the US, more things that are recyclable, used or ethically made.
Time, Love, and Attention:
I want to invest my time and attention in things that make my life and the world better. I want to spend more time an attention on taking care of my body. I want to move, stretch, get stronger and healthier, and get outside more. I want to have fun doing it, I want to start just doing it because it is what is good for me. What is necessary for me. An investment. I want to cook and eat better. Foods that I like, that my body craves, and that I need to remember to eat, because it is what is best for me. I want these things to help KC too by extension. Maybe there will be a fun hobby or means of exercise that we could both benefit from.
I also want to invest my time in my marriage with KC. Over the years it becomes clearer and clearer that our life is about us. The two of us and our small family. We are so happy together, and I am so grateful for that, but putting more time and effort into getting quality time together, focusing more on his needs, and teamwork, etc. will only continue to make our relationship better.
As I learn new things, try new things, and explore I want to expand my world view. I want to gain perspectives, and become more involved in making the world a better place. I want to get involved in the community, volunteer, and have solutions or at least words or actions that can come at times when I don't know what to do or say. The world hurts so much right now especially, and I think that each person can make small differences if they try. I just need to come up with some practical and useful ways to do so.
There you go only a month and a half late. heheh but I am happy with what I have. I have more elaborating to do on my own end, but it isn't necessary to post here. What about you guys? What are your goals for the year and how are you doing with them?! XO,
This is part wish list, part bucket list. Here we go.
cider donuts
cozy sweaters
magical books (one of these...) pumpkin waffles
dan in real life
apple picking
a copy of my fave kiddo halloween book
night time walks
lots of hygge this container garden
an October Daily album
chili and cornbread
knitting, weaving, embroidery, crochet... or something crafty
walks in the nice weather
a gratitude project our favorite fall meal
carve pumpkins
light candles
pies
reading outside by the fire pit
ebelskiver
work on our cozy reading nook
"camping" at the farm
epic Halloween costumes (need DIY ideas/tips? Check out this post!)
fall decorations
photos outside
fall/Halloween movies (my lists: here and here)
What are you hoping to do this fall? XO, Alexandra
Sorry I wasn't around on Friday, it was an extremely rough day for us. More divorce drama and not any sleep = no blogging, and a grumpy demeanor. Boo! Moving right along (because the rest of the weekend was great, and I even got to meet up with Shea, which was so awesome! Click that link to check out our "oh yeah, we should take a selfie!" selfie. hehe We did some fun chatting and brainstorming, so stay tuned for some fun collaborations! :)
I don't know about you, but when I hit a setback, or get into a funk... I often realize it's because I'm not working toward anything.
Now you might be thinking... "it's ok to just relax, you don't need to be striving all of the time!" - that's definitely true! But I've realized that if I go long enough without looking at my goals or working on some introspection I feel extremely unmoored. Especially when the world is a mess, or maybe people in your circle (but maybe not in your home) are causing stress. There's not much you can do to make significant change in those situations. Rather than letting myself be entirely bogged down by this, I try to put a plan of my own into action. Working on my goals helps my anxiety tremendously, and it also helps me to know myself better. I notice how I change, what I need, what I don't want, etc.
How on earth do you get started again? It's not necessarily a new year... so what can you do to get your brain going?
(recently being in said funk....) Here are a few things that help me & some great free resources!
1) revisit your yearly (or other recent) goals
By revisiting past goals, you can see how you're doing, where you're going, and what you're no longer interested in. If you look back a few years at your older goals, it may remind you of something that you still hope to try or accomplish, but have forgotten about. Just looking at your list can get your brain thinking. This can also help you figure out why you're in a slump. Do you not care about your goals anymore? Drop them! Do you not feel excited by some of them? Change them! Are you forgetting what they are?! Print them! Stick them in Evernote or your planner.
2) try a yearly (or birthday) reflection
I saved an article a few years ago about the top 5 regrets of the dying written by a hospice nurse. She then came up with a "birthday check-in" for herself, to make sure that she "never goes more than a year without attending to her life on the deepest level. It's an annual regret-prevention measure." I FINALLY remembered to do this around my birthday this year, but you could do it annually regardless of what month you choose. I found doing this reflection very interesting.
