Do you need cleaning supplies? Check out my list of the Best Cleaning Product Deals and the Best Places to Buy Green Cleaning Products Online.
My Goals…Why do I set them? Why do I share them here?
- Setting goals helps me remain focused.
- Sharing my goals helps to hold me accountable.
- I hope that it may inspire you to set goals for yourself? Give it a try! Start small if it seems overwhelming or like too much work. Or maybe it seems pointless to you? Give it a shot.
Are you new to goal setting? Here are a few posts that may help or inspire you:
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How to Set Goals using Short Challenges and Mini Goals
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How Short Challenges and Mini Goals Work for Me
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One Simple Task to Help You Follow Through On Your Goals
Record kiddo bedtime – Goal: 8:00
March: I did OK. She was in bed by 8:15 for most of March. I started to get off track. I could tell she wasn’t getting enough sleep. It’s not fair to her if I’m not focused on making sure she is well-rested (life is harder if she is short of sleep!), so I am continuing to focus on this.
April: Goal time is 8:00. {For 3-year-old only.}
Record my wake-up and bedtimes
March: I am not good at this. My March bedtime goal was 11:30 PM. That may have happened a few times? Otherwise midnight. And so the 6 AM wake-up isn’t happening. I also stopped recording the times, which is key for me.
April: I need to plan my evenings better so I’m not up so late. I have considered making myself a schedule in the evenings, but it seems drastic to plan every minute of my evening. Have you tired that? Does it work?
I was listening to a podcast by Gretchen Rubin. She mentioned the second wind that some people get at night even though they are tired and I thought: That Is Me!!
Wake-Up goal is 6 AM. Bedtime goal is 11:30 PM. (I would like it to be earlier…just being realistic.)
Computer Shut-Down
March: My goal was to shut the computer off at 10:45. Success some nights. Fail other nights. I just need to be more disciplined here and make sure I’m writing it down.
April: Computer needs to be off at 10:45. I am going to try to do this EVERY night.
Make Top 3 Morning Tasks list each evening
March: Continue writing down Top 3 Morning Tasks list each evening. Success! This is now a habit that I am doing automatically. I don’t need to remind myself anymore.
April: NO goal.
God’s Word
March: I read from my NIV Mom’s Devotional Bible
April: Continue to read NIV Mom’s Devotional Bible* or another devotional every day. In April I would like to read my devotion first thing in the morning at least 5 days a week. I cannot plan on doing this every morning as some days the girls decide when I wake up and I don’t have any alone time in the morning. I should not have any trouble doing this 5 days per week.
Books
March: I finished All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
I did not read another book. I decided to start my first blog series: 30 Day Spring Cleaning Challenge. So I spent more time on that project and more time cleaning. I plan on getting back into reading more in April.
April: Read a book. I am currently undecided. I am considering starting Peace Like a River By Leif Enger*
Screen Time
March: I didn’t record screen time during the month of March. Some days I was focused on this and some days I was not.
April: Focus on extended non-screen time, especially when hanging out at home with my girls.
Exercise
March: Completed! Cardio (running or elliptical) – 3 days per week at minimum. Burpees – On non-cardio days, do 40 burpees. (Read here how burpees helped me get back into a fitness routine.)
April: Same as March.
One-on-one outing/time with each girl
March: I had one-on-one time with both girls. I even had almost a full day with just my little one (fun, but so odd!) as her big sister had her first night away at grandpa and grandma’s house! It gave me a glimpse about the fact that during the upcoming years she will be growing more and more independent from us. Read more about that here…Mom, Where Will You Be?
April: Once during the month of April.
Weekly “Date” night with hubby
March: The goal was a weekly movie night or game night. We had another dinner and movie date! 2 in a few weeks is just shocking for us! We went to a restaurant that was in the neighborhood where we used to live. It’s always so fun to go back to the wonderful Linden Hills neighborhood! If you are ever in the Minneapolis area and like fries, Convention Grill has the best french fries in the cities!
Other than that we failed on this one.
April: Work is getting busy for him, so we really need to be intentional about planning a weekly movie night or game night.
Enjoy more outdoor time
March: We were not outside every week as the weather turned cold again. Minnesota did have some spring weather earlier in the month and we took full advantage!
April: Try again. I want to make sure the girls get out to play once a week in April.
Pack up and drop off at least 2 bags of clothing and such at Goodwill
March: Decluttering and simplifying stuff is such a process for me. I often try to sell on ebay or other sites, but sometimes I just need to pack it up in a bag and get it out of the house. Otherwise I just end up shuffling the same items around. It’s time consuming (I could write multiple posts on this…). I just need to be realistic about some of the items I know I will not be able to sell and just get rid of them.
