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I make goals for myself all the time! Daily goals, weekly goals, monthly goals, yearly goals, specific project goals, group goals, seasonal goals, etc. etc. I think you get the idea 🙂
I’m a pretty competitive person, so I’ve found that by having a goal {or multiple goals} in mind, I am much more likely to follow through with whatever it is I want to accomplish. I’m happy to say that I did follow through with all my yearly goals for 2011, and I’m excited to set new goals for 2012!
Below, I’ve listed 12 personal goals I have for 2012… and on Thursday, I’ll be talking about my 12 business goals.
1. Figure out my new schedule with a baby.
I can not even tell you how disoriented I’ve felt ever since Nora was born. Part of that is due to the sheer lack of sleep, but part of it is also due to the lack of a schedule. I’ve never lived without a daily schedule… and the uncertainty of each day has really taken a tole on me!
I know this probably makes me sound like an old grandma… but I’m serious. I used to make a list every single night before I went to bed — detailing everything I wanted to accomplish the following day… and then I WOULD accomplish it. Now, I almost get depressed when I make my lists because I know I’ll hardly be able to accomplish anything compare to before I had the baby, and I have absolutely NO idea what tomorrow will be like. Nora might be really good and take 2 naps or she might cry all day and need to be held {which means I get nothing done}.
I know I have to adjust, but I still haven’t quite figured out what my new routine looks like with a baby… so that is one of my top goals for 2012!
2. Make time for hobbies.
As I’ve gotten busier and busier with work and family, I’ve noticed that I haven’t made time for most of my hobbies. Fortunately for me, I consider organizing one of my hobbies and I honestly DO enjoy working on organizing projects in and around my home.
However, there are other things I enjoy too, like my digital scrap-booking, baking, decorating, etc. and I would really like to create a little more time for some of those activities in 2012.
3. Once-a-month date night with Dave.
As many of you know, I’m VERY frugal… and VERY focused 🙂 Dave and I are also home-bodies, so it’s not abnormal for us to stay home every single weekend and work on “projects” around the house. We might both be sitting in the same room, but I’ll be working on my blog and Dave will be doing school work and grading.
And now that we have our 2 international students and the new baby, we hardly have one spare moment to ourselves. So I figured that a once-a-month date night would be a really good New Year’s goal. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or expensive… just something outside of our house, with no kids! I’d even be satisfied with getting groceries together and then stopping somewhere to get a quick bite to eat! Fortunately, Nora has 2 sets of grandparents that are more than eager to watch her once a month!
4. Do 20 minutes of exercise 2 days a week.
OK, I know this doesn’t sound like a lot, but I’ve never been big on exercise! I played 3 sports in high school and 2 in college, but outside of sports practice, I never exercised on my own. I like to walk, do yard work, and swim, but I’ve never been very diligent with regular exercise… so this goal might actually be hard for me to follow through on, especially in the cold winter months.
And yes, I know that “normal” recommendations are to do 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week, but that’s not doable for me right now, and I’m not trying to lose weight — just be healthier!
5. Drink one extra water bottle every day.
Again, this might sound like a really ridiculous goal, but lately I’ve been so thirsty and my skin has been really dry so I know I need to be drinking more. I’ve never really loved drinking water, but ever since I got pregnant, I had to drink more because I was just so thirsty.
So now I carry a reusable water bottle with me wherever I go. Lately, I’ve been drinking 2 full water bottles every day {24 oz.}, but I’m going to try to add a third one each day for a while… until I stop feeling so thirsty all the time.
6. Give our kitchen a mini-makeover.
No, we’re not going to do a full-fledged makeover just yet… but I would like to do a few updates to our kitchen this year {probably in the spring/summer}. I want to repaint the cabinets, repaint the walls, and possibly put in some open shelving. I also want to move the refrigerator and create a built-in pantry area where the current refrigerator is now.
7. Create a “landscape plan” for our yard.
With all the home renovations we tackled this past spring/summer/fall, we basically neglected our yard work for an entire year {with the exception of weeding, mowing the lawn, and fertilizing}
Since we have an entire acre of land to work with, there is LOTS of potential — and even though I don’t intend to finish our landscape this year {or any time soon} I do want to get a plan in place and start renovating a few areas — like putting in a vegetable garden!
8. Fully fund both our IRAs.
In 2012, the IRS will allow Dave and I to put a maximum of $5000 into each of our IRAs — at which point they will be considered “fully funded” for the year. We’ve been trying to “fully fund” our IRA’s each year, and would like to continue doing that in 2012.
9. Learn one new skill.
I’m always learning and trying new things — but this year, I would specifically like to learn a new skill. I’ve always wanted to play the cello, but I don’t think that’s going to happen this year! I might ask my sister to teach me how to crochet, and I’d also like to learn how to build furniture {like TV cabinets, end tables, etc.}. How’s that for a crazy goal!