3) think of your longer-term (almost bucket list style) goals & put an assured spin on them
I have a confession: I'm not great at setting long term goals. I have a hard time "dreaming". I like to pick things that are achievable. I also have a hard time picturing my future. Some days I could picture living in Scotland, traveling around Europe on the weekends with KC. Other days I picture a farmhouse, an orchard, and lots of sticky children. It's very difficult to pinpoint what I want, so long term goals stress me out. However, they can be very useful as well. Give yourself permission to dream for a while! Start my trying a 10 years from now list. Write it as if you will do it, by 2027 I have been to 7 new countries. By 2027 I have bought a house. By 2027 I am a full-time writer. Etc. Visualizing it is half the battle.
I also find the exercise in the Passion Planner helpful. It's a free download if you share on social media that you are using it. It has you spend 5 minutes brainstorming what you want in the next three months, one year, three years, and lifetime. I've done it twice, and it was fun to compare to see which goals were the same vs. not. And which ones are probably worth working on more, because they keep showing up. Just have fun with this exercise!
4) use words to focus your goals
When you are thinking about your goals (old or new), try to think of a word that appears a lot. Or a theme within the goals. Maybe you use fresh a lot. Maybe you need to be outside and eating fresh foods. Maybe you use energy a lot. Maybe you need to focus some effort on sleep, nutrition, and spending your free time off of your phone. For me, last year I felt a definite lack of space. I didn't have physical space or mental space and it was really starting to get to me. So my word of the year this year is space, and most of my goals for 2017 are centered around creating physical and mental space. I like the idea of focusing on your word more throughout the year. It will give you a focus for your goals, it will help justify them by showing you the life you want to be building, the things that are currently missing or lacking in your life. I stumbled across this great way to document your word of the year goal progress on Youtube. It's the coolest thing I've seen lately. I want to do one of my own! It's a great way to mark your progress, but a list would do just fine if you're not craft inclined.
5) happiness project resolutions
When I was writing my goals for 2017, I did a lot of reflecting on my friend Rachel's happiness resolutions. She had been reading Gretchen Rubin, and even though I hadn't had time... I wanted to make one too. Even just trying the activity helped me think about what is important to me and what isn't. It was incredibly helpful in centering myself, and in feeling like I had some ideas of what I wanted, and what made me happy. I then made my own list, and I keep it in Evernote. It's really helping me to go back through it and reflect on the list, especially when working on new goals.
6) renaissance soul?
You've probably heard me mention this book before, but I am absolutely the kind of person who loves too many things to pick just one. Does that sound like you? If so, seriously read THIS BOOK. It helped me so much to center my current interests, and how to fit them into my schedule. It gives tons of real life examples, has plenty of activities, etc. I cannot recommend this enough if you feel the way I do.
7) level 10 life
This concept is big among bullet journallers (I'll get to that in a bit)... and was discussed by Hal Elrod in his book Miracle Morning. It has you break your life down into 10 categories, and rate the level you think you're at right now. Those categories are: Family & Friends, Personal Development, Spirituality, Finances, Career, Marriage, Fun & Recreation, Giving & Contribution, Physical Environment, and Health and Fitness. By ranking where you are right now, you can set goals to improve specific areas. I like this post with some ideas from Boho Berry.
8) procrastination inventory
On my 2017 half way through the year check in Torrie shared this fabulous post she wrote back in 2012! Its all about tracking what sorts of things you continually procrastinate on (hello yoga! hello dentist! etc.) I cannot wait to fill out this worksheet (she links to it in the bottom of her post) and delve a bit more into where I procrastinate vs. don't. Then maybe I can brainstorm some ways to focus on those problem areas! 9) think of the big ones
If your dreams don't scare you, you're not dreaming big enough, right? That's what we hear anyway. Over time it has become harder for me to dream this big, probably because I'm afraid to fail..? But I've realized that having BIG goals, dreams, etc. is really really important in addition to the ones that are going to be easier to accomplish. Even if they change, or you only get to do one of them in your lifetime, dreaming is such a big part of happiness for us. It helps us realize what we want, and how we change. I also find the bigger my goals are, if I meet one, it's easier to meet more. It becomes a priority. (if you want it to).
9) keep track of it all
If you're doing these exercises, these lists, journalling, etc. keep it close. Keep track of your progress, your changes, etc. I love to keep my goals in Evernote, but I also like keeping it in a new bullet journal that I am trying out. I don't think I'll use it for day to day planning, but just for goals and introspection. Having it all in once place will keep it easy to access. If you can't reference your goals, they'll be harder to carry out!
