So, slowly but surely, I’m making progress in the right direction around here. I’m still far from where I want to be, but I’m encouraged that I’ve been getting more sleep, I’ve been spending more quality time just enjoying my husband and children (which is hard for a Type A chained-to-the-to-do-list gal like me to do!), the house is staying cleaner, the laundry pile is not a permanent fixture in our bedroom, and I’ve just been feeling more overall balance in my life.
Now if I could just be more consistent about running and not try to read five books in one week, I think I’d be doing really good. 🙂
Here are last week’s goals:
Family/Mothering Goals
1. Finish reading Paul Revere and The Imagination Station: Showdown With the Shepherd aloud to the children.
2. Take children to a soccer game.
3. Take at least 30 pictures of the children this week(I’ve been trying to train myself to take more pictures; I always seem to forget and then we miss having photos of some of our most special moments and memories!)Personal Goals
4. Run 10 miles (total). {Um, should I confess that I ran a total of 3 miles last week? Yes, almost a complete fail, I know.}
5. Finish reading The Rose Conspiracy. Still working on EntreLeadership, The Rose Conspiracy, He Heard Hannah, Kisses from Katie, and In Search of Balance.6. Finish Rag Quilt and
knitted dishcloth.{I tried so hard to do the Rag Quilt on my own, but apparently it is way beyond my meager sewing abilities because I jammed my machine multiple times and basically made a big mess of things. So I’ve decided to bring in “professional help” (e.g. a friend with much more sewing experience!) to help me finish this long overdue project!}7. Go to bed by 10:30 p.m. every night. {I did this 4 nights so that’s progress, right?!}
Home Management Goals
8. Follow this 15-minutes-a-day cleaning schedule {I almost followed it, but I didn’t completely complete two of the days, so I can’t cross it off.}
9. Do one load of laundry from start to finish every day. {Again, I did this all but two days.}
Business Goals
10. Finish writing and do a run-through of our workshop the Relevant conference with my husband.
This Week’s Goals:
Here are last week’s goals:
Family/Mothering Goals
1. Read Did You Carry the Flag Today, Charley? aloud to the children.
2. Make Johnny Cakes with the children.
3. Wrap some fun surprises for the children to open while I’m at Relevant.
Personal Goals
4. Finish reading EntreLeadership, He Heard Hannah, Kisses from Katie, Getting Things Done, and In Search of Balance.
5. Get 8 hours of sleep Sunday through Wednesday nights (in preparation for short nights at Relevant).
6. Take extra Vitamin C. (Last year, I came back from Relevant and was sick for almost a week, so I’m trying to make sure I’m well-rested and all “vitamined-up” this year so that I can hopefully avoid getting sick!)
Home Management Goals
7. Get all the laundry done and the house clean before I leave.
8. Make homemade ranch dressing (my friend made a mix up for me. I’ll share the recipe later this week.)
Business Goals
9. Attend/speak at the Relevant conference.
10. Host a reader meet-up in Harrisburg, PA for around 50 local readers.
How did you do on last week’s goals? What are your goals for this week? I’d love to have you share your progress on last week’s goals and your goals for this coming week in the comments. Of, if you’ve blogged about it, leave your direct link below. Let’s cheer each other on to live purposeful and productive lives!
You can download a free customizable weekly goal-planning sheet here.
Nisrine says
Thank you for starting this weekly goals post. Setting goals definitely helps in getting more things done without feeling too overwhelmed. And speaking about balance, I started a series last week called ” How to organize your way to a balanced life”. I love organizing so I couldn’t think of a better title than to including organizing in it. 🙂
http://www.isavvymom.com/2011/10/26/organize-your-way-to-a-balanced-life-part-2/
I don’t claim to have found a balanced life but I am a lot more relaxed and getting things done than I used to so I thought I ll share what I know. 🙂
Here are my goals for this week:
Health:
Eat One cup of spinach a day
Run 3 times/week for 30 minutes each
Reading:
Finish reading “The power of less” and start reading “Mindset”
Household:
Finish the laundry (wouhou, done already!! 🙂
Organize office
Blog:
Post Menu Plan and “How to Organize your way to a balanced life” Part 2 Done!
