Walk 1000 miles. Progress:Failure I’ve walked 836,4 miles for the year. That leaves 163.60 unfinished. So, I’m preparing myself for next year, when I try again. I’m determined to achieve this goal in my lifetime, as long as my health allows it. This year, my health didn’t cooperate.
Read the Bible in a year. Progress: Complete. My church started this January 1. I have to admit; it has been very interesting. Even though I’ve read the whole Bible several times in my life, I always seem to discover something new. This was easy to accomplish. I think what made it easier, is I had a plan laid out. Each day I had chapters to read. It was 5 days a week, so I had two days to catch up or go ahead as needed to stay current.
Lose five pounds. Progress:Failure. I don’t plan to do this again. I’ve given up. By the end of the year I was up 8 pounds. If I am able to focus on the walking, I may be able to lose the weight.
So, if you have a list, share your progress with me in the comments below. We can do this together, and hopefully, you succeeded this year.
It’s a different list this year. It’s shorter. I hope it’s more doable if I only focus on three things. I didn’t do so well last year. How did you do? I hope you are better than me. Here is my April monthly update.
Walk 1000 miles.Progress: I made reasonable progress, but I’m not 1/3rd there. I’ve walked 246.30 miles for the year. That’s only 61.58 miles a month. I really should be doing 83.34 per month for 12 months. I’m hoping that May is better. I’m trying to hit over 5,000 steps at least a day. That means I walk in the morning, at least 5 days a week. I’m hoping to turn this around in May. Wish me luck.
Read the Bible in a year.Progress: I’m up to date. My church started this January 1.
Lose five pounds. Progress: I’m up and down. I am only three pounds down, but I know I need to work harder on that. If I continue going up and down, I need to be closer to ten pounds to remain 5 pounds down for the year. We have a class reunion coming up next year, so there is more incentive this time around.
So if you have a list, share it with me in the comments below. We can do this together, and hopefully, we all succeed this year. So, really, how did you do last year? And did that change your list for this year–either longer or shorter?
Fail: Lose five more pounds. I am maintaining my weight but currently not losing much. However, from December 31 to Thanksgiving, I was down 4 pounds. By December 31, my next loss was nothing. Not a pound. I will admit that starting off in January I am slowly heading down.
Maybe: Ancestry: Contact at least two cousins. I have reached out to 2 cousins but have not heard from them. I tried someone else. Does an attempt to contact someone mean I contacted them, but they didn’t contact me back?
Complete: Read 30 books. I have read 46 books, reading two books in December. I will admit some of them were shorter than your normal novel. Reading is always easy for me. I crave reading. If only I could crave walking and exercise.
Partial: Get through at least my second and third drafts of the book I wrote in 2021 and finish the first draft of my second book. On June 11, I started a class to help me write my second book’s first draft. I have created an outline for that one and written about 10,000 words. I have completed my first book. My first letter to an agent was sent in October, but then I decided to make some significant changes before I sent it out to anyone else. So I have completed the drafts of my book written in 2021. I am only in chapter 4 of the second book. So it’s incomplete.
Fail: Visit three states I have not visited before. We planned to go to New Mexico, Wyoming, and North Dakota this year. We traveled to New Mexico in April. In September, I changed the plan to go to North and South Carolina. All reservations were made. And then plans changed again. We went to North Carolina and decided to go home due to my health. So we will not complete 3 states this year. I was confident about this goal, but it won’t happen.
Completed: two quilts. I plan to finish a quilt for my son-in-law and one for my daughter-in-law. I pushed it and worked on the quilts three days in a row, eight or more hours a day. It was exhausting. On August 30, I brought them to the quilter to be quilted. I picked them up in October and have machine sewn on the bindings. Then I started the hand sewing of the binding. That is the most time-consuming step. I finished the hand sewing and wrapped them up for Christmas presents. They were finished a few days before Thanksgiving. Before Christmas, I made a doll quilt for each of my granddaughters for their baby dolls. I might make more in 2023.
Fail: Walk 1000 miles. I have attempted this for four years and never reached it. This year, I have walked only 667.6 miles. . I walk more often, but I think I will end up, if I’m lucky, getting to 700. And I didn’t make 700. Once again, I will have to put this on my list for next year.
December was the last month of my attempt to finish this list. And I didn’t do so well. How did you do on your goals? Let me know below. How I did this year has led me to make some tough decisions for 2023.
Goal:Lose 5 more pounds. I’m almost at my goal weight.