10) add what's missing or lacking to your life (even if it's a tiny change)
If you've been revisiting your goals, working on some lists and ideas, just thinking about yourself and what you want and need out of life... you've probably identified some weak spots. Now you might be thinking... "all my spots are weak spots!". Sure, I understand, there's a lot to be working on! We all want to "fix" so many things in our lives. But what I'm talking about are the biggest things. The ones that are almost "ah ha" moments. For me, it was that so many of my goals were centered around needing space. Other times it's been realizations that I love the water and need to be near it, or hear it, etc. What are those things for you? How can you add them to your life? Sometimes it's something big, sometimes it's something small. Maybe you can supplement it in a smaller way that still makes you feel more fulfilled? For example, if you are wanting adventure and travel, but cannot afford to travel right now... what else can you do? Watch movies or read books set in far away places, try new cuisines at home or at restaurants, try listening to some salsa, reggae, or Celtic music, even taking a day trip to a nearby city and wandering around can help. Don't think that you can't add what you need to your life. Get creative, I'm sure there's something you can do to fill that gap!
So there you have it... 10 ways I've been re-assessing my goals since my 27th birthday. To say that I felt lost was probably and understatement... but by spending some time with and by myself, I was able to brainstorm where I am, what I want, and how to get it. Will my goals change? Probably. Does that make these exercises less valuable? Nope. :) How do you get back on track when you feel stuck? How do you choose your goals or reflect on what you want? What are some small ways to add what you need to your life? Hope this helps if you're feeling like I did! XO, Alexandra
Happy Monday friends! I'm still waiting on my niece/nephew to make her/his appearance!! :)
I have been focused pretty solely on moving so far this year, but I'm still using my planner and enjoying trying out the new 2017 ECLP (neutral version)!
I filmed this video at the very end of 2016 or beginning of 2017... so there wasn't much in my new planner yet, but I'm always interested to see how planners change from year to year. Check it out to see what kinds of changes Erin Condren has made to her ECLP and ordering system. Pros and cons folks, pros and cons.
What are you guys up to?!
Any planner revelations I should know about?!
Are you doing anything exciting for Valentine's Day? (or do you hate it?!)
This post is for those of you who love planners & goal setting. As you guys know, I am big into both. I posted about my first ECLP 3 Months In, and 6 Months in, I also filmed a companion video tour of my planner and I saw that you guys were interested in this post. So here we go, feel free to ask questions if I leave something out! :)
I made a youtube video to explain this process, feel free to read/watch or both. I'm a visual person, so I figured I would get some videos into the world for other folks who are too. :)
Evernote:
The first thing I do when I make a list of goals, is stick it into Evernote. It's a program that you are probably familiar with, but it keeps little stacks of editable/sort-able notes in one place. You can keep the program on two devices and access it online anytime. I keep Evernote on my iphone and my computer. This way, I can ALWAYS see my goal lists. I like to use Evernote in combination with my paper planner - but it's also great because I can use it on-the-go... when I don't have my tote or planner with me. It also makes it easy to flip between one set of goals to the next. I have a lot, so it can be hard to keep track of! Planner Set Up:
The way the vertical ECLP that I am using works has a specific set up, so I will share that first. You might have to adapt this method depending on how your planner is set up.
My planner has:
a spread for yearly goals in the front.
monthly spreads where you can view the whole month, with a small side bar for monthly goals.
a weekly spread that breaks up each day vertically into three sections. I divide these sections into "Brand" - blog and stationery brand, "Home" - chores and errands, and "Self" - personal goals and chores.
The weekly spread also has a left hand side bar that I use for my menu and a spot for a "thankful thought" - great for gratitude journaling.
The weekly spread also has blank lines below each day, that is where I add in anything that has a specific time, like an event, appointment, etc.