Start Part 3
Work:
Get ready for this week’s class
Family:
Play with my kids every day
Make some Halloween Crafts
I try to keep it short and simple so as not to get too overwhelmed.
Btw,I agree with the comment that Vitamin D is better than Vitamin C. Did you also try probiotics?
Evie says
I am always goal setting, but my first week blogging about it and doing it. I work full time (and opposite shift as my husband), have 2 small kids, have a ministry in India, plus ministry here, etc it goes on and on. I have been overwhelmed lately. So I am hoping this will keep things in perspective for me. (plus maybe accountability)
Melanie says
wish I had known u were going to b having a reader meet up in Harrisburg. I live about 2 hrs from there. Would have loved to meet you. you have helped me in so many ways!! If you have time make sure you travel down the road and go through the Hershey factory! it is something amazing!! and really close to Harrisburg.
Cher says
You’re awesome! Keep up the great work.
Amie says
Well you ran 3 more miles than I did last week! Good job!
Victoria Osborn says
My goals this week are to drink more water and to turn off the TV. Not that I sit ariund all day and watch it, I have just gotten into a bad habit of having it on as background noise. I’m trying to be more aware of what I’m listening to so I’m going to start listening to my local Christian radio station. Maybe I might be more motivated to clean the bathrooms if I’m listening to somethin encouraging!
Kyla says
I am totally hoping that this will make me more accountable for my goals that I have set for myself! Usually, when I have lots of people watching (for a lack of a better term), I complete my tasks. I am starting small for this week, thanks for this opportunity.
Irish American Mom says
You inspire me. I tend not to set goals, thinking minor details of everyday life do not deserve the attention of a written goal. I am learning my great mistake, as laundry piles up, and I never seem to be able to get everything done. I am going to become a goal writer. Thanks so much for being a wonderful role model.
Brittany says
I’m hoping that blogging and linking about my list will hold me a little more accountable to accomplishing it! Thanks for the encouragement, love your blog!!
Brittany says
I’m hoping that blogging and linking about my list will hold me a little more accountable to accomplishing it! Thanks for the encouragement, love your blog!!
Shannon says
I fell short of my workout goals from last week as well. It’s been getting a lot colder here and it’s so hard to run on the treadmill when I’m used to running outside!
Anyway, thanks for the Weekly Goals post-I love it! I always have a list of things I’d like to get accomplished, but until reading your posts have never actually written it down. I’m amazed at the difference it makes in having my goals written! I guess I used to feel like that was too much of a commitment and I’d feel guilty if I didn’t accomplish the things written on my list, but I’ve realized what I don’t get accomplished in one week, I can try again the next.
Thanks for the motivation!
[email protected] says
As a mom of littles it’s just hard to get everything done. If laundry is the last on your list I’d say you have your priorities straight.
This is only a season. As the children grow, they will be able to do their own laundry and you can move on to other things on the to do list! 🙂
Lacey Wilcox says
I love how real you are when one of your goals doesn’t quite get met–it’s so easy to be hard on ourselves, rather than granting grace, and picking it up again next week! Super encouraging…thanks for sharing! 🙂
Crystal says
You’re welcome. I’m working on the “granting myself grace” thing. It doesn’t come naturally to me, but it sure beats beating myself up with guilt. 🙂
Lor says
Have fun at Revelent! Have you thought of taking Echinacea along with Vit C? It seems to work for me. You can only take it about 7 days in a row but it seems to do the trick for my family and I when we feel a cold coming on or known exposure or trip coming up. Just a thought. Have fun!
Steph says
Writing this all out is so helpful. Some weeks go better than others but I am learning to let go of perfection and focus on just doing my best. Have a great time at your conference!
BethB says
I didn’t read all the comments so someone else may have mentioned this. In addition to Vitamin C we go for Probiotics. They’re good for immune support.