Goal:Ancestry: Contact at least 2 cousins.
Goal: Read 30 books. I have lowered my goal since last year. I hope to spend more time writing this year.
Goal: Get through at least my second and third drafts of the book I wrote in 2021. Finish the first draft of my second book. This is really scary saying this, but I really want to accomplish this.
Goal: Visit three states that I have not visited before. We are going to New Mexico, Wyoming and North Dakota this year. We made most of the plans for the New Mexico trip in 2021 since we are going with a group. I still need to find any other things that I would like to do while we are at the “must see” spots. I need to start planning the other trip.
Goal:Complete 2 quilts. I plan to finish a quilt for my son-in-law and one for my daughter-in-law. I already had the pattern for my son-in-law. No fabric yet. I bought a pattern and most of the fabric for my daughter-in-law in 2021.
Goal: Walk 1000 miles. I have attempted this for 4 years and never reached it. I need to be really serious about this, this year. The fifth attempt better work.
This year I have a small head start, so I’m hoping I finish this list this time. Plus, I reduced the number of goals, however, a few of them are harder than last year.
I hope you have made your list for 2022. Let’s do this together and share the ups and downs that lie ahead.
Ideas for your list: Read my post from last year, below.
Goals are things that are achievable. They aren’t wishes or dreams that you know are not attainable. An example of a goal is to pay off a certain amount of debt, to hand-make all your greeting cards for the year, to lose 10 pounds, or to learn how to knit. Some things that would be unattainable for me would be to lose 50 pounds, win $1,000,000 in the lottery (I don’t play,) or become President of the United States.
Goals should be given some thought. Don’t write five things down and think you are done. There is a lot more to it than that. Especially if you plan to succeed.
Why set goals?
Goals should add value to your life. They must interest you. They should improve your life or the life of others. Areas to improve include your home, your health, your family relationships, your finances, and your faith.
How to achieve your goals
Last year, I set 10 goals for the year. Ideally, if you are setting goals, you begin making progress in January so that you will have plenty of time to complete them. It’s pretty difficult if you wake up in October and decide it might be time to get going on reaching your goals for the year. Push yourself if needed. I ended October this year with only five of my ten goals completed, but I still hope to come very close.
Setting goals is easy. Achieving them is not always so easy. To keep you working toward your goals, they should be written down. View your list regularly and be sure you are making progress. Progress could be selecting a design for a remodel of your home. Or maybe you have signed up for lessons to knit. Start a project on January 1, which will take you all year to accomplish, like reading the Bible in a year. It is wise to share your goals with at least someone that can hold you accountable. I’m available – comment below.
Here is a list of suggestions for you to consider for your list of goals for 2021
Learn something new like how to knit, how to refinish furniture, a new craft, or something else you have always wanted to try.
Take a college class for the fun of it or for a degree.
Learn a second language.
Learn how to snow ski or water ski.
Rescue a pet from an animal shelter.
Donate blood two times, or maybe five times. One donation can save up to three lives.
Tend to health matters and (if age appropriate) have a colonoscopy.
Another health matter that women put off–have a mammogram, if you are due.
Lose ________ pounds.
Declutter your entire house. This can take a while, so maybe tackle a room a month.
Read the Bible in one year.
Attend a Bible study.
Tackle a fear that you hold on to. Maybe try flying on an airplane for your first time. Other fears that can be tackled include going to the dentist or a fear of heights.
Set a retirement date and stick to it.
Take your mom on a vacation, while she can still travel.
Purchase a motor home or tent trailer and begin traveling more frequently.
Set up a budget that is realistic and includes savings for future purchases/home repairs/emergencies. And also be saving for retirement.
Read ______ books.
Plan and succeed at holding a surprise birthday party for someone you know that is turning 50, 60, 65, 70, 80, or older.
Tackle a momentous dream you have always known you could do, but you never have tried. Like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa or Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, California. Go on an African Safari or visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Mail a card or letter to someone each month. Ideas: your grandmother, a favorite aunt, the uncle that taught you how to ride a bike, the widow that sits near you in church. You can send this to the same person all year, or to twelve different people. Make their day. And if you want, do it secretly and maybe tell them who you are in December.
So what do you think? Will you be making a list of goals this year? You can start with one or two items and increase it next year. Please let me know in the comments section below.
Let’s face it; the year is over halfway done. Your goals aren’t even close to being complete. So is it time to give up and try again next year? No!!