Paper Planners & Goal Setting:
Yearly:
When I make a list of yearly goals, I put it in the front of my planner. The ECLP I bought last year has a spot for yearly goals in the front, however, you could write yours out or print them and tape them into the front of your planner with washi tape. However works for you. :)
Monthly:
The next thing I do is break down my yearly goals into monthly ones. For example, in 2016 I want to read 50 books. So in January, I added a monthly goal to read 5 books. In my ECLP there is a spot for monthly goals on the month overview page. However, if your planner doesn't have a spot for this, feel free to add in a page with tape, or go straight to writing them on a weekly page. Repeat with each goal. Sometimes my monthly goals are not related directly to my yearly ones, but are other things that I really want to get done. Like a cleaning or organizing project, or planning out a future trip. I add these in at the same time - generally at the end of the previous month.
At this time I also write in any birthdays, events, vacations, etc. into the monthly format. Because one of my goals often relates to movies, dates, concerts, etc. etc. If it is already planned I might write it on the page in ink - or add a sticker. For travel I like to use strips of washi tape to mark off the days on my monthly view. I also look at my FB saved events, and websites for theaters, etc. and place a post-it note in the monthly pages of my calendar to mark an event we *might* go to. The post-it includes, title, location, time, time range (if it runs for a week, etc.), and price if I can find it. - that way I have all of the info. KC and I (or sometimes just I) narrow down those post-its and buy tickets for things that we really want to go to. Sometimes we have to narrow more than others, and recently we've been trying to plan only one event per weekend on our own, because we know we'll end up spending time with family or friends - or both! This keeps us from being so busy. However, things tend to be clumped, for whatever reason there is always quite a bit happening at the same time, and nothing happening at other times... and so it goes.
I also mark our pay days as well. This is helpful in general, but also for goals related to making bigger purchases or extra purchases. For example, I had a goal to buy new bras every month in the first few months of the year. Knowing when we would be paid helped me to order them at a good time.
Weekly:
When I add planned events (not possible ones) to my monthly spreads, I also add them to my weekly spreads. I write those events (including time and place) on the lines below my vertical daily section. That way I never forget because I wasn't looking at the monthly page. I also will add them in as needed, it's not always done way in advance. I also add washi tape for vacation days over the full three sections of the vertical weekly spread for each day I will be gone. I don't schedule out vacation activities in my planner, I just block those days off. I shouldn't be blogging, working, or worrying about chores when I am on vacation. For events that are re-curring or planned for just that week, like a dinner with a friend, or KC's "guys night" - I also write those in on the blank lines.
At the end / beginning of each week I look through my monthly goals and try to place them into my weekly page. For example, if I have a goal to send out a birthday gift for my dad, I go into my planner and add to pick it out several weeks in advance, package it up a week in advance, and send it - all within time for it to get to him.
Other goals, like reading 5 books per month are put into my weekly format in a simpler way. I just write "read" in my "self" section of my vertical ECLP daily. That way I am reminded to read daily. I also track my goal completion/progress in my planner which helps as a motivator. (more on that later).
For goals like trying 5 new recipes within a month, I try to put those into a blank side column where I keep my menu notes. I write out each day of the week for lunch and dinner and then fill in the blanks. This also helps me keep on top of knowing when we'll need more food or what night will be good to go out to eat. We typically try to plan going out to eat around other evening activities on the weekly schedule. If we need to get a second set of groceries later on in the week, I also write that in on my weekly schedule under the "home" section of my vertical ECLP where needed.
There are a few things that I write onto my weekly spread under the "self" section every day. I write "Read. Create. Move. Floss" - so I remember to do those things - or can track easily which days I did not do those things. I just cross them off as I complete them. If you use a cleaning schedule or schedule out when to pay bills, etc. etc. you could easily add those into your weekly spreads in advance.
Paper Planners & Goal Tracking:
So you know how I set up my goals, but here's a bit more on how I visually track them. It definitely helps me to see my progress as I flip through my planner!
I obviously cross out or check off goals that I have finished within the yearly and monthly goal formats. I check them off on the daily sections as well like a to-do list. But there are other ways I track my goals in my planner too.
When I don't meet a goal, or I need to move it to the next month I mark that on my monthly goals by putting a "N" for "Next Month" or a marker of progress in the box instead of a check mark. For example, if I wanted to plan out a trip in advance, but didn't make it, then I might put in an "N" for "Next Month." In which case, I then go ahead and write it down on the next month's goal area - even if it's not time to set all of the goals for the next month yet. If I had a goal to read 5 books, but only read 4, I might put a 4 in the check box instead of a check. Did I complete it? No. But seeing something there helps me look back on how close I got, and what I DID achieve. You could use any sort of color coding, symbol coding (ala bullet journal), etc. to code these types of things. Whatever works for you!