This is a bit random but have you had your iron level checked? Both my husband and I tend to be on the low side of normal so we’ve started adding more iron rich foods, like molasses and quinoa, to our diets. It seems to be helping. Just a thought. 🙂
Crystal says
Yes, I just recently had a bunch of bloodwork done and was so happy that my hemoglobin is normal. As someone who tends to be anemic, I was very excited that all the stuff I’ve been doing to try and improve my health is working!
Thank you for the probiotic suggestion–excellent idea!
Beth at Mother By Design says
Oh, 3 miles certainly doesn’t sound like “fail” to me! I would be feeling very successful if I had done that much. 😉
Make sure you get some extra Vitamin D this week, too, for even better protection!
Wendy says
I heard Katie Davis speak at Calayst earlier this month. She is so amazing and real. I sat in awe of her b/c she is so in love with Christ and Uganda. I am reading her book as well and have read some pages to my 6 yo son. She is inspiring b/c I want to raise my kids with a faith in God to do bold things like she did.
Elizabeth says
Crystal, Perhaps your sewing friend has already told you this…but if you want to sew with PLEASURE and JOY…it is an absolute MUST that you have a GOOD machine…not a Walmart special, if you know what I mean. Now, that does NOT mean a NEW machine necessarily (all but one of my electric sewing machines have been used)…but good quality!! I am partial to 850 Berninas…and finding one at this point in time would not be easy perhaps, as they are quite old. I got mine in Dec. 1999 and it was then about 20 years old, but it obviously had hardly been used ever…though I have since put some miles on it. However, with upkeep, it has kept right on going without even a tuneup since I got it in 1999. And also, if your machine is tying more knots rather than sewing, you need to look at the thread. DO NOT get CHEAP thread. You maybe can sew on buttons, etc with cheap thread, but it will drive you mad generally if used in a machine. I have found that even a good brand of thread requires knowing WHERE it is made (such as I prefer to use the Gutermann brand…made in Germany. Some of it is made in Mexico and not worth carrying out of the store, frankly…just be sure it is made in Germany). There is a forum online that talks about this problem. I have gotten other thread that is also ok, but it is also NOT the cheap stuff. The brand of needles you use are also important as well as the type…some are meant for cotton fabrics, some for heavy stuff like jeans, some for delicate fabric like synthetics. When you sew with cotton, you can get a lot more miles on the needle, but you will surely pay for it, if using needles that are not new and sharp with the more delicate fabrics. If you run over a pin, often that leaves a rough spot on a needle and you just as well throw it out. I prefer the Schmetz needles, especially if on expensive or delicate fabrics. Proper tools will likely mean success. Be sure to oil your machine often (generally for every outfit you make). Also, a machine that is put on a carpet remnant, or some other type cushioning like this, seems to work better and stay adjusted and be sure too that your table is heavy duty enough not to jiggle around while running the machine…a good machine does not appreciate instability. Hope this helps.
Ashlee says
I have been inspired by your weekly goal posts to set a list of goals for myself – I like that it isn’t as menacing as a To Do List. The goals are things that have to be worked on more than once (mostly) and that is something new for this start to finish type of gal. While I am not going to post mine for the world to see I did want to thank you for this inspiration.
Niki says
I hope you stay well. There are some real nasties out there.
We really like to use Nature’s Plus “Source of Life Energy Shake” (in creamy granola flavor). It really helped when we lived in a cold, wet northern state and went to a church with tons of germy kids(mine included).
Vitaglo.com has the best price on that.
Lea Stormhammer says
A quick sewing tip for you:
Have your friend show you how to adjust the tension in the bobbin and make sure you’re using the right type of needle. Usually if I’m jamming the sewing maching it’s because my tension is either too loose or too tight. And if you’re sewing through bulky or heavy weight fabric, I find a heavy duty needle a must – many layers of fabric may need a heavy weight needle too.
