Goal Check (Update)

With a little over a month to go in the year, I thought it would be good to take a few minutes to evaluate yearly goals. Back in January, I wrote about setting goals instead of resolutions, and I want this to become an ongoing process with me. My first update can be found here. As I said before, I like having the accountability of reporting to others. It keeps me in line.

For the three areas of my life where I set goals, I can see some progress. I also see areas where I need to either focus more or completely change specific goals. I'm not making excuses, but a lot can happen in a year.

1. My Faith: My daily quiet time became a priority for a good portion of the year, but when school started, I had some trouble. Then in October and November after I started working part-time, I got derailed. I'm trying to get my morning routine back. Reading my Bible daily was the same as above. I failed on the scripture memorization goal. I even tried to do it with the kids, but it didn't become the priority I wanted it to be. I know how important this is, so I don't want to scratch it. I just don't know how to get there.

2. My Health: I did read more books this year. Next year's goal should probably be to turn in a library book before I have exceeded all my renewals. Finishing a book within two weeks would be even better. Getting up at 5 every morning is habit now, since Ashley has swim practice early each weekday. But I'm not getting the productivity here I wanted. With my running, I have become a stronger and faster. I still hate my scale. I try to eat better, but I also indulge. I'm anticipating a new personal record in the marathon next week in Dallas. You will probably get an update on that soon after.

3. My Work: I roughly finished my first book, but it's different from the one I wrote about in January. That one is still in the works. I did launch a running blog in January, so I don't have to bore my non-running readers. You can check it out here. Weekly posts will hopefully be routine on this blog again, now that my training has scaled back and marching band/football season is over.

I hope you were able to set some goals at the first of the year. It's a good time to evaluate where you are, and there is still time to finish some up. I'd love to hear about your progress! 

Transition Time

I write this blog post after almost two full weeks of chaos. My husband started a new job last week, which was a positive change, but the schedule is doing a number on me. After a year of him being out of town for four to five days a week, I am grateful to have him home every night. Of course, that means no more hamburger helper, a few more dishes to wash, and wow, how do I ever keep up with the laundry? In the same week, my oldest daughter started swim practice before school. Now I see her about thirty minutes in the morning, and an hour (if I'm lucky) in the evening before she disappears into her room.

My writing schedule was one goal that got pushed aside. Final edits for my devotion book need to be completed, but my brain has been fuzzy. Even writing The Wright Stuff has given me trouble this week. I tried to work on a post last night, but a killer headache created some not so fun side effects like nausea. I tried again earlier today, but the topic wasn't coming together. Now, as I write, I have just dealt with a meltdown over a hoodie from one child, right after another called to tell me the pick up time changed. Goodbye dinner plans.

Earlier this week I whined to a friend about my inability to accomplish anything right now. She reminded me to adjust my goals in times of transition. As much change as our family goes through, I should have known better than to try to keep in my same groove. I guess I'm just stubborn and think I can push through anyway.

To repeat the words of my wise friend, I have a question for my readers.

How do you adjust your goals during transition?

Balancing Schedules

In the past two weeks, I have inadvertently missed writing a new post for my blog.  But not because I didn't have anything to say.  If you know me, I always have something to talk about.  My kids will say or do something to spark an idea.  In fact, if I it weren't for them, I don't know what I would write about.

But it's a combination of what I want to accomplish and what my children let me accomplish that has restricted my time.  Some days are extremely productive, and others I am just spinning my wheels.  I started  to prioritize by making weekly and daily goals.  I even started making a daily schedule based on what needs to be done that particular day.

Yet, I still find myself consistently frustrated over what I'm not able to complete.  I struggle to find balance in what needs to be done as a wife and mother, and what needs to be done for myself as an individual.  Just once, I would like to finish a library book without renewing it.  Sleeping more than 5-6 hours a night would be a nice bonus.

Here's what I want to know:

1.  What other ideas do you have for finding balance in different areas of your life?

2.  How do you decide what to cut when everything seems equally important?

This evening, I sat down to watch a movie with my children.  I haven't done this in a while, because I can get a lot accomplished during the span of one movie.  While I usually feel time in front of the television is wasteful for me, this was long overdue.  It was nice to take the time to just sit and relax.  

