Another year and another opportunity to get things done. Many people set New Year’s resolutions regarding their health or personal finance. Those are great goals to work towards, but right now is all I can focus on. I’m a busy mom, and I find I have less and less time these days. So I have decided to set more short-term goals this year. Not only are they usually more realistic, but I’ll also get the satisfaction of seeing them completed sooner. Here’s a little peek at my short list.
- Christmas is a wrap- Every year I realize that our holiday decorations hang out for far too long. So this year I’m trying to get things packed away. We’ve already taken our decorations off the tree and got it out to the curb. That has gotten the ball rolling. With any clean up project, it’s best to start with one room at a time.
- Out with the old- With the hoards of new toys, clothes, and gadgets that are now taking over my house this is the perfect time to get rid of the old, broken, and falling apart doodads. If it’s missing pieces or is unrecognizable to the trash, it goes. If it’s slightly used in appearance, but hasn’t been worn, played within the last 3-6 months; donate it. Word of warning; having your kids help is great when it comes to figuring out what clothes stay or go. But when it comes to toys they somehow can’t live without keeping everything.
- Out with the old (part 2)- What season are you in where you live? Here winter is in full affect…as much as it can be in California that is. Hoodies and boots have become a staple at this time. For some reason, I have been reluctant to let go of some of my older outfits. But no more. If a season goes by and I haven’t worn it then in the donation pile, it goes.
- Attacking long-term goals, with short-term progress checks- Yes, like pretty much everyone else I want to be health. And sure I may have a goal weight and size. But my actions day to day are going to be what makes reaching that goal possible. So I’m looking online and getting suggestions from friends for work out challenges. A 30 day challenge is something I can achieve, but I want to enjoy completing a goal sooner. So weekly challenges are what I’m looking for. It’s about keeping active, be accountable, and enjoying checking off a challenges week by week.
- Reduce guilty pleasures- For me, this is hands down coffee. This winter I have drunk my weight in brown beans; we’re welcome Starbucks. I still want to allow myself my indulgence. But a cup or two a week will need to replace my daily intake. Now it’s a significant change in habit and routine, but because I’m not cutting it out completely is why this goal is more likely to success. Weekends will be my cheats, so Monday through Friday I’ll have something to work towards…and look forward too.
These small goals can make a difference over time. I mean it’s only January 2nd and my house almost has no Christmas decorations in sight. And my kids have closet space for all their new clothes because we took a day to focus on it. No it’s not always fun, and never glamorous, but it feels great checking off that to do list. With a house filled with disorganized girls, and a hoarding husband I just have to have a plan. Otherwise, I’d lose my mind in what would be a pigsty.