I’m lovin’ your weekly goals posts, Crystal. Always so inspiring. My husband and I posted our weekly chores in checklist form (check the box) this week. We did this when our kids were babies and it was great to get through things and see what still needed to be done this week. It’s been very helpful already! I really don’t want to post my entire to-do list every day for everyone to see, but maybe I need that accountability! 🙂
Lea
Patti says
Another sewing tip: Make sure your machine is threaded correctly ( it may not be around the tension springs inside).Sometimes just re-threading the machine will help stop jams. Like Lea said, make sure the tension and needle are correct for the fabric you are using. And this is a biggie: Always stop with your needle in the up position with your thread “hook” in the up position (usually at the top of the machine). Once I learned that, I quit having quite so many problems and it made sewing a lot more enjoyable. Good luck!!
September says
I just signed up for a 39.3 run this January, so avoiding exercise isn’t something I can really do at the moment. It is *hard* finding the time–I have two children (5 & 8), I’m the primary caregiver/homemaker and my husband travels 50-70% of the time, putting me pretty solidly in single-parent status for much of the time. For me one of the solutions is to multi-task and combine other “me” time with my running–I can listen to audiobooks on audible, but honestly most of the time I just think. When I head out for a run I know it will take “x” amount of time (depending on the day) and it’s amazing what you can accomplish! I’ll run through planning for upcoming events, meal ideas, things to do with the kids and just meditative quiet time.
That mental shift helped me take running away from being something that was secondary to fit in when I had the time to something that was primary and contributing to the other areas of my life running smoothly. There’s also the physical and mental benefits of exercise, and the overall combined effect since I made that mental leap to make it a priority has been HUGE. I’m happier and the other areas of my life are actually running more smoothly.
Oh, and laundry has always been my nemesis for most of my marriage. I’m compulsive about *doing* laundry, it’s the folding and putting away that gets me. My solution has been to do a load every day–it goes in as soon as I’m dressed for the day, before breakfast, kids or anything else…that way you can shift to the dryer as soon as you’re done with the breakfast/cleanup time. Then, at that point my laundry for the day is DONE and I know that folding and putting away that ONE load (ten minutes, tops) is all I have left. It’s embarrassing to admit that for most of my 15 years of marriage we’ve been scrounging through the mountain of clean laundry in the master bedroom whenever we needed clothes; now I don’t let myself get behind because once there’s one load of clean clothes overnight, then it will be two and then I’ll be buried!
Crystal says
I so agree and have been dreadfully missing my morning prayer/think/clear my head run… must get back to doing it faithfully as it makes such a difference in so many areas! Thanks for the encouragement!
Sandy says
I’m having a great week! I’ve managed to complete all of my physical therapy exercises twice a day, and not only spend time with my mom each day at the nursing home but, I’ve been able to have some time alone with her to read from the Bible and worship together. It doesn’t sound like much but, I’m grateful I’ve physically able to do all which I have done. Have a super week ladies!
Megan says
Forget the Vitamin C and load up on Zinc! It’s amazing! Newer research is showing vitamin C for cold/ flu is almost worthless. That’s why products like Airborne had to change the claims on the packaging.
Jenny says
My first week linking up.
Anna Hettick says
I love ready your weekly goals and seeing which ones you completed! Even when you don’t cross a lot of them off it is still encouragement for me to set goals and work hard at getting them accomplished. I have started doing this weekly too. Some weeks I just don’t get it done they are just off weeks but some weeks it’s so nice to be able to look back at the goals and see so much progress.
I recently started doing somthing similar to the 15 minutes a day cleaning. Mon-Thurs I have specific cleaning chores that I like to do on those days. Fridays are for catch-up and Sat & Sun’s are free days. I also do a “Daily Few” wipedown the kitchen counters, 1 complete load of laundry, wipe down the bathroom, make all beds. It helps so much in the upkeep of our home and my peace of mind since I can’t stand a dirty or disorganized house. But life happens so it’s certainly not perfect! =)
AK says
Here is my favorite part of your list: “I can’t cross that off because I didn’t completely complete the list.” HA! That is me in a nutshell. 🙂 How dare I give myself credit for the whole list when two items were unfinished? My whole life would seem like a lie. 🙂 I’m glad to hear that someone else suffers under perfection-induced cleaning psychosis.