I'm looking forward to your suggestions.      

15 Habits Update: Days 6-10

For the past two weeks, I've been focusing my blog topics on working through a 15 day challenge from Jeff Goins.  My last post summarized my progress for days one through five, so now I'll focus on days six through ten.

Since my biggest obstacle right now is trying to believe in myself (from day 2), I was pleased to find some of these challenges much easier.  Day 7 taught me that it is okay for my work to be primitive (ugly) before it becomes smooth and refined.  This freed my writing time.  I spend less time on the backspace key.  More ideas make it to the screeen. 

Day 8 affirmed what I have been doing by working my book to completion.  Instead of starting another project, I am positive I will be halfway through my first draft this Thursday.  I have started gathering people to read my work, give honest feedback, and keep me on task.

The area where I'm having trouble right now is in connecting with other writers.  While I have the ability to read blogs and other information on my iPhone, it's more difficult for me to comment, join forums, and seek out discussions with other writers.  We don't have the internet at home.  I know this is something I eventually need to work on, but for now the penny pincher in me is winning.  

The day 10 challenge was easier.  Even though I am a day behind, I hope you'll indulge me in sharing what I've been reading.  This was one of my goals for the year,  and the pick for June was short and powerful.  I hope you have had a chance to read Who Moved My Cheese.  It was much more than what I thought it would be.  Note to those who haven't read it:  I would not recommend reading this on an empty stomach.

If you're looking for humor, I recommend Jon Acuff's site Stuff Christians Like.  If you have spent any time in the church, I promise you will laugh out loud.  He also has another blog with great ideas on moving forward with goals. 

For ministry minded reading, take a look at Paul Stohler's blog.  His wife Michelle shares insights on life with young children on her blog Seriously Underpaid.


If there is someone's writing that has impacted you, please share. 

Five habits to go, and I already sense a difference in the direction of my life.  I'm so glad you've joined me on this journey! 

 

     

I Am a Writer

In the spirit of keeping my blog posts in line with my life (you never know what you're going to get), I am going to deviate from my food fight this week.  This is something I'm still working on fervently, and I will update my progress toward the end of the month.  In the meantime, I've started a new challenge that I'm excited about.
 
Almost a year ago, I started this blog to overcome a fear.  Or substantiate my dream.  Either way I look at it, I've enjoyed the challenge of creating new material for you to read.  But as I stated from the beginning, I want to take my writing to another level.  As I reflected on the past year, I was not content with my progress.  I wanted to focus on writing regularly, and keep fresh ideas consistently flowing.  While the latter goal is moving forward, the former is not.  I write sporadically, when the kids are quiet, or when I can stay awake late (thanks Diet Coke).

Isn't it funny how things come along right when you need them?

I ran across a link on twitter,which I hope is key to moving me forward in my progress.  I joined a 15 day series to mastering great writer habits by Jeff Goins.  I actually joined the day before it started, so I'm on track.

Here's what I'm putting into practice so far from the first two habits:

1.  I'm a writer.  If you didn't know that, you do now.  I will no longer say "I don't work."  I will not refer to myself as a stay at home mom (even though that's a tough title on its own).  Simply put:  I Am A Writer!

2.  I made myself get up early this morning and spent almost two hours working on a book.  I plan to post more about that specifically later on.

I'm excited about what's to come, and I hope you'll enjoy following this journey with me.  And if you have the desire to write, but do not know where to start, you can join the journey too!  Just click on the link above.  For extra accountability, I'll be updating my progress a couple of times a week.  I'll also be searching for additional sources of caffeine. 

                                                           

The Right Tool for the Job

A couple of weeks ago, we had a crisis with our hot water heater.  As always, when something major happens, I learn an important lesson from the experience.  