Please don’t give up. I haven’t, and you wouldn’t believe how far behind I am. But, together, we can do this, or at least come out with most of our goals clicked off our lists.
We make goals so that by the end of a period of time (usually a year,) we will have achieved the goals, not failed most of them. It’s sort of like a broken promise to ourselves. And it’s not always easy. Especially if unexpected things get in the way. If something truly stopped you in your tracks and ruined your chances of completing all of your goals, I can understand that. My best excuse ever was my brain tumor two years ago. But I can’t continue to use that excuse every year. Do you have an excuse that you are using this year? Can you still complete some of your goals? What’s stopping you?
Status: Complete our front yard landscaping. This is an absolute must since it’s carried over from last year.
Status: Lose 5 pounds. I lowered this, but since I ended the year up instead of down, I will lose 5 pounds from my beginning weight of 2020, not 2021. I am currently gaining weight. That’s not good. In June, I started losing weight, only to gain it all back. I have to get serious about this.
Progress:Ancestry: Type up the list I already have started on my mom’s mother’s side. Spend time contacting at least 2 cousins. I have made contact with two cousins; however, they have not answered me back.
Progress: Read 45 books. I have finished 26 books. I am on track to make this one.
Status: Ride my bike. This can be a challenge because of my balance issues that seem like they will be permanent.
Progress: Visit three states that I have not visited before. I have made all the plans, except for possibly finding restaurants. Now we wait for the trip to happen.
Progress:Complete 3 quilts. I’m doing much better than last year. I have three baby quilts cut out already. I have started sewing one – it is now about 3/4 done. Adult or baby. Instead of all baby, I might get working on a quilt for my son-in-law and one for my daughter-in-law.
Progress: Walk 1000 miles. I’m not as far as I should be, yet, I have walked 326 miles. I have attempted this for 3 years and never reached it. This year it is in writing, so I hope I will complete it at last. However, I have to speed things up to come close.
In June, I read 2 books. I did get really ambitious about our trip for this fall to three states. All reservations are made. My weight remains an issue, and I know why. It’s hard to believe, but I had an excellent week. One week is not enough. At the end of the month, I have not made progress.
How are you doing with your goals? June was another busy month, so I’m hoping that maybe in July, I can make more progress. Hoping, however, is not enough. I need to be making progress. Do you have a secret that you use to accomplish your goals? Please comment below.
Status: Complete our front yard landscaping. This is an absolute must since it’s carried over from last year.
Status: Lose 5 pounds. I lowered this, but since I ended the year up instead of down, I am going to lose 5 pounds from my beginning weight of 2020, not 2021. I am currently gaining weight. That’s not good.
Status: Ancestry: Type up the list I already have started on my mom’s mother’s side. Spend time contacting at least 2 cousins. I have reduced this goal to a more doable goal.
Progress: I have finished 19 books. I am on track to make this one. Read 45 books.
Status: Ride my bike. This can be a challenge because of my balance issues that seem like they will be permanent.
Progress: Visit three states that I have not visited before. This was a great goal last year and we did it, despite Covid shutdowns. I’ve already picked the states, so I am ready to start planning. Last month I changed my three states to include a visit to an old friend and I’ve started looking for things to do in those states.
Progress: I’m doing much better than last year. I have three baby quilts cut out already. I have started sewing one – probably about 1/2 done. Complete 3 quilts. Adult or baby. I might get working on a quilt for my son-in-law and one for my daughter-in-law.
Progress: I’m not as far as I should be, yet I have walked 209 miles. Walk 1000 miles. I have attempted this for 3 years and never reached it. This year it is in writing so I hope I will complete it at last.
In April, I read 7 books, started sewing on a quilt, and spent a little time looking for activities in the three states we are going to visit.
Of course, my weight has once again gone up. It’s really my fault no matter what I blame it on. In April I took a bad fall that had me scraped and bruised practically everywhere, including my chin.
How are you doing? I’m hoping that now that it is spring I will make more progress. How about you?
Status: Complete our front yard landscaping. This is an absolute must since it’s carried over from last year.
Status: Lose 5 pounds. I lowered this, but since I ended the year up instead of down, I am going to lose 5 pounds from my beginning weight of 2020, not 2021.
Status: Ancestry: Type up the list I already have started on my mom’s mother’s side. Spend time contacting at least 2 cousins. I have reduced this goal to a more doable goal.
