Happy New Year!
2018. A new year, a new slate!
There is something so refreshing about a new year. It feels like anything is possible... or at least it does for the first few days. I don't know about you, but I am REALLY great at making goals. Like I could be a professional goal maker. But following through with those goals? That's a different story. You should see my resolutions from last year. I was 11 days shy of having our baby girl and apparently thought I'd be conquering the world while also taking on motherhood. If I wasn't so embarrassed I'd post a picture of the list I wrote. Seriously laughable.
But this year is different! I may not be mastering motherhood, but I at least have a hold on my everyday and my goals are a little more realistic. And more than that, I have a better system for MAKING goals and if you're looking for a good place to start, let me help you!
Although the year always seems to fly by, a year is still far too long and too difficult to measure. We need to break our goals up into smaller chunks so we stand a chance at succeeding and then get to celebrate when we do! So let's try not only making resolutions for this year, but for this month, this week, or even just tomorrow!
Last year the ONLY resolution I kept was reading the entire Bible. I have tried this a few times in the past, but always got so behind at some point that I just gave up. I am so proud to have finally achieved this lifelong goal and I highly recommend you doing it if you never have before! There are so many great plans out there, but I did "The Bible in a Year" through She Reads Truth. I have the app on my phone and it was so easy to keep up with because I always have my phone and could read it whenever I had a quiet moment (usually while I was nursing!). Since this was the only resolution I kept last year, I am going to make a similar one for this year!
2018 Year Long Resolution: Read my devotional everyday. This year I am going to be reading New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp. I bought this a few months ago after hearing GREAT things about it and am excited to dive in. I love year long devotionals because I think it holds you accountable to have the date at the top. A couple others I have done in the past and recommend are Jesus Calling and Jesus Today by Sarah Young. I plan on doing my reading first thing in the morning to start my day by getting into the Word. Join me and let's hold each other accountable!
2018 Quarter 1 Resolution: I think the teacher in me will always think about the year in quarters. For these goals I am going to split the year into four chunks and make a new goal every quarter. So this first one will be from January - March so it is easier to manage and keep up with! I am really nervous to put this one out there, but this goal is to run a half marathon in March. Ahhh I said it so now I have to keep it, right? The most I have ever run is a 10k, but I have been wanting to do this for awhile now and am finally going to make myself do it! Training starts today! Any tips? Send them my way!
January Resolution: Make our bed everyday. This one sounds silly, but truly I feel SO much more productive if I start the day making my bed. For the first 6 six years of marriage I was almost always up before Miles for that #teacherlife and sometimes would even leave the house before he was awake. Making the bed wasn't really an option unless I was going to make it with him in it! We both get up around the same time now so this goal is more realistic! I'm hoping if I do it all month long it will become a habit I stick with!
Weekly Resolution: Wash my face every night. This is SO hard for me that I'm just making it a goal for this week, will hopefully succeed, and then continue to make it a weekly goal moving forward! I have such a hard time making myself do this because the last thing I want to do is get my face all wet and alert when I'm sleepy and just want to dive into bed! But the sad truth is I'm in my late twenties (gasp) and my skin isn't getting any younger!
Today's Resolution: Write in my planner. Truth: I get a planner every year and use it for about a month. Maybe two. We're in the iPhone generation where you can keep your schedule in your pocket at all times, so why use a planner? I think there is something therapeutic about writing out your week in a planner and sticking to it. This year I got a planner from Horacio Printing . Now I'm not going to lie, it is NOT cheap. But I am SO excited about using it and it was definitely worth the splurge. Horacio Printing is a christian based organization and gives part of their profits to fight human trafficking. The planner in itself is not only a great organization tool, but it is more of a journal as well. It has areas for you to write out your dreams, prayers, and seasonal praises. I truly believe this one tool will help me keep my other resolutions and be intentional with my time! *Also, you can get 10% off by using code word "loved" at check out. Every little bit helps!
So there you go. A few of my resolutions out there for the world to see. I'll be reflecting on year 2017 today as I make a few more personal resolutions. Where did I succeed? What areas do I need to grown in? How can I love others well and serve my family? Thank you Father for the sweetest year, our tiniest blessing, and for granting us another year of Your grace and an opportunity to bring You glory!
Happy New Year!