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 Guide for the Domestic Church by the Diocese of Newton. Guide for the Domestic Church is a “how-to manual” of sorts for creating an Orthodox home. It talks about everything from family prayers to the sacraments, from the Church calendar to becoming godparents. I found it an interesting, quick read that would make a good resource to have as a part of your library.
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! He will defend in October (praise the Lord!), so I will start planning this coming month.
Family Goals
4. Go on one family outing each month
We went on our yearly family vacation to visit our parents back in Oklahoma and Texas. So, we basically had two and a half weeks of a family outing. 🙂 We went swimming, visited the zoo, went to a Rangers baseball game, visited an aquarium, had tea parties, went to a children’s museum, saw buffalo and prairie dogs at a wildlife refuge, and much more. Such a great trip!
5. Have one date night a month (in or out of house)
Because we were visiting family, we had built-in babysitters! We are so grateful to my wonderful in-laws who let us have a night away. My husband and I went out to a Mexican restaurant, watched a movie, and were able to sleep in the next morning. Those of you with little ones know how fantastic that is!
6. Read to my children 5 nights a week
On our road trip we listened to the first Harry Potter book together. Such a blast!
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 July I wrote about tracking my steps.
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 July recommendations for a book by an author you enjoy.
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
We’re getting so close to launch date! I am putting the finishing touches on the writing, have a beautiful cover, and am almost ready to start editing. I am super excited that this goal is almost reached!
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. I recently reserved the name “theorthodoxmama” on Instagram. I haven’t started posting anything yet (that will come after the ebook is launched!), but even making that baby step helps me feel like the goal is doable.
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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