Another thing I do to show my progress is to mark things that I have finished/done in my weekly pages. For example, if I finished a book on a given day, I mark that into my "self" section of my vertical ECLP or below that. Ex: "Finished Dumplin'" This way I can easily see while flipping through that I finished a book on that week/day. I do the same thing for my goal about watching Disney movies.
For menu planning and cooking goals specifically, I use the left hand blank space for my menu, and below that I make another box that says "New Recipes" - I write the ones from the menu that are new in the new box, and continue that total weekly at the bottom to see how close I am getting to my goal for the year.
For workouts and healthy eating I mostly just add little notes on my daily spread. Under the "self" section of the vertical layout next to "Move" I put what exercise I did and how many minutes next to it. I often circle it so it's easy to see. Other times I put notes to myself like, "No soda today!" etc. You could use the sections to write in little circles that represent cups of water and check them off as you drink them, whatever works for you and whatever you are wanting to track.
The last way that I track goals in my planner is by utilizing the blank pages at the end of each month and also at the end of the planner itself. Things I have used those pages for:
checklists and ideas for KC's bday week
random notes
books I have read so far this year
book challenges and my picks for them - which I check off as I finish
keeping track of my "book ban" progress - more on that later
lists of books I've been meaning to read - for when I need an idea
lists of shows to start watching & catch up on with KC - by genre
ideas for food when people come over - just in case!
I also keep addresses in the back of my planner. If someone moves I add a post-it with the new address until I know what it will be long-term.
I keep track of the new things I have tried each month - new foods, experiences, etc. etc.
I think the longer I use this, and the more time I have to continue organization within my life and goals, the more things I will use my planner to track. Up ahead I am hoping to focus more on cleaning schedules and all things healthy living within my planner.
Bottom Line:
Use your planner in a way that works for you, and track the things that you care about. If you don't have a goal to read, you don't need to track your books, etc. Don't use it for things you don't care about. Make what you have work for you! It doesn't have to be expensive, extensive, fancy, pretty, etc. It just needs to be what works for you. If you can write in sections of a $5 planner and have the space to track what you want to, do it! :)
Whew! This is the longest post in existence... but it should give you a good and specific idea of how I use my planner, how I keep it organized, and how I create and track my goals within my planner. I hope that this helps some of you and gives you ideas on how to use yours.
Do you have any questions?
Did I miss anything?
How do you track your goals in your planner?! I'd love to know! Any new strategies you are trying for 2017?
I don't know about you, but 2017 has started with an explosion... and not a good one. I'm not really ready to get into it, but let's just say this explosion has caused some after booms for me and KC (and plenty of others). Most of which are confusing. But KC and I are trying to use our energy in a positive way, if not getting little intensely motivated/extreme. More on all this later...bleh.
Reflections & Goal Planning/Explanation:
I did some reflecting on 2016 and a lot of what I realized about my anxiety is that it often stems from a lack of space. Whether that is physical space, mental space, or a sense of freedom. So a lot of my goals are centered around those ideas. :) This may seem like a giant list, but a lot of it is written to accommodate specific ideas, and *trying* things... even if I don't end up implementing them longer-term. Some of them are also things that I am currently doing, that I want to continue with. I've been thinking hard about all of my goals and issues I want to work on, and what those big and small moving pieces are. So, I am choosing the word "space" this year for obvious reasons. I don't usually pick a word, but I think it will really help me focus this year! :)
Health
Work out 3x's per normal week (at least)
Put Healthy Meals on Rotation
Try 25 New Healthy Recipes (add them to rotation if we like them enough!) Get new mattress = sleep better
Continue to take stairs and walks at work
Try out at least one active hobby (ideas: SUP, kayaking, boxing, etc.)
Get dental work done
Visit a dermatologist
Attempt grazing - I'm the WORST snacker...
Focus on healthy breakfasts & caffeine sources
Stress
Limit & be intentional with plans that we make
Do one de-stressing activity per day (yoga, coloring, reading, meditating, etc.)
De-clutter (physical clutter = mental clutter)
-sort through boxes and tubs in storage at KC's parent's house - ALREADY STARTED!
-coat closet
-wall hanging items
-kitchen cabinets/kitchen craziness...