To condense the story (because, frankly, it is quite lengthy), let me just say that water was flooding our bathroom and my husband was not in town.  I knew I needed to shut off the water to the house.  My oldest son and I searched and searched for a tool that would do the job.  We went through toolboxes and I tried several different ones, but I couldn't get the knob (or whatever it's called) to turn.  When we finally found the pair of pliers that my husband told me to use (via phone), I still couldn't get it turned off.  Meanwhile, my oldest daughter is emptying buckets and soaking towels in the bathroom to keep the water contained to one room.  

Frustrated that I couldn't get to the knob well enough to turn it, I sent my son down the road to our neighbor for help.  He came back with a long handled tool and thirty seconds later the water was off.  I said, "I'm buying one of these tonight," and I did.  What a difference it made to use a tool that was specifically designed for this purpose!  I was amazed at how much easier it was to accomplish my task.

 

I thought about how that relates to scripture memory and how relevant a verse can be to what is going on in my life.  It's having the right tool for the job.

But the lesson didn't stop there.

After the new water heater was installed, I was ready to use my new tool to turn the water back on.  I tried and tried, and I couldn't get the tool around the knob to turn it.  While I was grumbling and trying to get a grip I somehow moved the metal lid and then noticed the concrete moved.  What do you know?  The whole lid comes off, and there's direct access to the knob.  I had been trying to turn it on and off from a 90 degree angle.  Well, no wonder!  Thirty seconds later the water was back on, and I felt ridiculous.

I learned that it is important to have the right tool for the job, but if I'm not using it the way it is intended, my situation is going to be more difficult.  How does this relate to learning Bible verses?  The verses are my tool, but if I don't memorize them to have immediately available in my mind, then I'm not able to use the tools the way they are meant to be used.

I've fallen off track with this goal, and this little crisis helped me see how important it is for me to continue learning those verses and calling them to my mind when I need them.       

Goal Check

What better way to end the first month of the year than by evaluating your progress on the goals you made?  I hope you were able to set some goals for different areas of your life, and find a way to make some things happen!

I took a look at how I've been doing so far, and I already see some areas that need a change.  On the other hand, some of the goals I set have made a real difference in my daily life.  That's a good thing.  Here are some quick notes on my personal evaluation.

1.  Getting up at 5 a.m. is hard.  I've had a lot of trouble with this one.  There have been a couple of days that I made it out of bed near 5, but for the most part 5:20-5:30 seems to be the standard.  I even tried setting my alarm for 4:50 to see if that would help.  I'm going to continue working on this one, and I did start going to bed earlier (before 10) to make sure I'm getting enough rest.

2.  I need to expect trials based on whatever scripture verse I'm learning each week.  The first week was tough with Ephesians 4:29.  I would like to make this a family thing so that I'm doing my job as a parent by teaching my children dilligently.  I completed my first month's reading of Psalm and Proverbs.  If I ever need a little motivation the 31st chapter of Proverbs gives me a good kick, especially the line about rising while the household is still asleep. 

3.  Working on my book has not been enough of a priority.  This is why I need those extra 30 minutes in the morning.  I've pushed aside my smaller goals with this.  I haven't had enough urgency to work on it, and I need to improve my thinking process.

4.  I can do a pushup.  Never mind the fact that I have to do them girly-style.  My health goals have been a good challenge for me, but not to the point where I'm not too exhausted to do anything else.  I have increased my strength gradually over the past few weeks.  My first attempt to run a half marathon under 2 hours was this past Saturday.  I finished (official time) in 2:00:35.  Now that's close!  I was pleased with my performance because I finished strong.  My two fastest miles were the final two.  I'm currently searching for a race to make my next attempt probably in March.

5.  After my last posted about posting weekly on my blog, I missed a week.  Go figure.  Since I began this blog in July, I have posted something new each week.  I don't know what happened last week, but it got away from me.  I think I need to stick to a specific day and get some deadlines in place.  That will help with my book writing too.

I hope by writing about my goals, I haven't seemed self-righteous or pompous.  Not only did I want some accountability by putting my plans in print, but I also hoped that it would help others view dreams and goals in a different light.  I also wanted to point out that it's okay to evaluate, change, and reset at any time.             

