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 past month was huge for me! After months of hard work, I finally launched my newest e-book entitled Seasons of the Faith: Helping Your Family Celebrate the Feasts and Fasts of the Church! I have been blown away by the response so far. Thank you all for your encouragement!
If you would like to find out more about the book, just click HERE.
My Goals for 2016
Spiritual Goals
1. Read through the Old Testament
I am a little behind on this now. I’ll need to do some serious reading to catch up!
2. Read one spiritual book each month
I did not reach this goal in September. I did, however, do a bunch of online research in order to write my e-book.
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 went on a hike at a local park. I am totally loving this cooler weather!
5. Have one date night a month (in or out of house)
My husband and I celebrated the release of my e-book and the acceptance of one of his papers for publication! We had a nice bottle of wine, some Chinese food, and a movie. In-house date nights are some of our favorites (plus they are super frugal).
6. Read to my children 5 nights a week
My youngest son (age 2) became really excited about his evening bedtime reading this month. It is so fun to see him run for his new favorites and cuddle down into my lap. My oldest son and I just finished listening to the audiobook for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Now that he’s getting a bit older, it is really exciting to share books that I have loved with him!
7. Watch 15 movies on the AFI Top 100 Movies List
We have watched 4 movies from the list of AFI Top 100 movies. That means we need to watch about one movie a week during the next three months in order to reach this goal. Hmm….goals can be hard work sometimes… 🙂
Personal Goals
8. Run a 5K, an 8K, and a 10K race
I registered for a 5K race in November, when my sister-in-law will be here visiting. She ran a marathon a couple of years ago (totally a rock star!), so I will need to do some training to be able to keep up with her!
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. I did not write a Healthy Lifestyle post in September. After launching the e-book, I took some time off of blogging to rest and recuperate. I had no idea how exhausting it would be!
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. Here were my September picks for Newbery Award Winners.
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
Done!
In order to complete this goal, I purchased 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 soon), 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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