-under bathroom sink
-bathroom linen closet
-jewelry box
-vanity!!
-boxes of un-homed junk...
-things I hide in the closet....
-filing paperwork....
Reduce amount of technology that I have to deal with
-limit notifications
-unsubscribe from email lists
-delete drobox from laptop...
-have "un-reachable" times?
-etc.
Check long-standing items off my to-be-done list. I love Gretchen Rubin's 1 hour per week idea!
-being healthy (folded in above)
-dentist (same)
-DSLR skills
-sewing skills
-reading classics
Make a point to listen to music!
Purchase an essential oil diffuser
Look into getting a weighted blanket
Brand
Populate my Etsy with invite templates
Do a bridal show (maybe)
Make Flyers and put up around town #oldschool
Re-brand blog
Continue/improve with Youtube
Scheduling items (see scheduling section below)
Learn more about what y'all like reading about in this space!
Creative
Take a cooking class
Pick up (try) either: sewing, knitting, crochet, embroidery... something NON-paper!
Do a 2017 PL/scrapbook album (monthly highlights, as the year goes on) - keep sharing the progress!
Attend more non-concert live performances
Do some type of photo challenge (even a short one)
Apply to be on 2018 creative teams with documenting brands!
Take a DSLR course
Food in Jars challenge with Rachel (flexibly!)
Make a new dessert
Get a better/more versatile printer for documenting
Scheduling
Set up a rough guideline for using my Tuesdays well (or a rigid schedule)
Make a social media posting schedule (because I forget and it stresses me out!)
Make a cleaning schedule
Try some meal-prepping schedules - find something that works pretty well
Cozy Family - inspired by the ideas of hygge and minimalism
Learn about Hygge and apply some ideas from it to our day-to-day life
Create more traditions with KC as our own little family (seasonal, holiday, weekend, little things, etc.)
Make a point to enjoy and experience each season
Be at home more
Take our time and be slow
Books
Read 50 total books
Read at least one book from each category:
-biography/memoir
-poetry
-graphic novel
-horror
-science fiction
-thriller
-mystery
-historical fiction
-short story
-essay
Complete a reading challenge
Read 5 Non-fiction books, not including cookbooks/craft books that are just skimmed
Read 5 Classics (ideas: Jane Austen & F. Scott Fitzgerald, War and Peace, and Wuthering Heights)
Continue with book ban (specifically reading mostly owned books, and selling them once I am done reading!)
Travel
Go back to NOLA
Plan out NYC!
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Visit at least two other new places (even if they are close-by)
Travel with friends
Try a new food
Entertaining
Find a dress for SIL's wedding
Plan bachelorette/shower night for Juliet
Continue having game nights
Epic KC bday week
Have a "Galantine's Party"!
Give 6 little gifts
Spoil the heck outta Jess's baby
Swap GG nights for Movie nights with close friends
Generally plan more things with my girlfriends (because they're pretty amazing)
What do you do specifically do de-stress? Do you have an essential oil diffuser? If so, which one, I'm on the hunt... but there's tons to sift through! #overwhelmed Likewise, there are a ton of books on Hygge, have any of you read them? Also sifting through TONS of those!!
Healthy/easy breakfast ideas? Send them my way!!
What do you do for little traditions with your family/SO/Roomie/etc.?
What types of posts do you most like to read here? Which ones don't you love? What do you want to see more of, or added to this blog?
I know most of you have posted your goals for the year, and I've loved reading them! But feel free to tell me more about them below!!
I hope you all had a lovely Valentine's weekend, and for some of you, a long weekend! :)
I've been thinking a lot about how I spend my time, and where my energy goes during the day. I'm finding that more frequently than I would like ... the time and energy goes to things that aren't really benefiting me. So in another effort to focus on goals year-round.... I've come up with 12 ways to invest in yourself this year. 1) Take Stock & Update Your Basics
You probably read my speech on bras... but let's be real... when your undergarments and basics don't fit right, or are worn out, you feel worse. You are more self conscious, less likely to put effort into yourself, and none of that is good. If they aren't serving you... Get. Rid. of. Them. You're worth it. Underwear, bras, camisoles, jeans, shoes, tees... whatever you wear on a regular basis. Take stock and fill in gaps!
