2012 Goals

3 January 2012

The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is one of my favorite weeks of the year. I like setting goals, and this quiet time is perfect for looking back at what I’ve accomplished (or not) throughout the past year, and looking forward to what I hope to do and be in the coming year.

I’m entering the second year of my 101 in 1001, and am continuing to check things off that list (so far, I’ve completed 14 goals, and have another 35 in progress!). Those are my more experiential, overarching, life-enriching goals.

In 2012, however, I feel moved to make a second set of goals that are more quotidian. These are basic things that should already be a part of my life, but aren’t for a variety of reasons (and yes, that reason is most often laziness). That being said, I think it’s unproductive to set a goal of doing something every day when trying to establish a new habit, because if you miss one day, or even a few days in a row, it might seem like there’s no point in getting back on the train.

SO. Here’s what I’m going to do instead. I’ve made a list of twelve daily practices that I want to become habits by the end of 2012. They include: wake up at or before 8am, go to sleep by 11pm, go for a walk, floss, read the Bible, eat breakfast, do the dinner dishes before I go to bed, make the bed in the morning, and a few others.

In January, February, and March, I’m going to do at least four of these practices every day. In April, May, and June, I’m going to do six. In July, August, and September, eight. In October, November, and December, ten. I’m not sure what 2013 will hold yet, but the goal is that all of these practices will have become habits by then, and perhaps I can start over with a new set! The thing I love most about this system, is that it doesn’t expect me to do everything every day — and especially because there are so many things I’d like to start doing, that is a very good thing. As my friend Emily likes to say, grace, not perfection.

To keep track of everything and make this system as easy as possible for myself, I’m planning to purchase this goal log, which I spotted on my other friend Emily’s blog.

What do you think, friends? And what are your 2012 goals? If you’ve posted about them, feel free to leave a link so I can come encourage you! :)

Mother Teresa print by CreatebyRET

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January 3, 2012 11:35 am

LOVE that strategy Em!! I’ll be adopting that myself!

xoxo
M:)

January 3, 2012 10:42 pm

I love this strategy!!! I’m trying to make a few everyday changes this year too – doing dishes before bed is one that didn’t make the “official” list but has been a priority recently, it makes for much nicer mornings! Here’s my main 2012 list, best of luck with yours! http://bekastays.wordpress.com/2012/01/02/beka-stays-2012-goals/

Uncle John
January 4, 2012 9:02 am

Love your place, Em!

January 4, 2012 11:11 am

This is such a smart way to tackle your goals! I’m still working on my list for 2012, but I’m excited for everything that’s ahead! Does it count as a resolution if I just say I want 2012 to be one of my best years ever? :)
Happy New Year!

Em
January 5, 2012 2:16 pm

Hi Lisa! Yes, I most definitely think it does :)

Megan
January 5, 2012 10:31 pm

Hey! You get married this year!! : ) Love the goals. I finally made mine! Somewhat similar, actually! We can keep each other on track~ Love the Grace not Perfection. Fab inspiration.

May 8, 2013 10:53 am

Em, thank you for encouraging goal setting and goal achieving in such a realistic way! I love that you approach your goals with grace and space to allow yourself to reach for a better way without overwhelming yourself with unnecessary pressure. The world runs at such a fast pace that I don’t believe God made us to follow. Thank you for setting an example and sharing practical tips to create new, good life habits with grace! Ecclesiastes 3:1-14