Progress: I have finished 4 books. I am on track to make this one. Read 45 books.
Status: Ride my bike. This can be a challenge because of my balance issues that seem like they will be permanent.
Status: Visit three states that I have not visited before. This was a great goal last year and we did it, despite Covid shutdowns. I’ve already picked the states, so I am ready to start planning.
Progress: I’m doing much better than last year. I have one cut out already. Complete 3 quilts. Adult or baby. I might get working on a quilt for my son-in-law and one for my daughter-in-law.
Progress: I’m not as far as I should be, yet I have walked 57 miles. Walk 1000 miles. I have attempted this for 3 years and never reached it. This year it is in writing so I hope I will complete it at last.
In January, I only made progress on three of my eight items. And that progress is not as much as it should be if I’m spreading this out evenly. But I am further than I was at this time last year. Of course, my weight has once again gone up. Too much stress in my life right now is what I blame it on. But it’s really my fault no matter what I blame it on. I’m the one that buys the cookies at the grocery store.
How are you doing on your goals? Please let me know how much progress you have made in the comments section below.
October we were out of town a lot again. Six days were spent on our trip. Three days we had a joint birthday party for our granddaughters at our daughter’s house. There was a bit of a bump in the road because of the fall I took in late September. After having an MRI I found out that I have a hairline fracture in my right arm. October ended up with five doctors’ appoints, including x-ray and MRI. November starts out with an extra hour in our days. Use it wisely.
COMPLETED: We did it! We made it back from our trip October 6. So I can now mark off Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri off my map. Visit 3 states I haven’t been to before. I desire to visit every state in the United States in my lifetime.
COMPLETED: I have completed 37 books toward the 30 I plan to read this year. I didn’t finish any in October because I am reading a really long one this time. This goal will have to increase next year, or I will have to read longer books. Read 30 books.
COMPLETED: I am continuing physical therapy. However, my physical therapist gave me permission to attempt driving. So on February 19 my husband road along as I drove. We went on the freeway very briefly, mainly driving in town. Since then I have driven several times by myself. This was probably my most important goal since it has given me the freedom that has brightened up my days. Drive by myself.
COMPLETED: I had my BAHA (bone attached hearing aid) surgery on July 22. On August 20 I received the outside portion of my implant. It was with great joy that I realized I could hear my husband speaking to me on the way home from that appointment. I’m still getting used to this, but as time goes on I think I will adapt to it a bit better. I didn’t regain any hearing in my ear, but I have the ability to feel like I am hearing in my left ear. All options have been pursued. To have the hearing in my left ear improved to 30% or all options pursued. Another result of my brain tumor surgery.
PROGRESS: We put the grass in the front yard. Sprinklers are in. I’m waiting for the heat to settle down to work in the yard again. We have looked for bushes a few times but haven’t found the ones we want yet. We actually bought a few plants on 10/31. However, the winter garden has taken over my husband’s plans. It must be going to happen in November, before Thanksgiving.Have our front and back yard landscaping completed so we can enjoy them.
PROGRESS: My husband had made a little progress on this. None since then. Clean up/organize our garage so I can park in the garage.
PROGRESS: The weight roller coaster continues. Honestly, if it was a roller coaster it would be bigger changes. Saddly I have been eating too much and I am now down only 1/2 pound for the year. I can’t imagine being successful on this one. Lose 10 lbs.
COMPLETED: It feels great to no longer have any house or car payments. Pay off all debt. This was on my list for last year and I came close, but not quite.
PROGRESS: I have finished one baby quilt. I went fabric shopping before our governor wanted us to always wear masks, so oops, that was more enjoyable than it could have been. I started cutting out one of the quilts in the last week of October. Really hope to finish it in the next 2 weeks. Begin and finish three baby quilts.
PROGRESS: I am now in contact with another cousin. We are trying to figure out her upline of relatives. She is adopted and knows her birth father’s name and thanks to 23andMe her great great grandfather, who was my great-grandfather’s brother. I love trying to solve a mystery. This can be so exciting. I have been in contact with a second cousin. This is one of my last things on my mind, hence it is not going quickly. I have started typing up my history on one side. Ancestry: Tie at least 10 more people that are my second or third cousins to my family tree.
October was a disaster as far as completing any goals. November has to be productive. I’m not giving up yet, except possibly on my weight. I don’t think I was really committed to that goal. If you have goals set, don’t give up on yourself either. We have the time to do it if we put in the effort. Two more months to go!
