A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about my new found determination in tackling my 2020 Goals (you can read that here). I wrote a list of 12 and here are my top 5.
- Lose weight.
- Pay off our debt.
- Purge and organize the past 10 years worth of photos.
- Write a book.
- Focus my blog and post 3 times per week.
What I’m learning is that the process of going from a goal written on a piece of paper to something that is actually done and complete takes a lot of time, focus, and paying attention. It’s January 31, 2020 and here’s how I did this first month:
Weight Loss
- How am I doing it? I follow the Trim Healthy Mama plan(if you’re not familiar–just click the link to visit their website). Twice this month I followed their Fuel Cycle plan– for “stubborn losers” like me. Basically, it’s just a bit more strict and I have to cut out most dairy and nuts during that week. Also, I’m exercising 5 days a week.
- What worked? The Fuel Cycles definitely work for me, but I have to be careful to loosen up and allow a cheat now and then. Too many restrictions and I start feeling rebellious.
- What didn’t work? I think I allowed myself too many “cheats”.
- Was I successful? Yes and no. I went down and I went up, but I had a total net loss of 2 lbs. I’ll take it.
Pay off debt.
- How am I doing it? I read Dave Ramsey’s book, Total Money Makeover a couple of years ago. The Baby Step Plan makes a lot of sense to me. We are currently on Baby Step #2 –this is the pay off your debt step. It’s going to take a while.
- What worked? I re-wrote our budget and am trying VERY hard to stick to it.
- What didn’t work? Our grocery/household budget is always at the center of our troubles–no matter how much I plan, I seem to always go over. Also, the unexpected expenses–we had two big ones this month and that de-railed us a bit.
- Was I successful? Kinda, sorta, not really. We brought in a good amount of extra income and I was able to pay off a little of our debt, but then (see? those two words kill it every time!) we had a couple of big expenses we hadn’t planned for. One step forward, two steps back–the dance continues…
Purge and organize the past 10 years worth of photos.
- How am I doing it? I have ALL of our photos saved on an external hard drive. Thankfully, I’ve kept them somewhat organized by year and month over the years. I go through and choose the best ones and save them in a separate folder organized by the year and month with the specific date of the photo.
- What worked? I have found that my lunch time works great for getting this done. Traditionally, I like to watch a favorite show while I eat lunch. I now, grab my lap top and work away after I finish eating.
- What didn’t work? I feel like I need to pick up the pace. Right now I’m in the years I have already mostly organized. Come 2015 and beyond–there are SO many photos to go through.
- Was I successful? Yes. I got a whole years worth done. That made me feel very happy.
Write a book.
- How am I doing it? Of all my goals this one is by far the most intimidating. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a REALLY long time so I am spending some time educating myself right now. I subscribe to Jerry Jenkins emails and he regularly sends out writing tips–I’ve compiled a folder for quick reference. I also purchased a book by one of my favorite authors, Janet Evonovich, called “How I write”. I’m about half way through and it is a gold mine of wonderful information on the whole writing process.
- What worked? Reading Janet Evonovich’s book is definitely help build my confidence.
- What didn’t work? Making time to write a daily discipline has been more difficult than I thought. Jerry Jenkins often says “Writing is done with seat in chair.”
- Was I successful? Well, I haven’t actually started anything yet. I’m worried that I’ll get stuck in the learning phase–so, I think I need to put a time limit on that part, but I’m ok with the steps I’ve taken so far.
Focus my blog and post 3 times per week.
- How am I doing it? I’m writing every day now. It used to be that I would just haphazardly sit down when I felt I had some time. Now, I’m making it a daily part of my schedule for my blog and for my yet to be written book.
- What worked? The focus on making writing a part of my daily schedule is key.
- What didn’t work? Sometimes I feel like I force things just to keep the schedule and it’s not the quality or tone I’m looking to portray.
- Was I successful? Mostly. I still want to spend some time focusing the content more. I also need to do some updating and learn more about the ins and outs of blogging.
I hope you all are plugging away at yours and being successful. Don’t give up!
My resolution …I mean goal, this year was to rest….yep my idea of exercise is a good brisk sit! CONGRATULATIONS, you have done more in one month then I probably will this entire year, unless a sudden burst of energy becomes a body snatcher( I think I can Safely say ain’t happening).
Write, organize, purge, cut yourself a break(post blog 2 times a weeK).
Debt is life…my trick was pay extra on the smallest, once paid…take payment add to next smallest and on up. Each time you pay one off the better you feel…and then hide all Amazon boxes, envelopes, and smile Innocently 😃
You are my hero! I think resting is an excellent goal. I think the reason I’m so ramped up is because I’ve been doing too much of that. It’s time for me to get off my rumpess. Haha! I’m for sure learning to give myself the gift of grace and mercy and not let perfectionism drive me. I just want to reach a little further and see how far I can get.
I admire your daily accomplishments…i think I have become a pro myself…I can talk myself out of projects in minutes.😂 Have fun reach your goal, but don’t burn yourself out.