I contemplated choosing a word for the year, but decided instead to focus on my top goals. As always, my primary goal is to draw closer to the Lord by spending time in Bible reading and prayer each day, attending church regularly, and studying the Word. I purchased a downloadable Daily Goal Tracker that I'll be using to track my goal of having a Quiet Time each day.
Along with this goal, I've chosen five focus goals for 2016:
MOVE, LEARN, TEACH, SCRAP and CLEAN.
MOVE - I'll be focusing on adding more movement in my life through exercise, activity and adventures. In January, my goal is to exercise at least 30 minutes every day. Robbie will be joining me in my quest to exercise more and suggested that we start the year out right with a walk this morning (even though it was only 41 degrees!).
I'll also be focusing on being more active throughout the day. I feel like I've gotten lazy with a lot of things over the past year, so I'm going to set a focus each month that will help me get things done. This month I'm focusing on getting all my weekly house cleaning done in a 2-hour period on Mondays. I realize that might not sound like a great goal for MOVE, but lately I've been spreading the cleaning out over the entire week, working a little here and there, skipping some things, doing others only halfheartedly. A set time period where I work consistently to get it all done will add much needed activity to the beginning of each week.
I also want to add more movement through monthly "adventures", basically getting out and about more. As the year goes on, these adventures will become more and more active, but for the month of January I'm simply planning to spend a day at the local nature & science museum.
LEARN - This year I want to take time for learning. I'm a huge proponent of lifelong learning. I've taken numerous classes over the years, however, this past year I did not participate in many classes and am really missing the challenge of assignments and interaction with others. I'm planning to participate in more online classes, take a few in-person classes, and (as always) read lots of books in my quest to learn new things this year.
In January, I'll be working through some online classes at the new Big Picture Classes (because I inadvertently paid for membership for a month). I'm also planning to learn how to set up a Wordpress website, and I'll be starting Debbie Hodge's Teach What You Do e-course. In addition, Cheri invited me to join her in taking Cathy Zielske's FIT 2016 workshop. I signed up yesterday and worked through the Welcome materials. I'm planning to check out the January materials later today and will share more about the class in an upcoming post.
TEACH - I truly enjoyed teaching in-person classes at our local scrapbook stores last year and plan to continue that throughout 2016. I have ideas for lots of classes - Bible Journaling, card making, scrapbooking, and mixed media art. I'll also be researching ideas for online classes! This month I'm teaching a class on creating Vision Boards at our local library and will be scheduling and announcing new classes for February.
SCRAP - While I created quite a few layouts this past year, I did not scrapbook as much as I would have liked. Part of the reason is that I was not motivated at times and another part is the fact that my craft room was in transition. The new room is not complete, but everything is set up in a way that I can get to my supplies and photos, and I'm looking forward to lots of creativity in this new space this year!
My scrapping goals this month include adding photos and memorabilia to the December 2015 mini-album I created last summer, scrapbooking the stories and photos from our Spring Break vacation this past March, and creating a photo book of our get-togethers with Robbie's brother and his family.
CLEAN - Once again I am setting the goal to deep clean and declutter our home. This is one of those goals that is always ongoing. I didn't make much progress on this last year, but am determined to do better this year as we continue to move things around and redecorate the house. This month we are planning to complete the bookshelves we are building to house Robbie's trading card binders, get them set up in the office, and relocate the collection there. I'm also planning to clean and declutter the laundry room (again) and simplify my wardrobe (some more).
So, this year I'll be in MOVE - LEARN - TEACH - SCRAP - CLEAN mode! I realize it sounds like a lot, but I'll be setting small goals each month in order to focus my efforts for a productive year.
What are your plans for 2016?
It's an ambitious list, but I'm pretty sure you'll be able to tackle it in your usual, positive way! I think you get as much done as anyone I know!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Melissa! I too will be joining you in Cathy's "Fit" course as well as Debbie's "Teach What You Do". Thanks to Anna Aspnes, I completed a "Holiday 2015" Album this year. I decided not to call it December Daily and began documenting the Holidays with Thanksgiving this year and through Christmas. I've already sent it off to be printed into a book.......am trying Picaboo this time. Can't wait to see it in print. I've already listed three other albums I'd like to complete and have printed this year. I've been decluttering for a year now and still have more to do! Baby steps...but I can see progress! Good luck to you on your goals!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll manage it,Melissa.
ReplyDeleteAll the very best with an exciting list. There is plenty there to keep you busy this year! I'm going to be spending the year trying to boost my immune system. 2015 had too many antibiotics in it
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of goals rather than resolutions. Yours sound doable and you seem to be starting off on the right track. I want to go through my whole house and do a major clean-out. One thing I've learned through the years and in my organizing business---the more space you have, the more stuff you keep!! I'm going to try to be ruthless---if I haven't used it in 5 years---it goes!!! Clothing is a different matter. If I haven't worn it in a year, it's gone!! Wish me luck. I how a daunting task ahead of me!!
ReplyDeleteHappy 2016. Great post. I actually chose the word Quiet this year as my word, not actually taking Ali's class but focusing on the areas in my life that needs some quiet. These areas are similar to your topics. I think my main focus is to just live and not worry so much what others are doing. I get caught up in HOW I should do things, instead of just doing it. My plan is to have no plan and HAVE FUN. Thanks for sharing. Love reading your blog and happy you are safe from all the crazy weather in Texas.
ReplyDeleteYour energy and enthusiasm is infectious! This a great and comprehensive list and hoping you enjoy achieving your goals this year. I'll be following along :).
ReplyDeleteHappy new year dear friend. All great goals and I know you'll achieve them
ReplyDeleteI plan to explore new things this year! love your goals!
ReplyDeleteI think that's a great way to approach the new year. I have chosen a word ("brave"), but I also plan to set a few intentions (around health, art and family).
ReplyDeleteRinda