Goals (And Questions) for 2013
Everybody seems to be doing it and I am no exception. A new year brings much incentive to start a fresh page of life and make purposeful plans to live out the year with success. I really enjoy the process of planning. It is the reality of making my plans work that is my challenge. So I purchase a planner and write out my goals for the year 2013. I seek to be wise this year and keep in mind that life has a way of bringing the unexpected to my door. I write personal goals, family and house goals (to be shared and discussed with Husband), and most importantly, spiritual goals.
I love paper and pencil. In fact, I think a pencil is one of my most favorite frugal writing tools. So I sharpen mine and as I write out my goals and review the ones set at the beginning of 2012, I decide that a better plan is needed for the implementation of achieving what I consider to be worthy objectives.
A recent conversation with Youngest Son encouraged my desire to find success with my goal setting. He said that he was going to be breaking down his yearly goals into monthly objectives. I too decided to add this to my yearly goal setting plan. Sure, it took some more time, but it also made me consider more closely how and if my plans were realistic. My planner had the perfect columm on the side of the calendar page and here I am listing a breakdown of my plans. I am careful to keep in mind that some months are busier than others on a regular basis and also to be sure to give myself some margin for the unexpected.
I think I have fewer goals for this year, and am actually more excited than some years of goal setting, as I believe I have a far more realistic plan. Breaking my objectives down into monthly goals or parts gives me a great way of tracking my progress but also gives me freedom. For me a weekly breakdown might bring more pressure to my life than I would desire.
Lest I give the impression that I have it "all together," that is certainly not the case. Along with my goals, I see this year as one of asking questions. I am entering a new season with two sets of married children and two grandchildren and my youngest son still home but working full time. I want to be sure to live out this new season with wisdom and confidence in the choices I am making.
By giving myself a year to really carefully consider this new season of life and to be searching the scriptures for how God would have me use this time, I hope to fully understand and choose well my priorities. The answers to my questions, some of which I have in mind and others that are sure to come, may change my 2013 goals in ways, but that is okay. For me the purpose of a plan is to have something to "flex" from. It is really impossible for me to fully plan for and understand what this year may bring, but I can do my best to be prepared.
Since the frugal life is one of necessity for me, always my goals and questions must consider how to accomplish tasks, projects, and dreams, while staying within my budget and finding the many hours a frugal life entails. For me this means that cooking from scratch, trying to do some gardening, being wise with car trips, and shopping at thrift shops has to be taken into consideration when making my plans. Other considerations include taking a green approach to life, de-cluttering and recycling my clutter at places such as www.musicmagpie.com, amazon.com and Ebay.
How about you? Are you setting goals for 2013 or asking any questions?
5 Responses to “Goals (And Questions) for 2013”
January 8th, 2013 at 2:30 pm
Yes, I have goals set for 2013, O n the top of my list is to be able to get corrective eye surgery after being blind for over a year and no insurance. After that my goal is to become a advocate for the blind, to make a group on facebook and a blog with resources for the blind. My goal is to do fundraisers and help the blind be able to purchase, floor lamps, braille books andf audio books. I think my goal to be a advoate for the blind is a worthy goal.
January 9th, 2013 at 2:53 pm
I’ve had a year to contemplate where I’m heading and what I’m doing. I have to move forward; you’ve already read my post about my word “Simple” for the year.
That is my question, “Is this the simple way to do it?” (I tend to complicate) or…”How can I do this in a simple way?”…and even so far, TELLING MYSELF…”I could make this simple, by doing it now.” (whatever it is) That has helped alot! One thing I’ve learned from this is…”simple” means less worry.
The other thing I’m doing this year, is looking at my assets,the greatest being a Child of God; in order to Find Joy in what I love doing.
Simple.
Thanks for stopping by CORN…I’ve had some Internet issues and email problems and haven’t post much in the last week. Hoping to get back on track.
Hope your year is off to a really wonderful start.
Pat
January 10th, 2013 at 10:56 am
Linda:
I do so hope you are able to meet your goal this year and that your surgery will be successful. It seems this year has also give you quite a vision on how to help others.
Pat:
Your comment on doing something now as a way to make life more simple sure hits home with me. I agree with you no matter how challenging our circumstances may be, we have so much to be thankful for when we belong to the Lord Jesus Christ!
January 10th, 2013 at 9:49 pm
I think it’s great to set goals (I type them up and love crossing things off like nobody’s business) but I have little kids so I have to work hard to keep my priorities straight.
I realized with 3 kids my everything immaculate dream is just that, a dream. So, this year I’m lowering my “cleanliness” standards, yet I’m also getting rid of more STUFF so it’s easier to keep the house in order
January 10th, 2013 at 10:45 pm
Joquena- I love making list and crossing them off too! and I found that over the years, with kids in the house…lowering your standards or expectations helps when training those kids. Otherwise- they don’t want to learn or help because we adults are too picky! LOL…
DL– I had to come back and read this post again. You know, I think I need to set some goals. What’s that saying? “If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time!”
I feel so wavering at times. goals are good!
Pat
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