Well, I’ve decided I’m not making any resolutions this year. Let’s face it – last year sort of sent us all over the edge in terms of unexpected happenings so I’ve kind of been turned off of resolutions. Thank you, COVID. You just keep on giving.
But in listening to Mark Batterson on the That Sounds Fun Podcast a few weeks ago, I realized that I could still make some goals. Not resolutions that have to begin in January and that I’m sure to fail at by Valentine’s Day.
But actual bite-sized goals that I can accomplish in order to reach a bigger goal.
I don’t want to look back five years from now with regret, lamenting the fact that the only thing I did was watch Netflix every single night.
There are things I want to do – things that seem overwhelming – yet when you break them down into bite-sized chunks, they seem more achievable.
So here are my goals for this season in my life. Not 2021. Maybe not even six months. Just this season.
- Exercise 3 times a week. In past seasons, I would’ve scoffed at this goal. Three times a week? That’s nothing! But in my current season, I can barely find the time to exercise once a week. This goal will take some assistance from my family as Peter or Brienne will need to cook dinner or put children to bed so I can head down to our basement gym. It will also take a commitment from me because let’s face it, I’m exhausted by the end of the day and frankly, all I want to do in the evenings is lay on the couch with a good book. Or Netiflix.
- No Sugar for 40 Days. This is an example of a short goal. I’m currently in the middle of a 40 Day Sugar Fast which will be over the day before Valentine’s Day. (Ironic, isn’t it?) So for 7 days a week until February 13, I will attempt to consume zero amounts of sugar. Thankfully this goal won’t last forever although I might do a modified version after Valentines Day (e.g. no sugar 4 days a week).
- Work on my blog 1 day a week. One day seems doable, right?
- Work on my book 2 days a week. During COVID (or maybe a few months before – who can remember at this point?), I started writing a memoir of sorts, documenting our journey of infertility and adoptions. It was almost finished and then I put it down. Big shocker, I know. I’m known for starting something, getting so close to the finish line, and then just stopping. What makes me do that? (And it doesn’t have to be with the big things. It’s with the little things too. For example, I will pick up groceries, come home, and unload every single thing from the back of my van. Except a case of sparkling water. Or a large pack of paper towels. I mean, seriously, how difficult is it to just go back out to the garage one more time and get that last item? Apparently, it’s just too much for me. But I digress…) Anyway, I have a goal to finish this darn book, so I’m going to get back to it. Two days a week.
Alright, I’ve bared my soul a little bit here. Ha! What goals do you have for this season in your life? Run a marathon? Clean your house? Save up for a big vacation?
I’d love to hear from you!