11. Don’t over-do it.
Because I’m somewhat of a go-getter, I’m often asked to be on lots of different committees, volunteer organization, and other non-profit groups. And while all of them are wonderful opportunities… I can’t do them all!
Dave and I have actually scaled back on the number of volunteer programs we are a part of, but this is definitely something I want to be cautious of in 2012 as well. I don’t want to over-do it and get too busy again.
11. Make lots of time for family.
We’ve always been “family people” and are very fortunate that both Dave’s parents and my parents live within 20 minutes of our house. We see many of our immediate and extended family members on a regular basis… and I love that.
However, now that we have a baby, I really want to make sure we are spending quality time with our new little family too. Even though it can be stressful to do things with a small baby, and even though we really can’t do a whole lot with Nora just yet, I still want to take the time to make a bunch of great memories with both her and with Dave. Everyone always tells me how fast they grow up so I figure I better not miss my chance!
12. Relax and go with the flow!
Yup, this one will be pretty hard for me — but I’ve decided that unless I want to go insane this year, I’m going to have to learn to relax. The house is not going to be as clean, I’m not going to have as much energy, I won’t be able to know exactly what will happen at every moment of the day… and I bet I’m even going to forget a few things too!
So there you have it, my 12 personal goals for 2012. I’m hoping to achieve them all this year… but I’ve given myself grace, and room for changing my mind!
Megan Camp says
One of my goals is to be available for my friends and for people I know who have a need. I want God to use me and be ready and able to serve Him by serving them. Sometimes it means doing less in my own home but serving others is important to me.
On the drinking more water thing…
I didn’t realize this with my first baby but finally figured it out with baby #2 and after talking with friends. When you nurse, your body automatically tells you that it’s thirsty and you need to drink and it usually wants it immediately. I remember sitting down to nurse and I’d be holding the baby and then feel this incredible desire to drink something. I tried to always keep water nearby while nursing but often it was across the room. Just a little something I learned and maybe it’ll help you understand why you feel so thirsty all the time. Keep drinking your water but know that the thirsty feeling is something that occurs with nursing (especially those first few months).
Andrea says
Great goal Megan!
and yes, I always keep a water bottle with me when I’m nursing!!
Patty Gardner says
I forgot to say that your “small” goals are very wise. When I first started exercising, I did only 10 minutes a day and worked up from that. I knew that was all I was going to do and I figured it was better than nothing. Goals have to be realistic! Sounds like you know yourself and what you’re capable of. Better to start small and succeed than go for broke and go broke!
Patty Gardner says
I’ve been in a situation like that recently where making a list seemed useless and yet I couldn’t function without one. One thing I learned was that even if I don’t get much of the list done, I still do better with a list than without one.
Another thing that helps is to structure your list based on three categories: daily priorities (like making dinner, tidying the house, sweeping, laundry, etc.), the things you MUST do that day (like pay bills, go to the dr, make a phone call) and a section of things you need to do sometime during the week but not on a specific day. You work on your high priorities and your daily priorities and if that’s all you get done, then at least you got the most important things done. If you get those done and have some unexpected time, you tackle the things on the “do this week” list. Setting up that structure helped me a lot when my days were so unpredictable.
Good luck! You’ll figure it out – it just takes a little time. Just don’t get too fond of any routine because things are always changing!
Janelle says
I do not think that I got as much done as you have during the first 6 weeks of my son’s life! You are definitely doing great and it is good to hear that you are trying to go with the flow! It is hard, but it will get easier as time goes on.
If you are breastfeeding, that could be a reason as to why you are so thirsty all of the time. Drink more water – it helps to increase your milk production. I drank SO much water while I was breast feeding!
I bought one of those wrap blankets (called swaddleme) and that really helped to settle my 2nd baby down when I put him down for a nap – he broke out of the regular blanket swaddle that i did with him. They sell them at babies r us – maybe other places too!
Lisa Harrison says
Sorry everyone–I meant to comment above, not reply!
Ann says
I’m all for you learning how to crochet and sharing the pattern for those really cute headbands! I am more comofortable knitting than crocheting but would like to practice the crocheting without having to do a big project. Let’s learn together!
Andrea says
Ann, I’ll ask her about the pattern — but I honestly don’t know if she even used one. She’s really crafty so she might have just “made it up”!!
Diana says
Oh Andrea, please don’t be too hard on yourself. Having a new baby in the house will be one of the most disruptive things in your life. I speak from experience and I too was very disheartened that I wasn’t able to complete any tasks because of the baby. It is hard but it really does get easier each month. Go ahead and make your list every night because it will make you sleep easier (if you get to sleep that night) but don’t be too disappointed if it doesn’t all get accomplished. Try to get outside at least once a day with the baby. It will help both of your spirits and let anyone in your family babysit so that you can have a little time to yourself.
