This is a post I created in 2017, I’m sharing it in this new space as a reference for current goal setting.
For the last several years, I posted a list of yearly goals on my blog. It wasn’t from some weird desire to be an exhibitionist about what I am planning, but more with the hope that the whole idea of setting goals, and even some of my specific goals, will spark ideas for you. I believe that God has good plans for us, and that, just as He did in the lives of so many people in the past, He wants to lead us into those good plans.
I haven’t always started my new year’s goals setting with God in mind, but this year, I have as an overarching goal, a desire to start inviting God into even the most mundane of decisions. I so often get overburdened and overscheduled because I do things to be nice, or even to be a good Christian, and then end up frustrated, discouraged and grumbling, nothing good or Christian about that.
So after praying, I have a theme of “metamorphosis”. That’s my word for the year, and I guess it’s a fancy word for transformation and change. Many of my goals flow from that word, or have that idea at their core.
If you are confused about how I came about the categories, here is a post by a friend that explains this whole system. I love the idea of setting goals in several areas instead of just globbing together a bunch of goals. However, if these categories don’t work for your family, make your own.
Also, I realize that this post is late! Hopefully, most of you have already made your New Year’s goals. We made ours while sitting around a cozy fire with my aunt and uncle in Ireland, but after that, we spent 10 days doing ministry in Tanzania, Africa, (you can read more about the trip and it’s educational benefits in a 2017 Wild and Free bundle). Since arriving home, we have been trying to actually implement the plans that we made while we were away. It’s been busy, but good, and connection with my family has been the priority. I am fully aware that the days of having all my children home are numbered, and I am enjoying them fully. You might enjoy my blog post, Cultivating Joyful Homes.
New Year’s Goals
Self Care
Daily Yoga/Pilates
Do a monthly fast or cleanse
Spiritual Life
Memorize one verse each week
Make listening to God a priority
Intellect/Emotions
Teach chore consistency to children
Make math understandable
Relationships
Special focus on relationship with middle children
Listen actively to children
Time Management
Family Bible by 8:15
Spend 1-3pm on writing projects
Nest Management
Work towards simplified garden/possible downsize
Teach better home care habits to children
Uniquely You
Finish memoir with Emelie
Go to a writers conference
Financial Stewardship
Publish Playful Pioneers
Learn Squarespace
You can read about past new year’s goals setting here. If you need resources for learning how to goal set, my course, Bountiful Homeschooling on a Budget, is full of ideas for creating a family vision and life plan.
What are your family’s New Year’s goals? I’d love to hear them!