Goal 3: My Work

When I originally wrote out my goals by hand, I titled the page "My Career."  Later, as I looked down at the list, I felt a little funny because nothing I wrote brings home a salary. I think I should have titled it something like "Things I would like to be paid for."  Instead, I put my focus on calling these goals my work.  It's part of who I am and what I do whether I earn money from it or not.

I don't feel as vulnerable as I did sharing my faith goals, but I still feel a little nervous sharing them.  They reveal more about me on a personal level, and I'm the type of person who likes to stay in the background.  Yes, I'm a wallflower.    

1. Finish my book.

I started a book last fall that is meant to be an inspirational pick-me-up.  The trouble is that on the tough days, it's hard to write inspiring thoughts for others. I've had to  to give myself some hard deadlines to work on this no matter how bad the day is. These deadlines include a book proposal and sample chapters to be completed. Soon.  This goal is also dependent upon 5 a.m. mornings. I can write when my mind is fresh and not impeded by teenager attitudes or whining youngsters.  This goal is probably one of my biggest challenges.

  

2. Launch a running blog.

Running has become a passion of mine, like writing, but I didn't want to bore my nonrunning readers with the details.. So I'm working a separate blog. It's a little scary to try something different, but exciting too. It is tiered for beginners but I hope it will appeal to runners of any level. 

3. Continue with weekly posts on this blog covering topics as they come up in my life.

I've tried to write ahead and schedule posts, but something more interesting always comes up. I'm going to let my day to day life continue to direct my writing.  I enjoy writing, and this blog lets my personality come through for those who don't know me very well (because I'm so quiet).    

4. Establish more of a local running community.

I'm still working out these details.  I'm a solo runner most of the time, but I enjoy sharing goals, chatting with other runners at local races, and encouraging others.  Again, I'm an introvert so this will truly challenge my comfort zone.

This sums up my goals that I've set for myself.  Next week, I'll post on my progress and how I've fared for the first month of the year.

Accountability.  It works. 

Goal 2: My Health

I started lining out some of my goals with last week's post.  I wanted to start with my faith to keep my priorities straight.  It seems logical to me that the next area of my life to focus on would be my health.  I'm not just talking about my physical health, but my mental health is just as important.  I tried to keep them simple, because I could easily overload my mind trying to improve myself.

Mental Health

1.  Read 12 books this year (6 nonfiction, 6 fiction)
Some of you out there may be rolling your eyes at this one.  Only 12 books?  Well, it may not seem like a lot, but for me to take the time to sit down and read consistently (and stay awake) is a challenge.  I'm also very picky about what I spend my time doing.  I don't want to read garbage.  To keep things fresh, I'm going to alternate between fiction and nonfiction each month.  The good news is that I'm one chapter away from finishing my January pick which was nonfiction.  If you have any suggestions for good fiction, please let me know.

2.  Start getting up at 5 every morning.
This goal helps me in other areas of my life.  I've started the last two weeks getting up at 5:30 so I can get in my quiet time and a few other things before I start waking children for school.  If I can bump it a little earlier, then I can accomplish more.  I'm taking it a little at a time so my body doesn't shut down at 8 p.m.  By the end of the month, I plan to meet this goal and February will make it a habit. 

Physical Health

1.  Become a stronger, faster runner 
This step requires a few mini goals, such as: 
a).  Add more "runner foods" to my diet
In the past I've had the attitude that I can eat what I want because I run.  Lately, I found that I was running solely to burn the donut, cake, hot fudge sundae, etc...  I want to improve my diet so [most of] the foods I'm putting in my system are making me faster, not fatter.
b).  Add strength training to my routine
Research shows that a strong upper body can help you run faster.  Ugh!  I'm a little weak in this area.  I've never been able to move below the first or second weight on the machine for arms.  It was quite entertaining for my children this week to witness that I can only complete (not quite) one pushup.  I hope I can work my way up to 5 by the end of the month.  This is my least favorite goal.   

2.  Run a half marathon below 2 hours, and set a new personal record for the marathon.
I'm working on my calendar this week planning my next races so that I can meet this goal.  It looks like my first shot to break my half marathon time goal will be on January 28.  The second part of this goal requires I find a race to run that does not involve north wind and a downpour.
 
