2020.
The beginning of a new year. The beginning of a new decade. When I was a kid, 2020 seemed so far into the future. I was sure by 2020 we would have flying cars and robots that did all of our chores. While technology has soared since the 1980’s, we still aren’t at Jetson’s status yet. However, my Roomba feels pretty close!
Every new year, I take time to reflect on my accomplishments of the year before. I think it’s important to take note of what you HAVE DONE and the changes you have made. Next, I focus on what my new goals will be. I don’t know if it’s that 2020 seems like the right time to go big or if it’s my chapter in life right now, but this year I feel extra determined and ambitious! I’ve got big dreams, small ideas, and everything in between. I want to share with you a generalized list to help inspire you this year.
So, in no particular order, let’s get started!
1. Start a blog. This has been on my mind for awhile now and here it is….my first blog post!
2. Complete a 5K running challenge. I got started on this one early! I’m already 6 weeks in! I hurt my knee almost two years ago so I had to stop running (or even walking long distances). After a lot of time off and some physical therapy, I’ve healed enough to start again, but very slowly! There’s several apps out there to choose from for this type of challenge. I’m using one called C25K. It’s an eight week program that guides you through each run. I highly recommend it!
3. Random short challenges. I struggle hard with staying focused, so short challenges are my jam. They force me to stay hyper focused on one thing and I feel so proud of myself at the end. Short challenges teach you that you CAN. They help you practice dedication. And if you’re lucky, maybe a good habit will stick! Some examples….. Drink one gallon of water a day for a week. A 30 day squat challenge. 30 day plank challenge. One week plant based meals. One week, one room makeover. 30 day devotional. Pinterest is full of short challenge ideas. I’m sure you can find something you’d like to try!
4. Yearly savings plan. Saving is always a good idea. I have tried the weekly reverse savings plan, but I’ve never finished it. I want this to be the year I actually complete it!
5. Wake up earlier. I am not a morning person. I hit snooze and wait til the last minute to get up. I have always wanted to be the kind of person that wakes before the alarm, jumps out of bed, and greets the new day like a long lost friend. I thought when you grow up you become that person. It hasn’t happened for me yet. So, maybe I start with getting up with my first alarm. And then gradually setting it back a few minutes at a time. I don’t need a lot of extra time in the morning, but a few minutes to enjoy my coffee before the kids get up would be really nice.
6. One date a month. Schedules are busy. Life is demanding. Marriage can get lost in the midst of our crazy lives. We have to be diligent and make our spouse a priority. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it needs to be a time when you can just focus on each other and reconnect. Your whole family will benefit from it.
7. One adventure a month. I thrive on a schedule, but it is NOT natural for me. It actually goes against everything I feel I am. I’m way more of a free spirit that likes to go where the wind takes me. But I understand how important it is to have structure for my family, so I do my best to create that for us. (Plus, I’m married to a very structured man). However, it can be stifling. This year I am determined to do one thing a month that takes us out of our regular routine. It’s so good for my soul.
8. Vacation. This fall, my oldest son will be a high school senior. A SENIOR. I’m not even kidding, one day you’re knee deep in diapers and spit-up laundry and the next you’re talking about what colleges they’ll go to. You only have 18 summers with your baby before they’re an adult. Take as many family vacations as you can. Even if it’s a short trip or a staycation, make the memories!
9. Gratitude journal. I don’t have the time to journal the way I once did, but I think I could do a quick gratitude journal a couple times a month. I love the idea of spending a few designated minutes to focus on what I’m thankful for.
10. Clean out email inbox. This might not be for you, but I know there’s a couple other people out there like me. I won’t say how many emails were in my inbox, but I will say it took me two hours to delete them. In my defense, 98% of them were from stores and other unimportant places. As I went through them, I either unsubscribed or changed the settings so I will receive fewer in the future. It’s been so easy to keep up with it now!
11. Home projects. This is my favorite goal! I have a few ideas for this year and can’t wait to get started on them.
12. Use what you have before buying something new. I love trying to repurpose items and giving them new life. Shop your house or your closet before you hit the stores (or Amazon).
13. Buy a bottle of wine you will drink in 20 years. I read this idea recently and loved it. I’m totally doing this! This year is my 10 year wedding anniversary. I think I will buy it that day and drink it on our 30th!
14. Purge your closet. I moved at the end of December 2018 and purged my closet as I packed. I started 2019 with a closet full of everything I thought I loved. However, as the year passed, I realized I didn’t wear at least 25% of what I kept. It’s time to purge again!
15. Self-care. Whatever this means to you, do it. Take time to pamper yourself, even if that means sitting quiet in your car for a half hour. I remember when I had babies just going to the grocery store alone felt like self-care. You will be a better mom, wife, and person when you take care of yourself.
I hope these fifteen ideas inspired you. I have a few other personal goals that I won’t bore you with, but I think these are kind of universal. I wish you the very best in 2020! I hope you will follow along with me here and on Instagram. I would love to hear what your goals are for the year!