2) Buy Yourself 1 or 2 Things You've Been Needing or Wanting for a While
You know that thing you've been wanting or needing for months or years? The one you ask for for your birthday, or say "I'll get it next time?" Get that now. If you've been thinking about it for that long, chances are it's worth purchasing. It could be something as simple as a red nail polish or a book you've been wanting to read for ages. It might be something basic like brown ballet flats or a new wallet. Maybe it's something like fun, like a motivational print for your work space, or cute coffee mug. It doesn't really matter what it is... it matters that it matters to you.
3) Clean the Worst Spot in Your Home (the one that bothers you the most ... but you rarely have time to do when you're thinking about it)
You know the spot I'm talking about. The one behind the fridge, a particularly messy closet, the oven, a "junk" area. Wherever it is... take a moment to clean it up. Get it done. Then it won't be lingering in your mind anymore.
4) Get something off your chest
Sometimes there are things you just need to say. Maybe it's related to work. You've been meaning to ask your boss about a change or a raise. Maybe it's something you've been needing to share with your partner or a friend. Maybe it's related to something that's really hurting you. Perhaps it's something you've never said out loud, even just to yourself. Whatever it might be, work on getting it out in the open.
5) Do one Big Thing You've Been Putting Off
Maybe it's a purchase, a meeting, an appointment. For me, it's definitely going to the dentist. It just sits in the back of my mind... causing an anxiety that is so unnecessary. Some of these are easier than others, so take steps to get rid of them once and for all! Once you finish one, move on to another.
6) Get Rid of Negativity in Your Life
Are you holding onto something that carries a bad memory? Are you fixing something over and over, but it's still broken? Do you have something that you just don't like at all? Get it out of your house. There's no need to keep something like that around.
In a way, the same thing can be said for people in your life. Now clearly, people ARE NOT things. That is not at all what I am saying here. What I AM saying, is that when someone in your life is causing you hurt, or negativity... it's ok to let go of them. Maybe that means seeing them less. Maybe that means putting less energy into the relationship as you were before. Maybe that means not seeing them at all anymore. This is obviously something that varies tremendously... but sometimes it is SO very necessary to make a change like this for yourself. Take some time to carefully consider this, it can really make a big difference.
7) Buy or Save Up for Something Big That Will Improve Your Daily Life
For us, it's a new bigger bed, with a new mattress that will be better on my back. For you it could be a new car, a house, a new vacuum, a desk chair. Maybe it's a dishwasher, new towels, a yoga mat. This item could be big or small, if it is going to make a positive difference in your life, consider investing in that purchase, or taking steps to buying it.
8) Devote Time to One Thing You Love or Want for the Future
If you are anything like me, you feel the need to "do it all." Not only because there is pressure to do so, but because you genuinely want to do many things. I have so many interests, it's very hard to pursue them all at once. I suggest sitting down and deciding on one thing you've been wanting to do that will positively impact your life, and that will get you closer to a future goal you hold. For some it could be learning a skill; like cooking, sewing, gardening, a skill related to your job, or hobby, etc. It might be something that feels "really small" like learning how to shampoo your carpets. Maybe you want to stay at home with your future kids, and you want to get some "mom skills" down. Maybe you've always wanted to take a drawing class, or a drama course. Whatever it is, identify it, and make some space for it in your life. The thing you choose could change throughout the months or years. It's just important to know what you want, and to try it. Even if it changes along the way.
9) Invest in a Service, Class, or Treatment That Will Enhance Your Life or Make Things Easier on You
This is something I learned from ladies around me. It could be so many things that you choose, but it just needs to be something that will make your life easier. My grandmother has almost always had a cleaning service come to her house. Not because she can't clean, or because she's fabulously wealthy. Because, she just hates to do it. It makes her life harder. So she pays someone else to do it, so she can focus her energies elsewhere. I worked with a girl for a while, who worked a very modest job, she was very thrifty with her money, she almost never made "fun" purchases. But she did make sure to book regular massages. Why? Because she knew that was a major part of her de-stressing strategy. Maybe for you, it would be signing up for a fitness class so you had a designated time, place, and accountability for working out each week. Maybe it's a regular manicure appointment, because keeping your nails looking sharp gives you confidence and helps you feel put together. For us, it's been using The Honest Company to bundle our cleaning and hygienic products to have delivered to our home. It used to really stress me out trying to find the "greenest" products, and driving from store to store to pick them up. Or searching online, finally remembering to order them. Now I just update the bundle when they email me, and it's delivered to our home. It's cut down on those little trips, the stress, and it's saving us money. :)
10) Stop Doing Something That Isn't Serving You
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say, there is probably something you are doing... that you don't actually *want* to be doing. You just aren't getting anything out of it, and it's taking up your precious time. Sometimes these are things we can't stop doing.... like working our jobs ... or you know, taxes. But other times, they are things that we don't need to do. Especially not all of the time. Maybe it's a club, or volunteering time that is more than you can actually commit to. Perhaps it is a link up that you don't actually care about joining. Maybe it's an exercise class that you don't really enjoy, or a committee that you don't feel involved in any more. Now, please don't just up and quit everything you're doing. But do evaluate your time. What are you doing, that you are doing for perception? Or because you "always" do it? And not because you love it, or because you feel involved in it.
