When I do my Annual Review each year, I like to focus on 3 to 5 goals. I’ve learned I do best when I keep my focus narrow and in depth instead of spreading myself out. My goals usually come out of my evaluation of what worked and didn’t work in the previous year. I find an area that resonates me whether it’s something I need to improve or a new direction I’m taking.
4 Words to Represent my Goals
2014 Words: Release, Compassion, Dedication, Discipline
Last year, I wrote down 4 words that resonated with me. These 4 words defined my daily approach to achieving my goals. I struggled with the words, especially the discipline and dedication. As a work at home mom juggling family, volunteering, and work, discipline is not something I learned overnight. Just because I was dedicated to making changes didn’t mean I was disciplined enough to make them. Since my 4 words continue to have meaning for me, I decided to keep them for 2014.
2014 Goals
2014 will be the year of a new direction for me as I move to writing as a business. Writing has always been a part of me just like photography. Writing and photography are how I express myself.
Since 2013 turned out to be the year of running injuries, I’ve decided 2014 is my comeback year as a runner. While I hope I can run a half marathon in the fall, ultimately, I will be happy to simply get out the door and run. Setting a goal of running 14 races appeals to the competitive side of me, especially since I only completed 6 of my 13 races in 2013.
Relationships are the thread that ties my life together as a wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law, and friend. After the break-up of a long-term family relationship in 2012, I struggled to find my footing as a trusting person again. I am incredibly blessed to have so many different types of women in my life for so many reasons. Each and every one of them teaches me something and stretches me. My goal is to continue to nurture all these relationships and be open to new friends in my life.
1. Run 14 races in 2014
- Stick to a regular running schedule, and use treadmill if needed.
- Daily: Stretch and strengthen my legs and ankles to prevent new injuries.
- Write down what I do to keep myself motivated.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Schedule a half marathon for the fall.
2. Write, write, and write and make an income with it
- Clear my calendar of whatever I can. I’m stepping down from some responsibilities to free up time.
- Delegate more. My kids ARE learning to cook this year. Oh, and do their own laundry, too.
- Set a regular work schedule and stick to it.
- Learn to “turn off.” I unplugged for almost a whole week over Christmas week. That was really nice!
3. Improve my photography skills
- Take pictures almost daily of my kids.
- Take a photo jaunt every month or so.
4. Love people (Relationships)
- Weekly date nights with hubs.
- Have more cuddle time with those of my children who will tolerate it.
- Monthly dates with each kid individually.
- Help those around me who need it, whether I know them or not.
- Smile and be real with folks.
- Take pictures and video daily.
- Remember more family birthdays and send cards.
What’s your #1 goal for 2014?
Shared at:
Monthly Mama Goals
I love how you not only set goals but you reflect on the past and you set very specific steps to get you closer to each goal. I look forward to following along this year as you meet and review your goals. Thank you so much for linking up.
Dayna@ Lemon lime adventures recently posted..2013 Best Blog Posts
My word for 2014 is peace, and I think that my primary goal is to simplify so that there is room for peace in my life!
maryanne @ mama smiles recently posted..World Culture for Kids: Bushveld, South Africa
Simplifying does create more peace. I know I get really stressed when surrounded by clutter.