Each year I set goals for myself that are in line with my four priorities: faith, family, work, and personal growth. At the beginning of each month I sit down and take a look at the progress I have made (or not made!) on those goals so that I can create a plan for the upcoming month.
This month has been all about one goal: writing an e-book. I am working really hard on my e-book, “Seasons of the Faith: Helping Your Family Celebrate the Feasts and Fasts of the Church.” Because of this intense focus, most of my other goals have been pushed to the side for right now. But, I’m ok with that. This is what I need to do for this season.
Here is how I am doing on:
My Goals for 2016
Spiritual Goals
1. Read through the Old Testament
I was able to really tackle this goal this month! While my kids played in the backyard, I sat on the porch and read from the Bible. It was a wonderful way to spend lazy summer afternoons.
2. Read one spiritual book each month
This month I read the book Blueprints for the Little Church. You can see my full review of this great new resource for Orthodox parents.
3. Take a one day retreat of silence and prayer
Honestly, this is the goal I am most looking forward to this year. I haven’t planned it yet because this is my husband’s busiest time of the year. After he finishes his dissertation, I am excited to take a spiritual retreat!
Family Goals
4. Go on one family outing each month
We had a fun Father’s Day outing this month–we went to the park, grilled out, and played outdoor games. Perfect.
5. Have one date night a month (in or out of house)
This month we had a game night and played Settlers of Catan and Scrabble together. And, if you count evenings spent working side-by-side on the couch, or nights spent editing his dissertation together, then we have had a TON of date nights this month. 🙂
6. Read to my children 5 nights a week
My oldest son and I are now reading The Bad Beginning (the first in The Series of Unfortunate Events series). The two littlest and I have been reading some classic titles this past month like Blueberries for Sal, Make Way for Ducklings, and Harold and the Purple Crayon.
7. Watch 15 movies on the AFI Top 100 Movies List
We have watched 3 movies from the list of AFI Top 100 movies. We’re a bit behind on this goal, but once my husband has finished his dissertation, we should be able to have more time to relax together.
Personal Goals
8. Run a 5K, an 8K, and a 10K race
I have discovered that I absolutely hate running in the heat. Since I don’t have a gym membership or access to a treadmill indoors, this means that I have not been running at all this month. I did find a 5K to register for in August, though.
9. Complete my Healthy Lifestyle Habits Challenge and blog about it each month
This year I have created a list of healthy habits that I want to incorporate into my daily life. I decided to focus on one per month and share my experiences with you on the blog. In June I wrote about stretching every day.
10. Complete the 2016 Reading Challenge and blog about it
Have you joined our 2016 Reading Challenge yet? It is a great way to help you discover new books and to make time for reading. Each month we will be reading a different type of book (a mystery, a book that inspires you, a book you should have read in school but didn’t, etc.). Here were my June recommendations for great nonfiction titles.
11. Take a Craftsy cooking course
I’ve decided to take another online cooking class through Craftsy. Craftsy has hundreds of classes available–from photography to cake decorating, quilting to gardening. If you’re wanting to gain a new skill or improve an old one, I’d highly recommend taking a class through Craftsy. I have started and am really enjoying it so far!
Professional Goals
12. Write and launch an ebook
This month I changed the focus of my e-book. It will be a practical guide to help families get in step with the Church year. The book walks through the liturgical seasons of the Church with activities, meditations, and ideas for helping your family grow spiritually. The book will be available on September 1st–just in time for the new Church year!
I purchased and have started Abby Lawson’s course “Book Boss,” which walks you through the step-by-step process of writing and launching an e-book. It is an amazing resource that I highly recommend!
13. Join another social media form to grow The Orthodox Mama
Right now I have a Facebook page and a Pinterest account for The Orthodox Mama. However, I haven’t added another social media form yet.
14. Add 4 products to my Teachers Pay Teachers store
I have not added any yet this year.
15. Write another children’s book
This year I submitted my first children’s book manuscript to a publisher. I found out that it was not accepted for publication. However, I will revise it and continue submitting to other publishers. The entire process has been challenging, thrilling, and stretching. I am ready to do it again! I have my idea for the new book and will begin working on it after I finish my e-book.
Do you have any goals for 2016? How are you doing?
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