Every year I write down a few goals for myself—typically in my phone in the notes section. This method works great since no one else ever reads my notes; therefore, no one knows if I actually accomplish my goals or not!
This year I decided to put a few goals out there for the world to see. I’m sure they will evolve throughout the year or more goals will be added, but here are three basic goals.
1. Read a book every month
This feels almost silly to write down because I used to read ALL THE TIME! I actually love reading and used to have no problem reading a book a day. Life has gotten busy, I’ve struggled to make reading a priority (over TV and other mind numbing, useless things…), and I’ve had a hard time getting into the books I’ve picked up! One book a month sounds doable!
2. Run a full marathon
If there is one thing that has always been on my bucket list—this is it. I have never been great at sports, but running is that one sport that is really for everyone. You just need to be able to put one foot in front of the other! I am not fast; I struggle mentally with running and I often give up, but I really, really want to do this!
This year I am planning on doing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in October. I also hope to do another half this spring along with strength training and all that, but the big goal is to run a full. (I feel slightly sick just typing that…..)
3. Photograph and organize our memories
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from moving across the ocean, then moving back, it’s that you can’t hold on to “stuff.” You really are forced to decide what means the most to you and what you can let go of! We left behind a few bins of important memories when we moved to Malta and those important memories are still in those same bins today! They hold a variety of things that we don’t want to get rid of, but we will probably never display or take out of those bins. I’ve been thinking about how ridiculous that is—if those things are so important, then why are we hiding them in bins?! I have a plan to photograph and then write about each item (or group them together). Hopefully I can them upload them to shutterfly and make photo books. The idea is to then keep the memory books but not the “stuff” that will always be in a bin. I’m not sure how this will play out exactly! I hate clutter and usually have no issue getting rid of things, but these things may be more difficult to part with!
There are my three BIG goals for this year with obviously lots of small ones mixed right into accomplishing those larger ones!
What are your goals for the year?
Any book recommendations?
I would like two recommendations. I’d like to read the Bible more (like, I don’t read it at all unless its for supper devotions)…do you have a good app recommendation? I’d also like an app for daily motivation (gives me reminders, helps me keep my goals)…I’m sure you’ve got some goodies up your sleeve 😉
I am also making it a goal to read through the Bible this year–it’s a struggle for me, too. I use the Bible app…also known as YouVersion. It has probably thousands of Bible reading plans and every Bible version that exists! I just started the One Year Bible plan and then every day I hit plans and start it. You can also add friends on it and see what other people are reading or comment on stuff they highlight, etc. I also like that I can listen to the Bible reading instead of just always reading it. Gives a nice option for when you’re getting ready in the morning or something!
For the organization app–the one I want, but don’t have is the Simplified Planner app. Did you see the pic I tagged you in on IG? Emily Ley is the creator and has paper planners as well. I love her stuff from what I’ve seen and love that the planner app has grocery lists and meal schedules and stuff too. I think it also has inspirational things as well…I need to go buy it:)
I love your goals! This could almost be about me. I’m the same way with reading. I used to read all the time and last year I struggled to finish 3 books (my goal was 6). I may copy you with a book a month this year. I also have bins of souvenirs/mementos from travelling etc. I’ve been slowly scanning them and making digital photobooks. And I may be running Scotia again (Dan is thinking of running his first full marathon). If I do I’ll let you know. I know you can do it! 🙂
Seriously though–reading should not be so tough, especially when it’s something you enjoy! Thanks for reading:) Definitely let me know if you’re doing Scotia too!