I didn’t officially cross off any goals in May, but I made some good headway on many of them. And I’m reminding myself that slow and steady progress is how you change your life and habits. Even if I don’t have a lot of amazing progress to show for May, that day in, day out chipping away is going to add up over time.
If you’re brand-new to goal-setting, be sure to read my post on How to Change Your Life By Setting Goals.
Here’s my list of 25 Goals for 2013 and an update on how I did in May:
Personal Goals
Read through the Bible in a year using this plan. {I’m on track with this so far.}
Run in at least one 5K race. {Jesse’s running in one on Saturday and I was supposed to run with him, but I’ve stopped running for the time being as it seems like this was the major culprit of my recent neck/back issues.}
Complete the Couch to 10K program.
Memorize Romans 1 and 2 with Jesse. {This has been slow going, but I have the first half of Romans 1 almost all memorized.}
Wake up by 6 a.m. and exercise, shower, and dress by 8 a.m. every day. {Still working on this!}
Read 150 books/ebooks {See my list of 48 books I’m for sure planning to read here — I’ve read 63 books/ebooks so far in 2013, so I’m on a good track to hit my goal!}Marriage Goals
Read 3 marriage books.
Finish reading through the Psalms together as a couple.
Have overnight stay (sans children) at least every other month. {Done in May.}
Go on at least one date per month. {Done in May.}Mothering Goals
Continue memorizing together from the Grace and Truth memory book.
Ice-skating lessons for all three children during the first quarter of 2013.
Swimming lessons for all three children during the summer. {We signed the kids up and they start next week.}
Finish at least 37 read-aloud books. {We’ve finished 21 books so far this year, so we’re on a good track here.}Ministry/Friendships/Extended Family Goals
Weekly accountability meetings with a friend.
Get together with friends for a playdate or lunch at least once a month. {Done once in May.}
Continue being involved in our local church, couple’s group, and blogging accountability group.
Continue with weekly get-togethers with both sides of our extended family.Financial Goals
Use a portion of the proceeds from my next book project to fund a well project.
Fund our Child Survival Program for 2013.{Done — yay!}
Buy a new bedroom set.
Invest in another rental property.Business/Blogging Goals
Release two new ebooks.
Attend one speaking conference.{I attended the She Speaks Intensive in January.}
Finish and submit the manuscript for my next book.
Did you set goals for 2013?
If so, tell us how you’re doing in the comments or leave a link to your blog post update below. Let’s encourage one another to live lives of intention and purpose!
Shelly says
I made some good progress this past month on getting the clutter out of my home. I still have a long way to go but am slowly getting it done. I am also keeping up with my reading a book each month. I find I am having an easier time finding moments to stick some reading time in.
I hope your back and neck are feeling better soon.
http://www.frugalfamilyhome.com/goals/goals-for-2013-may-update
Jenn says
We had the same kind of month. It just flew by for me but plan to get alot done over the summer since our schedule is more relaxed.
http://couponingawaydebt.com/2013/06/01/may-2013-goals-check-up/
Stephanie S. says
Crystal, I greatly admire you for these wonderful goals you’ve set for yourself. I’m an author, and since I’m usually typing every day, I don’t get to read as much as I used to, and I miss it, but you’ve inspired me to start making it a priority again. 🙂 Another one of my goals has been do a total organization makeover inside my house, and I’m doing great so far. I’ve cleaned out our utility room, kitchen, dining room, living room, master bedroom, master bathroom, and our youngest son’s bedroom, and the only two rooms I have to finish are the guest bathroom and our oldest son’s bedroom. In the past three weeks I’ve collected twenty bags for Goodwill and almost thirty bags of garbage. Once I finish cleaning out and organizing, I’m going to go back through my house and start the deep cleaning process (walls, carpets, appliances, curtains, etc). It feels SO GOOD getting so much accomplished, and I love the clutter-free feeling I get when I walk through my house now. 🙂
Victoria says
Hope your back and neck get better soon.
Eryn says
I took a peek at my goals, and I think they need to be adjusted. They are quite broad, which is making them somewhat difficult to accomplish! But you are reminding me that I have these goals to begin with, which is great.
Oh! I did have the goal to save $1000 this year, and I am at $441 as of today.
Eryn
Amy Lauren says
Experienced runner here, but have you been fitted for shoes at a local running store recently? You could be having pain from wearing the wrong shoes or either wearing a pair of shoes for too long (after so many miles, you should “retire” them, and they get those miles quicker than you may think). They can also analyze your running form, which is highly likely to be a culprit in back/neck pain.
One of our stores here actually offers clinics and classes to help with running form, many are free but occasionally there are nominal costs (~ $15). It’s definitely something to look into.
Crystal says
Thanks for the suggestions! My chiro is working on some stuff and we’re seeing improvement every week — which I’m so thankful for! Once we get that all in good shape, I’m hoping to then slowly ease back into running again and plan to get some professional help with my form, because I’m pretty positive that’s the main culprit. However, I’m doing Pilates right now to work on strengthening my spine and improving my posture — which I’m hoping will help things when I’m able to go back to running again because I miss it a lot!
Nicci Spencer says
I just started setting weekly goals this year, one of my goals for this week is to set some long term goals, the thought of doing that has been pretty intimidating, but after setting weekly goals for several months, I’m excited to tackle “bigger goals”. Sorry to hear you have been having neck and back issues. I used to love to run too but I have been having knee problems so I have been walking instead, I miss running though. Thanks for the encouragement in goal setting!
Melissa says
Your goals are ambitious, and you’re doing great!
Here are our goals. It feels great to finally start completing some of the year long goals:
http://www.momsplans.com/2013/05/2013-personal-financial-and-work-goals-may-update/
Barb Green says
One of my goals starting now is to be more encouraging to the people God has put in my life. They are not here by accident and I do not want to miss opportunities to encourage others. Life tears us down all too often. The next six months I want to encourage encourage encourage. I know I will need God’s guidance but I am willing to try.
Victoria @ Creative Home Keeper says
My goals are slowly coming along. One of my biggest goals for this summer is to get back into a more structured routine for the kids and me, especially since my 9 month old is finally sleeping through the night!
http://creativehomekeeper.com/2013-goals/
Bonnie says
my goals are very slowly going as well. My husband has been battling some health issues and now feeling better. My current part-time job is cutting back hours and now this is giving me time to set major goal that I have been wanting to do for awhile, write articles and an e-book. I’m new at the writing world so any suggestions and advice will be helpful.