We’ve made it to a new year! Sometimes, time seems to fly and at other times it feels like I have all the time in the world. I didn’t like how 2023 ended for me in terms of me being sick and not being able to get all the things done that I wanted to. No need to fret now as the year is over and there are 365 new days to start over again (fewer by the time you’re reading this but you get my drift)!
As I do every year, I will have annual goals and monthly goals that support those annual goals. I will also set another book reading goal as I really enjoyed many of the books I read last year.
Today though, I’m going to start off the year with my monthly goals for January. Next week, I will review the result of my 2023 goals and also share my goals for this year. This year, I’m going to work really hard to have my monthly goals support my annual goals and try to not get distracted by other tasks (not sure how that will work but I’ll try)!!
DECEMBER REVIEW
As noted in my last goals post in December, I did not make any productive type goals other than to focus on my holiday tasks. I was moderately successful. I completed my handmade cards made and mailed them out. The cards were not mailed by 12/11 as I had wanted to as I got ill and had to rest. I also did not decorate my home for the holidays again due to being ill and having no energy. I was sad about this as I love the holidays but rather than being disappointed, I’m choosing to think about this in a different way. I am currently out of town (not when you read this) visiting my family so when I get back home I will have nothing to put away!!!
I’m calling December a success as my goal was to enjoy the holidays spending time with family and friends. In spite of being ill, I went to 4 holiday parties and did a Christmas lights walk. I did not finish my holiday gifts for my bookclub or bake any goodies as I had wanted to. I also did not get to see the holiday lights in Long Beach due to my friends having COVID!! This was the saddest of all. However, I’ll choose to remain positive knowing that we will go again in the future.
And now we’re in the new year and here and the new goals for this current month.
JANUARY GOALS
HOME
*start laundry closet makeover-I have a few pieces to start though I haven’t decided on the full makeover yet. This might be problematic as we know I tend to add on as I go. I need to source a new light, rug, and shelving unit. I am working with some tight dimensions so it’s not super easy.
*finish guest room closet declutter-I still need to do the stationary side. I did the decor side months ago. My goal here is strictly decluttering and then in the future I will work on organizing the whole closet space.
*get rid of the filing cabinet in the guest room-It is already cleaned out as I moved the home improvement items and tools to the storage dresser. The only thing that needs a space is my paperwork and my printer. When the guest closet is more cleaned out, my plan is to house them both in there.
*Re-organize my personal desk space-As usual, this space gets a bit out of control with papers and stacks of stuff which need to be put in their place.
*Re-organize my work desk space-these spaces sit side by side and get equally cluttered!!
Note: I know this seems like a lot and it is but except for the laundry room, one thing feeds into another so I’m feeling like I can get a lot done while working on complementary spaces.
CREATIVE
*Make birthday cards for January family and friends-I’m usually good at this one as I tend to have lots of creative mojo in January after the holidays.
I want to and plan to be much more creative this year. I will talk more about this in my annual goals post.
HEALTH/FITNESS
A never ending story! And I guess it shouldn’t be!
*20-25 minutes on my walking pad or other movement daily-I won’t consider it a failure to miss a day but I will work to not miss more than two days in a row. The goals is to work on consistency. I really enjoyed this challenge when I did it in October.
*stop eating by 8pm each night 4 days per week. In order to accomplish this goal, I will have to meal plan and prep and consult my schedule for meetings and other events so that I can plan to eat on time. For me, this is the hardest part-wish me luck!
FINANCIAL
*complete January budget with income and expenses.
*record all spending at least weekly.
*no spend 5 days per week for the month. In order to accomplish this one, I will have to plan to bring my lunch with me when I am out visiting clients during the day. This does not include bills (of course) or things that have already been planned like purchases for my laundry closet makeover, planned lunches and dinners, etc….The goal here is to curtail impulse buying like on Amazon or some kitchen gadget that I’m certain will make my cooking life easier. It also doesn’t include groceries but it does include not buying “extra” food until I eat the food I already have in my pantry and freezer.
I’m taking another stab at being consistent with my finances. I started strong last year and petered out. It’s probably my least favorite task and I’m good at finding ways to avoid working on this area. Intellectually, I am aware that if I actually handle the tasks in small chunks, it will be easier to deal with.
SUMMARY
As usual, January is full and ambitious. As I type this, I am very much looking forward to working on these tasks and building new habits. I’m going to have a long, all encompassing list of want to do’s on my annual list. The goal is not to accomplish everything but to think about everything I want to get done.
Have you planned your goals for this year? What is your process? Share in the comments.