Anna J. says
I love knowing there are other people like me! I won’t let myself cross something off the to-do list until EVERY step is complete. Example: one thing today was to make muffins. I haven’t crossed off the item though because the dishes I used to make them are still air-drying on the counter and haven’t been put away yet.
Erica says
Crystal,
Don’t be so hard on yourself. 3 miles is 3 more miles that you ran vs the 0 you would have had if you sat on the couch, read a book, or tended to one of the other items on your to do list. Definitely not a failure. Congrats on the 3 miles you did run!
Erica says
Crystal,
Would you mind sharing a list of books that you plan to read during this school year. I also have 3 children ages 6.5, 4.5 and 2.5 and I’ve noticed we have some overlap in our reading choices. I’m always looking for good read aloud suggestions for wholesome/nonfiction/educational/inspiring books for children (that I can request from the library) or on Amazon. Also, are you using a curriculum to help guide your American History selections? Thank you! Erica
Kimberly says
I’m trying to get more physically active and always have one excuse after another to just keep to my normal routine (meaning not exercising). With the cold and flu season at our doorstep, I know that exercise is one of the top prevention measures. Time to get active over here.
I really enjoyed reading Getting Things Done. My favorite tip of the book is putting my worries down on the calendar. I am constantly thinking of things throughout the day that ‘has’ to be done and cannot get the thought off my mind until I stop what I am doing and jot it in my calendar. Then I can focus on the task at hand. It just may be time to refresh and read it again. Thank you for the reminder!
Angie D says
I don’t know if this helps, but I ran 3 miles TOTAL too last week….and all my books that I haven’t finished were overdue at the library today. lol! Thank you for always a good dose of perspective…from motherhood to “no excuses.” I pray you have a fabulous time at Relevant and a smooth transition back at home!! May God bless you in little unexpected ways all weekend.
Catie says
My wonderful hubby helped me catch up with laundry this past week, so if I can stick with two loads a day (includes diapers), I should keep up.
Danielle B says
Last week wasn’t a great week. I’m pressing on for hopefully a much better week!
Top 10 Goals:
1.) Use a kind, gentle voice regardless of circumstances. (At this point I’m not even sure that’s physically possible, but God willing I’ll make progress.)
2.) Snuggle the kiddos. Give them sweet, gentle touches throughout the day, especially when I’m correcting them.
3.) Get outside for one hour every day. (Hopefully the rain will hold off. We’ve had enough for right now here in VA!)
4.) Tell my husband at least once per day how much I appreciate his hard work and allowing me to be a homemaker.
5.) Stick to our budget for the week. Stick to our budget for the week. Stick to our budget for the week……:-)
6.) Make applesauce bread. Blanche and freeze carrots.
7.) Empty out our cedar chest. Put it on Craigslist.
8.) Clean out our storage building. Put as much as possible on Craigslist.
9.) Finish putting all the data I have into my price book in Excel.
10.) Do one load of laundry per day.
Sandy says
Great list! After reading the first 4 goals I can tell you definitely have your priorities straight. Goal #5 made me LOL!
Sara@Save Money, Live Joyfully says
Two homeopathic cold/flu remedies we have tried that I would swear by (if I swore.) You can find them in any health food store. I’ve even seen them in Trader Joes.
-Cold Calm for colds. My mom was coming down with a cold (the cold I graciously gave her last week), and she took this. Within 24 hours she was fine!
-Oscillococcinum for flu symptoms. We gave the children’s version to my daughter several months ago. She had a 103+ fever and was miserable. After 24 hours of taking it, she was 100%!
Koree says
A few of the many things I have to do this week :
-work Wednesday-Sunday
-complete chapter readings for class tomorrow
-finish prepping presentation for Thursday class; begin notebook
-unload dishwasher and dryer
-do hand washing
-tutor tomorrow afternoon
-start service learning project
-go to grocery store/attempt to finish meal planning
-pay bills by Saturday
-get up by 7 am each day; in bed by midnight each day.
Carrie Bergherm says
Bulking up on the vitamins is a good idea! Almost my entire family came down sick this last weekend, and I’ve been trying to take vitamins and drink as much water as I can… Gotta hate that seasonal cold!