These goals are going to keep me busy, and some of them are going to challenge me physically as well as mentally.  What about you?  Did you set any goals to improve your health?

Goal 1: My Faith

Last week, I wrote about how I make goals for myself now instead of setting new year resolutions.  If you missed it, you can read it here.  I've been working on these goals pretty steadily for a few weeks, with some help from a few blogs and sites that I follow. 

I thought I would do something a little different for my posts in the month of January.  I need some accountability.  What I'm going to do for each post in January is share my goals I've set for a specific area of my life.

This week, I'm starting with the most important one.  Without goals to enrich my faith in God, none of the other areas of my life would matter.  When I don't put Him first, everything else falls apart.  In a big way.  It is probably the most vulnerable area of my life to share as well, but here goes.

1.  Put my daily quiet time first, at the beginning of the day. 
This means I have to make myself get up long before I start waking up kids.  I've been convicted about the amount of time I spend doing other things, but that my quiet time reading the Bible and praying has been "fit in" when I have time.  Translation:  I usually nod off if I push this to the evening.  This week, I've started setting my alarm to get up with plenty of time, so I'm not rushed.  I've also found that I get much more accomplished by putting things in the right order.

2.  Read through the book of Psalm and Proverbs one time each month.
I've posted on this before, and I want to have more praise, comfort, and wisdom present in my life.  What better way to do this than to read the books through at least twelve times?

3.  Memorize one new scripture a week.
I started a spiral notebook several months ago to do this, but it has since become a little dusty.  I dusted it off, and began this week with the last one I had written down.  "Let  no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29.  Let me assure you, I'm being tested with this one daily.  I need it imprinted in my mind.

These three goals will definitely challenge me, but my hope is that by sharing them, I will keep it up throughout the year.  

 

2012: The Year of...?

This is the time of year when you hear people talk about making resolutions.  I stopped doing that a few years ago, when I realized my yearly attempts would most likely be broken.  Then I would feel bad about myself for my lack of follow through. 

Now instead of resolutions, I make goals for myself.  I don't wait until the last week of December to do it either, this is a continual process throughout the year.  But each December, I do look back at what I've achieved over the year, and instead of seeing lack of ambition, I view my successes.  This is much more rewarding, and helps me move forward and build on my goals. 

2011 for me was a big year with beginning this blog, starting to write my book, and undertaking the huge task of homeschooling my high school aged son.  All of this started in the summer.  I ran my first marathon this December.  If I had set resolutions at the end of 2010, I guarantee you none of these things would have made the list.  In fact, after I finished my first half marathon in December 2010, my first words to my husband were, "I'm not ready for a marathon."

Don't wait until the end of the year to make the changes you want to make.  Set goals year-round, but use the end of the year to reflect on what you've accomplished.

Next December, you can look back and say, "2012 was the year of..."   

First Marathon

I ran my first marathon on Sunday.  It was a big day.  The notion of running a marathon first came to me in high school, when I chose it as the subject of a research paper.  It was one of those way out there goals that I would get to “someday.”  20 years later, I can say I’ve done it.

My training began on August 1^st with typical dry, Texas temperatures of over 100 degrees.  Sunday’s race had temperatures around 40 degrees and falling, rainy with a blustery north wind.  What a difference!

Even with the weather the way it was, I was determined not to let it dampen my mood.  I was going to soak in the whole experience.  

Now I'll stop with the bad weather puns.  Here are a few of my initial thoughts after Sunday's marathon.

·         Nike Dri Fit really works!

·         I don’t want to look at another banana for the rest of the year.

·         The hardest part was the walk to meet my husband and daughter after the race.

And most importantly - 
 

·         Why can’t I take a good post-race photo?  I always look completely beaten down. 

On a more serious note, I was excited to be there.  I loved the fireworks during the national anthem, the number of volunteers handing out water and Gatorade, and the cheering spectators who braved the cold, wind, and rain, and lined the miles of the course.  It was a tough run, and I did struggle with some of the later miles more than I thought I would.  Miles 21-24 were the toughest, but I finished.   

