Photograph Credit: Flickr (Angie Torres)
Replacing those lazy days of summer are busy days on the run. Accepting the fact that I spend more time in the van than I really want, I am working to keep life simple.
Coming off August where our family was on vacation most of the month, I am slowly finding our groove.
If I measured my goals on my progress each month, then I would get discouraged because my progress is slow. However, looking back to January, I see how far I’ve come. If you are struggling with your goals, reevaluate, and keep going. Setbacks will come. Accept them, regroup, and proceed.
The following is my recap of August, and my goals for September:
Physical
Drink 4 glasses of water per day. Water really is great for me, but I went back to sweet tea and diet coke. Need to get back on track.
Eat breakfast each morning. The morning routine is busy, and I don’t always eat breakfast, so I’m struggling with this goal again.
Exercise for 20 minutes at least 3 times a week. Not sure where to fit in this goal. I do walk the track once a week during my son’s soccer practice, but I need more exercise. Can anyone recommend a regularly-updated health blog? I need a cheerleading squad. 😉
Family
Plan at least one family outing/activity each week. Accomplished! This goal doesn’t seem hard because it is so fun. We attended a baseball game, enjoyed the vanilla ice cream cones at Burger King, family dinner, soccer games, and dressing up like Pirates for Talk Like a Pirate Day. Love this goal, and keeping it all year.
Spend 10 minutes with each child each day. Accomplished! This goal is easier with my children on different schedules. I get to spend time with my toddler all morning, then help my kindergartner with her homework, and later work with my son. Thrilled that this priority is working.
Allow children to help with a household task each week. Done! After cleaning out their desks AGAIN, my children are still learning, but mostly put their items away. It is a process, and we are moving forward.
Financial
Follow Crystal’s year-long plan to reach my goals. I’m adjusting this goal. For months June, July, and August, Crystal recommends a full-fledged budget and going cash-only. Agreeing to compromise with the cash-only by using cash for big purchases and credit card for weekly expenses, I am on track.
For the full-fledged budget, I need a better system than pen and paper. If anyone uses an online or electronic system, then please share. I’m moving on to the September and October goal of using coupons. Though I am already using coupons, I need to get my menu plan completed at the beginning of each week for September.
Purchase dressers for my daughters’ room. This goal is ongoing. No progress this month, but we are in no hurry.
Purchase upgraded computers for hubby and me. This goal is also ongoing. Put aside savings this month towards this goal.
Business
Write posts one week in advance. Took a big step backwards this month. The last two weeks have been tough, and I’m still getting posts written. I am taking baby steps getting back to this goal. Grateful for the taste of victory before falling behind, but I press on and keep writing.
Make one improvement to the blog this month. Accomplished! I upgraded my plugins to improve the speed of Using Time Wisely. My project of upgrading and correcting older posts is still a work in progress.
Read two chapters of blog book each month. Reading lots of children’s books, but no blog books. Keeping this goal to try again in September.
Thankfully, I made progress on my family goals since major improvements are needed with my physical goals. With each month having its challenges, I refuse to give up. When it gets tough, I readjust, focus, and start again. Encouraged by the improvements, I take these new goals and move forward. You can do it, too. Happy goal reaching!
Question: How are your goals coming along?