Because I started my 30 Day Spring Cleaning Challenge, I spent more time cleaning than decluttering. Check out my spring cleaning tips below:
30 Day Spring Cleaning Challenge Posts:
Best places to buy green cleaning products online…with cleaning product promo codes!
Day 2: 5 Tips for Cleaning Your Pantry
Day 4: How to Clean Kitchen Appliance
30 Day Spring Cleaning Challenge – Week 1: Kitchen
30 Day Spring Cleaning Challenge – Week 2: Vacuum, Dust & New Cleaning Tip
30 Day Spring Cleaning Challenge – Week 3 and Vitacost
Days 23 & 24: How to Clean Window Tracks Without Scrubbing
April: I will finish off my Spring Cleaning Challenge. I then will move onto decluttering.
Be more intentional about my prayer life
March: I am not setting a specific day-to-day goal around this. I do not want to make my prayer life something to check off my blog goal list…as that would mean my intentions were a tad off (stating the obvious?). I am fine cramming in burpees at the end of the month so I don’t have to report back that I failed that goal. My prayer life? I won’t be cramming that in for a monthly goal report. I just want to get back into praying more often.
April: Continue
Plan and throw a bridal shower
March: Success! Well, I hosted the shower and I thought it was fun? Hopefully I’m not the only one. :) We played scattergories and mad libs (help the bride write her vows), so hopefully that was enjoyed by all.
No baking desserts all month
Good thing I skipped this goal in March. As I write this I have cookies in the oven…and it’s not my first batch in March.
New April Goals
Photo Book
I made a photo book for my older daughter’s first year. I purchased a Groupon for a photo book for daughter #2. It expires early April. So I need to load pictures and create her book!
Taxes
I enjoy doing our taxes and usually get them done before April. I haven’t done ours yet as I spend most of my spare time blogging…
Onto the blogging goals…
Blog Goals
- Getting better at planning ahead and scheduling out posts: I am getting much better at this. It makes life easier! Continue in April.
- Improve categorization and improve site navigation: Work in progress.
- Write first guest post for early April: This is almost done.
- Add more Pinnable images to old posts: Starting my first series took me away from doing this. I hope to do a few this month.
- Pinterest update 2021: If you use Pinterest for your blog, join the Pinteresting Pins Subscription + Mastermind here!
- Consider planning a series: DONE! I’m halfway through the: 30 Day Spring Cleaning Challenge.
Do you make monthly goals? Feel free to link to your April goals in a comment. I enjoy reading goal lists. I find encouragement hearing what others are desiring to focus on.
You will receive free updates, morning motivation, printables, blog post highlights, and occasional deals sent your way. Frequency?? Just a few times per month.
Suzi T says
omg I really enjoyed this. I am taking some of your tips and trying them out. Need to make a photo book of my daughter’s 21st before it fades into a memory. Great post xx
admin says
It’s so wonderful to have the photo book in hand! Once it’s done…
Madaline says
I love reading other people’s goals! I know that sounds so weird, but it really motivates me and gives me little ideas of things I can do!
admin says
It doesn’t sound weird! I enjoy reading other people’s goals also!
Jaime says
I love this! I post weekly goals on my blog too. It helps me to stay motivated. I don’t always hit them, but I do my best!
admin says
Yes, I find it motivating too!
Coley says
I love Gretchen Rubin’s podcast! Have you tried the alarm thing she suggested in the podcast? I haven’t tried it, but it seems like it might help with the 11:30 bedtime! Good luck with your goals :)
admin says
I tried that a year or so ago and it just didn’t work for me. After listening to her podcast, I did consider trying it again. We will see!
Lauren says
Love these updates! (I think I say that everytime I read them!) I really need to step up my setting goal game.. my goal for April is to set goals
admin says
Ha! A goal to set goals…that works!
SHelly says
Great goals again this month. It has definitely helped me actually writing down and sharing my goals each month.
admin says
I hope it’s helpful!
Sharon Rowe says
Great post I have set accountability into my planning this year! Thanks for sharing on Monday Madness link party :)
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom says
I am such a list maker and I too have been thinking about making monthly goals… maybe not as many as you have here, but these are ALL great. I never thought about recording my wake and bed times or having a computer shut off time. Thanks for some new ideas to make my life a little easier.
admin says
Recording wake and bedtimes may seen ridiculous for some people…but when you are not disciplined with sleep (that would be me) it’s helpful!
Heather H says
Thanks for the inspiring post! I am sporadic about writing down goals. You’ve motivated me to get back to it. I like the idea of setting a time for shutting the computer down.
admin says
Good luck getting back into it! Thanks for reading.