I don’t know if I can accurately describe the feeling of crossing the finish line.  To complete something I’ve worked so hard for.  It was worth it.  Running a marathon may not be anywhere near your list, but I encourage you to find a big goal to work on.  It's amazing how it feels to finish.

The question was recently asked of me, “Will you do it again?” 

What do you think?

Make an Investment

I was thrilled yesterday when the mail came.  When I order something I really want, I’m like my son with his birthday.  I can’t wait!  So I’ve been anxiously checking the mail every day.  My children didn’t exactly share my joy when I showed them the contents of my package.  In fact, they looked at me kind of funny.  I told them this was a very important key to my future.

Why should I be ecstatic over ordering a book that contains over a thousand pages?  You may be looking at me kind of funny right now, too.  Well, let me tell you why I’m excited.

I am cheap.  I hate to spend money.  I am a low-maintenance, discount, red-label, bargain shopper.  I see that as a good thing, although the rest of my family may disagree.  At times, though, my thrifty tendencies can keep me from doing the things I need to do. 

Now back to the book I ordered.  This is a valuable tool for me to have as a writer.  I have looked at this book several different times over the last few years.  A professor in my first Creative Writing class recommended it.  I’ve just never taken the step to buy it.  I don’t know why; it’s not that expensive.  It would be an investment in myself.  Of course, we know that investment really just means to spend money, right?  That’s where my cheapness kicks in.  So I’m thankful that I have my number one fan to push me to spend the money I need to, or else I would not move forward.

It’s not impossible to pursue goals without the right tools, but getting to the finish can be easier if sometimes we take those small investments to help manage our resources and time.

Have you put off buying any of the tools you need to pursue your goals?  What’s stopping you from moving forward?

Baby Steps

This is not a new concept, nor is it something that is unfamiliar to people.  Baby steps enable you to make small changes, one step at a time, to reach big goals. 

I’ve been thinking about this idea and how I’ve used baby steps to accomplish some major goals in my life the past few years.  I didn’t realize that’s what I was doing at the time, but looking back now, I can see that the process was so simple.  I followed this concept to finish my college degree, reach my weight goal, and run a half-marathon.  I put together this list of the steps that work best for me when I want to achieve an extensive goal in my life.

1.        Set the big goal first, but not a date.  I’m sure by not setting a date, this information conflicts with other advice out there, but I simply move the completion date to a different step.  When I decided to go back to school and finish my degree, I simply said, “It’s time to get the piece of paper hanging on the wall.”  When I set my weight goal, I wrote it down.  It is more important for me to first identify what I want my specific outcome to be. 

2.       Decide what smaller goals will enable the big goal.  One of my big goals I’m working on now is to run a marathon.  I started out over a year ago by making the decision to train for a 5K (3.1 miles) and then worked my way up to a half-marathon (13.1 miles) last December.  The goal of running 26.2 miles is colossal in my mind.  Fortunately, by adding a little extra distance each week of my training, the goal is achieved in manageable amounts.  There are accomplishments along the way when I realize I’m now running farther than I ever have before.

3.       After identifying the smaller goals, set deadlines.  This is where I go back to the second part of Step 1.  I pull in the dates for my small goals, and that helps me see the end date for the big goal.   To finish school, I had an idea of how many hours I was going to take each semester, but I was still limited by my work schedule and the class schedule offered.  When it came down to the last two semesters, I had my graduation date in sight.  With my running goals, I found that if I register for a race, I’m more likely to stick to my training.

4.       Celebrate the little accomplishments along the way.  I didn’t wait until I reached my weight goal to buy some new clothes, but I didn’t replace my whole wardrobe either.  I needed to reward my effort, but still have some motivation to keep going.

5.       When the big goal is achieved, don’t stop there!  This is when I look at the different areas of my life to see what I should work on next.  I set new goals for myself and start the process over again.  Two of my current goals (in addition to the marathon) include de-cluttering my house, and having some of my writing accepted for publication.  Funny how the latter goal seems more achievable.  It’s going to take a bunch of baby steps to have a clutter-free house, but one day my house will be in order.

What goals have you set for yourself lately?  Have you found a different approach that works for you?