.jpg)
For the past couple years instead of making resolutions at the beginning of the year, I make goals. Obviously you could make goals anytime but I like the idea of a fresh year and a fresh start. The whole reason I make goals is to live intentionally instead of just letting life happen. This year I really took the time to think through what I wanted my goals to be and formed our family goals with my husband. So I split it up into family and personal goals.
FAMILY:
1) Cultivate a grateful spirit in our home
I want our boys to grow up to be thankful, grateful, positive individuals. I want them to know all their gifts come from God and to live out their life’s mission from that perspective.
ACTIONABLE STEPS:
- Roundtable at dinner of what each family member is grateful for that day
- Praying together nightly
- Encouraging the boys with 1 or 2 things they did that day that was positive
2) Grow our family
I would love if that meant have a 3rd baby! If you’ve followed me for awhile, you might remember it’s a little tough for me to get pregnant. That means we will have to pursue the standard infertility process we did the last 2 times. Those would be the actionable steps.
3) Finish our Emergency Fund
This was a goal in 2016 and I’m happy to say we are half way there but I’d love to see us finish this fund by the end of 2017.
ACTIONABLE STEPS:
- Continue to budget every month
- Track purchases
- Meal plan
4) Go on a monthly date
We had a difficult past year and now that my husband is in a new career with a different work schedule, this has become super important to us.
ACTIONABLE STEPS:
- Keep a monthly planner
- Contact babysitters
- Do a weekly temperature reading
5) Take a trip just the two of us
We took a family vacation last year so we would love to take a trip just the two of us this year. We haven’t done this (besides a night away here and there) since before Jack was born.
ACTIONABLE STEPS:
- It’s already booked for March!
PERSONAL:
1) Finish 1 book a month
I keep thinking about the quote: “Readers are lifelong learners.”
ACTIONABLE STEPS:
- Read nightly so it becomes routine
- Limit screen time!
2) Minimize & organize our belongings
I started watching minimalist videos on YouTube last year and recently watched the documentary on Netflix so I got inspired to start living more minimally (at least to me!). Plus since we have to move, this will make hopefully make it a lot easier and faster.
ACTIONABLE STEPS:
- Sell unused things online
- Declutter an area or room every week
- Purge or donate stuff we don’t need
3) Define & maintain a creative outlet
This used to be my blog and freelance work but in recent months and years I haven’t done much with those things. Maybe that’s ok but I keep coming back to having this creative need.
ACTIONABLE STEPS:
- Pray daily about direction
- Journal and create art
- Blog more often
4) Maintain an active healthy lifestyle
We got a gym membership last February and since then I’ve been working out pretty consistently. I really enjoy the group fitness classes.
ACTIONABLE STEPS:
- Go to 2-3 fitness classes a week
- Meal plan (again!) healthy food
- Get outside often
Do you have goals for 2017? I would love to hear what they are!
Have you thought of using Poshmark to sell clothing/ shoes/ accessories you no longer wear or need? This might help bring in extra savings for your emergency as well! I made $2,000 the past 10 months I’ve used the Poshmark app
Hi Kelly, I just finally read this post but noticed you said you have to move? Where and why are ya’ll moving??nJust so curious. Been following you for years and have always felt like we are best friends even though you have no idea who I am! Hope all is well.