11) Work on Relationships That Are Important to You
As I mentioned above, sometimes we need to retreat a little in unhealthy relationships. When doing so, there is also the opposite situation to consider. What relationships do I want to invest more in? Who is a good friend to me? Who do I want to make more time for? In all likelihood, when putting toxic relationships on the back burner, you'll have new-found energy to spend on those relationships that are healthy and fun. Maybe you want to send letters to good friends who have moved away. Maybe you want to text your sister more. Perhaps you want to get to know a new friend better. Maybe you need more date nights in your life, or you want to surprise your significant other more. Whatever it is, take stock and come up with some ideas on how to show them you care. Marking notes in your calendar like, "plan a date night for February," "send mail to mom," or "invite Hannah over for dinner," can help you keep these priorities.
12) Make Self Care a Priority
I have talked about self care a lot in the past year on this blog. We even came up with a list together of ways to take care of yourself. Odds are if you're taking care of your cats, or kiddos, or hubby, or roommate first and foremost. Not to mention your job, or school work, or home... you are probably putting yourself on the back burner. Which isn't good for you at all, and it's not making you more successful at any of those other priorities or with those people either. Re-read that list, write it in your planner each week to do at least one thing for just you. Because, you deserve to take care of yourself.
2014 was such a whirlwind! I can't believe how quickly it went! I hope you all had a great year. Here's how my goals shook out. Not too shabby. :)
1) Finally make it to Seattle.
2) Do 6 things I never thought I would do. (sincerely enjoy Guardians of the Galaxy, brushing up on Spanish, Stay in a hostel, make a paleo dessert, Watched baseball on TV on purpose, How happy to see a Phoenix sunset, Finding a Rosemary Clooney record at goodwill!, )
3) Learn how to can and preserve.
4) Read 20 books, 5 Classics. (5 and 2) (The Lieutenant, homes in cities, how to be Canadian, Anne of Green Gables, Murder on the Orient Express, )
5) Wear more color.
6) Do a 365 day self portrait challenge.
7) Paint more tiny canvases.
8) Learn to make shortbread (in a real shortbread pan).
9) Send more mail and give more gifts just because. -again
10) Use my beautiful new planner... for everything.
11) Refinish thrifted furniture in the bedroom.
12) Visit a new country or another Canadian province.
13) Cook at home more.
14) Host 12 gatherings of some type, several of which are bigger themed/holiday gatherings. (KC bday, my bday, Halloween, )
15) Try new cuisines. (Russian, Korean, )
16) See the Pacific ocean.
17) Watch 12 classic or cult classic films.(Duck Soup, Day at the Races, Roman Holiday, Bridget Jones' Diary, Ghost Busters, Arsenic and Old Lace, It's A Wonderful Life, Amelie, Clueless, Mystic Pizza, Notting Hill, With Six You Get Eggroll, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, )
18) Go to a new art museum. (Saint Louis, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Walker Sculpture Garden, Olympic Sculpture Park)
19) See a play or musical.
20) Spend more time outside.
Other accomplishments;
Saw some great concerts .... checked Jack White off KC's bucket list! -7!
Made a cleaning schedule, began using it/tweaking it.
Cooked, and had fun! - I was burned out after 2012....
How was your 2014? What did you do? What are you proud of?
What do you want to accomplish in 2015? Thanks to all of the readers, followers, and friends who have supported this blog this year. I really appreciate it, it keeps me going! :)
