I’ve had an abundance of ideas flowing through my head lately, but I can’t seem to quiet my mind enough to see them come to fruition. It’s quite the predicament.
I’ve been looking at this list, trying to rework what I don’t like and I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to make some changes. A few of the items you see listed on here aren’t a good representation of what I’m actually working towards. I would be lying if I pretended like they were still part of my goals and I would feel much better if I made the tweaks now so that I can refocus – especially heading into the New Year.
Keep reading to see what made the cut and what little bits of inspo have been added!
1. Make a shorter list. Ironic that this is number one. I’d like to focus less on numbers and more on what it is that I’m trying to accomplish.
3. Migrate the blog to WordPress. So much to learn, so little time.
4. Launch a new blog column
5. Get a few head shots taken
6. Buy a house with my partner in crime, Pete. Here I am being honest again. We just aren’t ready. I thought we were. We saved our pennies (okay, more than that), talked with a realtor and got our “ducks in a row.” But we just aren’t ready. I believe a part of me was just going through the motions. Buying a house is what grown adults are supposed to do, right? It’s been a long process, but I’ve had to teach myself that just because someone else is doing it, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for Pete and I’s situation. We are happy where we are and knowing that we have the option to come and go as we please is really freeing at this point in our lives. I’m not saying we’re going anywhere, but for us, this is right.
7. Learn calligraphy
9. Run three half marathons and PR in a 5k. Broadway Bridge Half Marathon, check.
11. Purge our apartment of all the items we no longer use/need and donate the good stuff. Getting there! Another mini purge is taking place this weekend.
12. (Continue to) read more. I’ve read #GIRLBOSS and Lean In. You can read my thoughts on #GIRLBOSS here. I need to make time to finish Dream Year by Ben Arment before the next #BookClubBlogger meet up!
13. Take a yoga class. I had my very first yoga experience.
14. Start or join a book club.
13. Take a yoga class. I had my very first yoga experience.
14. Start or join a book club.
15. Lose 5 more pounds and build some noticeable muscle mass
17. Venture outside of my comfort zone and start taking more risks (both big and small)
19. Cook dinner at home every week night for a month. I’m aiming to do this in January. It will be a nice way to kick off the New Year and undo all of the holiday feasting and indulgent dinners out with family and friends.
20. Visit the Louisburg Cider Mill Read about my trip to Louisburg Cider Mill.
21. Go an entire month without pop (soda or coke for all you non-mid-westerners) I survived 30 Days caffeine and pop free!
23. Write a letter to myself to be opened on my 28th birthday
24. Trust the timing of MY life and stop getting sucked into the comparison trap. This will probably never be crossed off my list and I’m okay with that.
25. Leave a 100% tip for someone who provided excellent service
26. Throw a festive holiday soiree
27. Mail out holiday cards to family and friends
28. Go hiking
29. Track down the perfect bar cart. I had my sights set on one that looks just like this (scroll down on the page), but it sold before I could pull the trigger. If you see one…let me know!
30. Plan a trip down to Texas to visit family
What do you think of the changes? Do you ever feel like you have to hit pause and reevaluate so that you stay on track in the grand scheme of things?
Image via
I’m constantly setting new goals- it keeps me on my toes!
I love that you’re redefining your goals, Jess. I think goals need to be in a constant state of revision, because you never know how things will be as you start down a path. I totally hear you about the house. Wade and I were the last of our friends to buy a house and always felt pressure to get one. We started and stopped the home buying process maybe 4 or 5 times:) We loved our apartment, too, and honestly I could have stayed there a few more years. It’s such a big investment that you’ll know when the time is right and don’t let anyone else sway you. It’s so hard not to compare ourselves to others as we get older and people start taking different routes, but enjoy your freedom and apartment now! In the future, you’ll find the perfect house for you both, and I’m sure you guys will look back on this time fondly:) Also, I love what you said about not having a quantity or set amount of miles you’re trying to get to. I used to be so hardcore with running that I had to reach a certain number of miles a week or I would freak out. Well, that led to me hurting my knee pretty bad. Now I’m lucky if I can run a few miles a week. And you know what? I find myself feeling more thankful for the workout time and not dreading it so much. It’s nice to just be able to do what you feel like for that day. Sorry this was such a long ramble:) Hope you’re having a great day, friend!