Angela Parlin says
I love getting to peek into your goals…and you’re inspiring me with the “More Outdoor Time” one. I’ve been thinking of that one a lot lately, with the nice spring weather just getting started. I want, no I NEED to spend more time outdoors this year. I’m still working on the morning routine…thanks for the inspiration! #RaRaLinkup
admin says
We have spent more time outdoors the last three days than we have in month. I’m Loving it! Fresh air is good for all. Enjoy!
Olivia @ Snyders Tell All says
Just found your blog! I’m so with you on the bed times. I just posted my April goals today as well and sleep was a huge priority for me also. Thanks for sharing your goals! Can’t wait to read more.
admin says
Thanks for reading. I checked out your goals too. Good luck with the sleep…
Keri says
Hahahha I get that second wind too! Like right now I feel beat but then somehow I up late! Love your goals and the review
admin says
Exactly!! Most days I think: and TODAY I’m going to go to bed at a decent time because I’m tired…then it doesn’t happen. I should try to go to bed before I get the second wind? Or that would probably be about 7:30…not good.
Ashley says
I really liked reading your goals. I loved all of them! I am terrible at setting goals for myself and sticking with them, so I usually don’t set any! :D
admin says
That works too! Thanks for reading.
Ash @ The Nashvillian says
I have All The Light We Cannot See on my to-read list. I’m trying not to get my expectations too high, though!
admin says
Keep it on your list though. It’s still good!
Brita Long says
Wow, your goals are ambitious! I hope you’re a SAHM because I have no idea how you would find that many hours in the day to get everything done.
What I love about your list is that most of your goals focus about being intentional with your time. It’s so easy to let the hours slip away doing stuff that isn’t important.
My goals can be found here! http://bellebrita.com/2015/04/april-goals-march-recap/
admin says
Thanks for sharing your goals!
Sarah says
Fantastic goals! Good luck on them. I also blog my goals for the same reason: accountability. Without it I would be completely lost.
admin says
Yes, the accountability helps!
Janeen says
Yowzas, that’s quite the list, woman! Way to go on clearing out so many goals. I’m sitting here with my goal journal next to me and now I’m going to have to open it.
admin says
Opening your goal journal would certainly work as a goal. ;)
Jessi Fearon (@TheBudgetMama) says
Love your goals! I’ve been failing with getting up early too – definitely getting back on track with this for April. :) You are totally rocking it!
admin says
It seems like you have a valid reason to not be getting up early. ;)
Gail Akeman says
I have started doing monthly blog goals posts but I need to change to household too to keep me accoutanble.
Jess says
That is a great idea to keep a record of when you get up and go to bed. I should do that because I’m in the same boat you are! Thanks for linking up with us for Tuesday Talk! – Jess
http://www.sweetlittleonesblog.com
admin says
For some people it may seem crazy to record bedtimes…but I am just terrible at going to bed!
Terri Presser says
Great planning and goals, recording them seems to be a great way to achieve them. Thank you for sharing at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings
Andrea Mitchael says
Great job!! This is such an amazing list :D I hope that the weather allows that outdoor time you’re hoping for :) my son and I had such a fun time i the sun today, I felt like it gave me some extra energy! I totally need to work on my photo book! eek — it can be hard to get motivated, but I don’t want to get super behind!
I hope your prayers life is able to grow as well :D
Thanks for sharing and linking up!
Blessings,
~Andrea
admin says
We have already been outside more in April than we have for months. I’m loving it!
Thanks for hosting the monthly goal linkup.
Betsy de Cruz says
It’s nice to see you at Grace & Truth! I enjoyed looking at your goals because it helps me to evaluate mine. March was a fuzzy month for me, I was not as disciplined with goals or my bullet journal (new way to handle my to-do list and calendar). I hope to get back on track in April.
admin says
The bullet journal looks like an interesting concept!
Suzie@homemaker-mom says
I love to set goals. I recently also just going to Arc planners! It is helping me so much. Found this awesome post at Saturday Soriee!
admin says
Thanks for reading!
Jenny @ Women With Intention says
Love your goals! I always do mine as well, it really does help keep me on track! Best of luck in April!
elizabeth says
YES! Enjoy more outdoor time!
admin says
Done! We have already had a few nice days in April!
Tanya @ Mom's Small Victories says
Sorry All the Light didn’t quite live up to the hype. I have been slacking on turning off the computer/phone at a good time. Need to make reading more of a priority after 10pm. Thanks for sharing with Small Victories Sunday linkup. Pinned to our linkup board and hope you join us again this weekend!