Posted my link above for my goals list.
Sara@Save Money, Live Joyfully says
Despite one of the longest weeks of my life, (stomach flu, severe morning sickness, and a horrible cold while taking care of a 3 year old) I was still able to cross off two goals last week. Little victories 🙂
Amber says
Sounds like huge victories to me! 🙂
Lucky says
Safe travels!
I’m having a pretty good week so far. I’ve gotten a few things in the freezer, and I made a scarecrow with the kids. I also have been writing 30 minutes a day.
Gretchen says
If you are making johnny cakes I have some tips for you. We call them hoe cakes and my grandmother always made them and I have learned the fine art of making them so they do not stick (because they will!) Here is my tips: http://extraordinaryordinarylife.blogspot.com/2011/09/fine-art-of-hoecake-making.html
Thanks again for your weekly goals. They are always inspiring.
AlinaJoy says
Running 3 miles is NOT an “almost complete failure” in MY book!!! Thank you also for the link to the 15 minute cleaning schedule. I will check that out! =)
Momma Hen says
I haven’t been holding myself accountable by posting my Weekly Goals. I will say that I had more check marks than blanks last week. I had the unusual opportunity for a kid-free night out while the kids were with my MIL. I have to admit I used it for absolutely nothing productive but an overnight trip out of town to visit with old friends.
Sidetracked Sarah says
Well, I did OK last week on my crockpot menu and this week, I decided to focus on exercise. I’m trying to do 15 minutes of my T-tapp exercise program….several times this week, along with some other health goals. Feel free to come and cheer me on.
Trish @ Finances With Funk says
Last week and this week I had to grin that you keep talking about getting a balance on things and the last book on your list is In Search of Balance. It made me think of a book that I had on my nightstand for 18 months about the importance of taking time for me to do things I enjoy. (like reading)
I finally just put the book back in the book shelf. Ha. I wonder why weeks go by and I still haven’t taken any “me time”.
Focusing on Quality time rather than on Quantity time has always been a major struggle for me too. Turning my multi-tasking brain into a single tasking one honestly takes a huge amount of effort. I wrote a post on it the first part of this year.
http://www.financeswithfunk.com/2011/06/07/we-played-hookie/
AmazonsRock says
Loading up on Vitamin C is good, but loading up on Vitamin D is even better for your immune system. It is easier to absorb, and allows you to fight off germs even better than Vitamin C. Plus, it helps with focus and falling asleep faster.
Jessica Claire says
I forgot to mention we had a short hospital stay on Sunday night but I should have been WELL finished by then.
Sandy says
Well wishes!
Jessica Claire says
Thanks!
Crystal says
Maybe we should all agree to quit doing laundry as a goal? Haha! I did okay this past week but can’t seem to stay on track as the week begins to draw to a close. I have decided to add a Thursday check in post to my blog to try to give myself some more accountability. You can read my blog if you want to know more. 🙂
Kimberly says
I LOVE the Thursday check! I’ll join you and do try that too this week. 😀
Nicole says
Hope you have a great time at Relevant. I admire how much you are still desiring to accomplish when you are going to be gone for 1/2 a week. May God bless and multiply your efforts!
Elise says
I think I did pretty well last week all things considered. I’m still a little new at learning how to get things done while taking care of a baby. 😉
Crystal says
I remember it took me about six months after having my first to figure out how to not live in frazzled chaos. Hang in there! It looks like you are doing a fantastic job–and I promise that it will get easier! Give yourself grace!
Elise says
Aww, thanks for the encouragement! I try to remind myself to just give it best shot and be happy with that 🙂
Anne @ Modern Mrs Darcy says
Oooh, extra vitamin C is a great idea this time of year but I hadn’t thought of it. That’s why sharing our goals is so helpful, right?
I am so with you on the early (well, earlier) bedtime and the load of laundry a day. Those things did not happen in my house this week and I can’t believe how it dominoes into chaos. My goal is to have a much better handle on those two things this week!