Andrea says
Thanks Diana,
You are so right!! And I am still making my lists each night because otherwise I do just lay there and think about what I need to do and hope I don’t forget! I know, I’m crazy 🙂
And even though it’s really cold here right now, it’s been very sunny {that is not normal for West MI winters} so I’ve definitely been enjoying the sunshine!!
alyssa says
I can sympathize with you feeling so disoriented after having a baby. I’m expecting my third now and am finally feeling like after 3 and a half years I’m getting the hang of getting things done while not knowing what will happen. I still get frustrated when I’m walking out the door and the baby poops! Or the toddler accidentally spills his milk right before company walks through the door. But there is no way to plan for these thing, and I guess that’s just part of being a Mom.
I always feel like I just get a schedule figured out and then the baby they change… drops a nap, develop a new skill like crawling or walking… and I’m be back to square one.
I know this isn’t very encouraging, but the first three months are defiantly the most challenging. After that it gets so much easier to find a rhythm… and sleep! I’m looking forward to hearing how it goes for you! Nora is a beauty!
Andrea says
Thanks for the encouragement alyssa!
Even after 6 weeks, I can tell that things are getting easier, but we’re still working to get her to sleep more at night! It’s also pretty overwhelming because she’s still at the stage where she pretty much needs to be held all the time. She does like her swing, but other than that, we either have to play with her on her little play mat or hold her… both of which mean we get nothing else done!
Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship says
Ahem…sling, Andrea. Come visit me; I’ll lend you one! 😉 Katie
Andrea says
Yes, I have a couple different wraps Katie… but the issue right now is mainly that she will NOT got to bed at night so I’m just exhausted during the day. We often the wraps in the evening and then I can work on my laptop while “holding” her. I have noticed that my back always feels a bit sore after wearing them though — like I’m arching it or something??
Dianne@Baking4Six says
I was looking forward to you having your baby and hearing how organized you were going to be… and you still are! My husband and I have been together for 20 years and I gave birth to our first (of four) children when I was 26 1/2 years old. Looking back at photos I see how much I used to do before children, and even when we had 2 children – and – after reading your blog and others I wondered how my weekly life had become so unpredictable (and at times, seemingly un-productive – although I am typically quite busy all day). I compared my life to yours… and kept thinking, if she can do it, I can too!! — It’s really refreshing to hear how baby Nora has changed your life and is a reminder to me that I haven’t gone astray – that children do change our lives (especially four) – for the better. As much as I long for a clean-organized house, the memories of a clean floor are practically meaningless compared to the memory of the time my girls were little and got into ALL of my baking supplies (think molasses with flour on top). Hence one of my #1 2012 New Years Goal – Photography… http://baking4six.com/2012-goals-1-photography/
Good luck with your goals… they seem very family & self oriented. Nora will definitely benefit from happy, healthy parents. Not too mention, her grandparent’s will love spending time with her (and I bet you & Dave will talk about Nora while you are on your date). Happy New Year!!
Karen @ Abundance on a Dime says
I have found that what works best for me is to have one big specific goal or focus for the year. Last year it was getting my book written and published (which I managed to squeak in just under the wire; the official publication date was Dec 6th, and I’d actually started writing it in the fall of 2010). This year my hubby and I decided to make the focus home renovations as our fixer upper still has a lot of things that need doing to it and we’re just not going to get them done unless we make it a priority. Of course I have other things I want to accomplish this year but I find making one thing the main priority helps get the “big” things accomplished and the smaller things slide in there fairly easily.
Andrea says
Yes Karen, I have my share of HUGE goals too — and then I try to break them down into smaller goals to help me accomplish them. Our house projects were our huge goals last spring/summer/fall, and I probably won’t have any other huge goals until later this spring again… I’m giving myself some time off 🙂
Congrats on the book!
Julia says
I made a pinboard with some goals for January only. http://pinterest.com/juliajean/january-projects/ which is now one way I can get specific things done with compressed time limits.
I really wanted to share that as a mom of one under two (and soon to have another!) Life changes drastically and God gives us our specific children for a reason. In your case it may be to slow down for a while! I’d recommend you keep doing very small to do lists. Except now they may include items that we used to take for granted – clean floor, do one load of laundry, make dinner. And that may be all you get done for a day! It’s the season you’re in. If you ever feel like it, you can ask me how things change when they’re toddlers. – Julia
Tammy Skipper (@Tammy_Skipper) says
One of my goals is to create something every month, with the idea being they would be Christmas gifts for this year. I had fun making custom photo coasters in December and they were very well received. I have lots of other goals, but have shared only a few of them in the last week: http://skipperclan.com/2012/01/01/3-in-30-january-challenge/
Lisa Harrison says
I had a bucket list long before the movie…I’ve been working for years now on a screenplay about a guy secretly making his girlfriend’s wish list come true. But this year, I discovered the perfect website for those of us who love making and accomplishing resolutions and bucket lists: dayzeroproject.com. You can even follow your friends’ progress toward their goals–almost like a facebook for the goal-oriented set. Try it and let me know if you do and I’ll follow you!