2017 goals update, February version. The short of it is that January pretty much rocked.
I posted my goals for 2017 here. And I promised to update on my progress. I probably won’t do this monthly (because it may be boring to read about someone else’s goals? I dunno, I enjoy reading these types of posts – let me know in comments ok?), but at least quarterly.
Here’s how I did in January.
2017 Goals Update:
Daily Habits:
I keep track of goals in my Bullet Journal. The ones I aim to do daily are in a monthly habits tracker. The reason the items below say “at least” is because I forgot to track for a few extra-busy days during the month.
French practice – I did this at least 20 out of 30 days last month
Stretch for 5 minutes – at least 17 times
Move my body – at least 18 times (by this I mean meaningful activity such as walking, biking or lifting weights)
Read the Bible every day – at least 24 times
Hug each of my kids at least once a day – 23+ times
Make a to-do list for non-business activities – 20+ times
Note: I don’t aim for perfection. Setting these as a daily goal means I do them MOST days, and that’s ok with me. I don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good.
Also, I am a huge fan of habits. I struggled to meet goals until I understood that creating habits that support my goals is the KEY. More here.
Now for the non-daily stuff.
Do a girls’ night at least 4 times – I’ve done two so far! That’s like, some kind of record for me. I also went to a blogging networking luncheon (with all ladies, so that sorta counts too).
Jam session with big brother
Implement a family fun hour each week – we didn’t exactly do this, but it’s ok. My oldest was around more last month and we spent more time with all 9 of us together. I may change this goal because the aim behind it was to spend more time with my teenagers. There may be a better way of going about achieving this aim, so I’ll revisit this.
Restrict social media use to business hours – I did so/so here. Mostly because I’m in the Eastern time zone and I work very early. I belong to a couple of blogging share groups and the members don’t post until much later, meaning I have to check back in with the group later in the day to fulfill my obligation. Going forward, I chose 3-3:30 P.M. and scheduled it. I set an alarm on my phone to remind me. Once you schedule something, the brain can relax about it.
Re-implement Screen Sabbath – done. I also took my daughters’ phones away until I decide on a system of accountability for them. We’ve had some issues with non-compliance with the tech boundaries I’ve set up. I had to take … measures to my remind them of my authority in this area. More on this later.
Coconut sugar + coconut oil + vanilla bean = glowing skin. Rub on, rinse off. Also lovely on a gingersnap. Or a cup of tea.
Do a weekly “facial hour” with my big girls – we only did this once last month. Although, we did take a shopping trip to Claire’s and spent all the money on earrings and jewelry. So that counts.
Read 17 books on personal finance. I took a break from PF reading in January because I’m almost halfway done with this goal already. Next up on the list is Chris G’s The $100 Startup. I’ll update the main post with a review.
Increase the pageviews on this site by 400% – guys I ROCKED this goal. I nearly doubled the traffic to this site from December to January. I’ll hit this goal by spring. Whee!
Go to a live blogging conference. Definitely doing Exposure & Profit because I know several of the speakers. Might do another if I find one in the southeast that appeals to me.
Buy a house – closing on the 22nd of this month. Adulting is fun!
How did you do on your 2017 goals? Can I help you in any way? What would you say your biggest challenge is when it comes to goal getting?
(I would probably answer: low energy. I have grand ideas but my body doesn’t always cooperate. These things help. And these things.)
It sounds like you were pretty darn successful with those goals! Congrats on that site traffic; that’s amazing. 🙂 And wowza on the house as well!
I’m doing “meh” on my 2017 personal goals. I wanted to get into the habit of exercising regularly again, but I’ve still fallen off the wagon there. It’s not for weight loss or anything; it’s for medical purposes, so when I don’t exercise I don’t feel great. Womp womppp.
But our financial goals are going swimmingly. We’re set to pay off my student loans in May and Mr. Picky Pincher’s loans in early 2018. We also cut our food budget even more in January, which is a trend we hope to continue throughout 2017.
Implement a family time is also something I’ve been trying to do. The kids are always asking us to do things with them all week, so the weekend is time when we try to slow down long enough to have real bonding time together,
So awesome that you’re improving your page views, that is not easy at all! Great job!! Keep rocking out!
You are absolutely right about forming new habits! So many people assume they can set a goal…and then just somehow meet it.
Congrats on the new house! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
I would enjoy reading these posts every month 🙂
Good job on tracking your progress, and being honest about it…and congratulations on the increasing page visits!!
Congratulations on both your professional and personal success! I want to steal several of your ideas. I loved practicing my French pre-trip abroad, but then I lose it! I need to keep practicing! I also love your idea of a family fun hour and screen sabbath. I love these goals! I am totally stealing.
With the family fun stuff, I think the anticipation is a big part of it., for me AND the kids! Whatever simple things we choose to do for fun, looking forward to it is half the fun! Planning and referring to it for a few days or hours ahead, depending on the age of the kid makes it more fun! And I am talking about little things, like a board game or trip to the park. Making a point of “reminiscing” later is good, as well as anticipating the next fun thing. I do this for myself, too, for all the little things that are fun/rewards. Adds to the enjoyment. Does this make sense?
Yes absolutely. Gretchen Rubin talks about this in her books. Anticipation and remembering is half the fun, especially with something potentially stressful/complicated while it’s happening (like travel).
Yes, it’s amazingly easy to lose a new language. I desperately need to find someone to speak with in person at this point if I’m to make it to the next level. Maybe I’ll make that a goal for next year when my youngest is older.
Thanks Beth!
Yep, the goals into habits connection is super important.
Thanks, I am pretty proud of that, and pleasantly surprised.
It’s funny, I’ve noticed that some goals I set “take off” and others don’t. I think that’s why it’s important to set goals in various areas, you never know which are going to work well. Progress not perfection. 🙂
I have not been able to make progress on my goals Very well because I sprained my ankle on the first day of the year!!! I’m still keeping a weekly check in log on my goals in Evernote to focus on what is getting done, because these goals are important to me, even if they’re hard. I added two goals after this month, things I work hard at and want to celebrate, but are somewhat routine. I need to track them too so I don’t feel like a failure when the harder ones aren’t budging. 😉 Thanks for the inspiration!
I like the goals! I’m going to add social media restriction and a stretching “habit” to my habit tracker this month!
Congrats on the house! I love the idea of a bullet journal. I’ve never jumped into one but I’ve heard a lot of people doing them this year!
You are doing great on your goals! I would so love to do a blogging conference. I really need to see if there are any around me, since traveling a great distance isn’t feasible right now.
I love reading goal blog posts too! Looks like you are doing great! Your quote “I don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good.” is amazing. I am going to remember that.
Congratulations on your amazing progress on your goals! Way to go! (And I hear you on taking measures to remind the kids of things…)
Blessings, Leigh