This wasn’t a ramble at all, it was the sweetest comment ever. Thanks for making me feel like I’m not totally crazy for not wanting to buy a house. I’m going to work on really allowing myself to settle in and decorate in the apartment we have now and I think that will help tremendously.
That is not good at all. I think it’s easy to get sucked into the numbers game, especially when training for a run. Again, I’m learning what’s best for me. Running in 12 degree temps just isn’t right now 😉
I hope your weekend is the best one yet!
Kari said it all in her comment. Our goals have to change as we do. Fortunately I can help with the holiday card goal…Think.Make.Share Blog is offering a discount on Hallmark holiday cards 🙂 http://www.thinkmakeshareblog.com/collaborating-on-custom-cards/
You guys are the best. Don’t kill me, but I ordered them already! Oops. I will know for next time. 🙂
Good for you for reassessing. That’s part of growing up, too- as is being honest about it! I’m proud of you, doll. So many people just keep throwing themselves forward, never pausing to check and see if it’s still the right thing.
I’m excited for you and where you’re headed. 🙂
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
It’s hard. Especially when you put things out there and then say, “oh hey, just kidding. I don’t want to do that anymore.” haha. But I’m learning! That means a lot coming from you! I hope that knee of yours is healing up nicely 🙂
I love this list and I love that you are really look at it and making the changes where needed. I’m constantly adding and deleting from a mental list I have running through my mind, but like you, nothing seems to be coming out of my attempts! I need to really sit down and focus on what’s important! Thanks for providing that inspiration!
http://akstylemyway.blogspot.com/
Love that you sat down and re-evaluated! I’ve been sucked into the comparison game lately, specifically with so many big things like weddings happening in my friends’ lives! It’s hard not to think that you should be in the same place as them! But, my relationship is in a very different place than theirs and I’m in a totally different situation, definitely not in a place to be where they are and I’ve accepted that and know it’s also not what I want right now. So much else going on that I can’t discuss yet, but it definitely puts life into perspective and makes you realize you need to make your life work for you and not anyone else’s thoughts or opinions!
Agreed! It’s really hard not to slip into a habit of comparing. I’m so happy to hear that we aren’t the only ones who are still figuring things out. Thanks for giving me your feedback Annica 🙂 I hope everything is alright for you!
I think it is good to look at and redefine your goals because things in life are constantly changing —- and my boyfriend and I are the SAME way right now. A house seems wonderful, we could easily save up if we wanted to, but something is keeping us from it. It just isn’t right for us RIGHT now. Someday I’m sure it will be. I think we are both a bit of free spirits and buying a house seems like a big commitment, like if we are going to do it, we should plan to stay there awhile. I like to know that I can leave I guess 😉 And good for you for how much you have accomplished!
It’s reassuring to know that we aren’t the only ones. I’m sure someday it will be right 🙂 But for now, I’m determined to make the most of our apartment and finally allow myself to “settle in,” even though I know we won’t be there forever!
I love reading this, I always set new goals for myself but I tend not to write them down. For #19 I would really advise doing a lot of prep work over the weekend that way on week nights it’s easier to wrap up a meal.
I am so proud of you for doing this! I know it’s not an easy task and I’ll be here for you as you tackle each one
Thanks girlfriend! 🙂
I think it is so great that you reevaluated your list and made changes instead of continuing on just to finish it. I feel like I will probably reevaluate mine as well at some point. Great list and great tweaks!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
I love all of these goals. I want to learn calligraphy too. I have barre3 right now. It’s alright, but I think the class would be different.
Jess, your blog is genuinely becoming one of my favorites. I really love posts like this, ones you can truly relate to. My husband (Ted) and I just had the very same experience when it comes to buying a house and knowing that we’re not alone (or crazy as some people have kind of led us to believe) is SO comforting. Thank you!
K.xo
http://www.rarelytakenseriously.com
I love reading your goals and getting to see where you are with everything. You are one amazing lady! I love that you are so honest and real. Awesome! PS there’s a bar cart from target that I feel like you would like!
http://www.target.com/p/threshold-bar-cart-gold/-/A-15417452#prodSlot=medium_1_6&term=bar+cart
Happy Thanksgiving!
xo,
Cait
http://www.sophisticaited.com
Changes are a part of life! It’s so good that you realize you need to redefine your goals as you grow and change. I need to work on getting a list together like yours and keep redefining them as I go.