Jesse and I spent time really discussing what my focuses should be for 2014 and we nailed down four areas that are my priorities for this year:
- Marriage: to continue to invest time and energy to strengthen and nurture our marriage and make it one of the greatest priorities
- Mothering: to continue to invest in our children with the goal of teaching them character, life skills, and raising them to be responsible adults
- Myself: to make my health a priority and to invest in my personal growth as a Christian, business owner, writer, speaker, and leader
- MoneySavingMom.com: to invest time into blogging — not just overseeing the business and my team, but making writing content pieces one of my top blogging priorities
Having these specific areas determined at the beginning of the year is really helping me to prioritize and giving me much clearer direction on when, where, and what to say no to this year.
Here’s my progress for my 12 goals for 2014:
Marriage Goals
1. Read 6 marriage books. (I’ve finished two marriage books so far.)
2. Write 50 love notes to Jesse. (I’ve written 12 love notes so far.)
Mothering Goals
3. Read 40 books aloud to the kids. (We’ve finished three books so far and are almost finished with another.)
4. Finish memorizing Romans 1 together. (We’ve been working on this!)
5. Go through a cooking course with the kids.
Personal Goals
6. Read through the Bible. (I’m on track with this.)
7. Memorize Romans 2.
8. Run a 5K race and go through P90X again.
9. Read 150 books/ebooks. (I’ve read 30 books so far this year.)
Blogging Goals
10. Write 150 substantive content pieces for the blog. (I’ve written 40 substantive content pieces so far this year.)
11. Write 50 DIY/Recipe posts for the blog. (I’ve written ten DIY/Recipe post so far.)
12. Blog about/participate in the 12 Months to a Healthier You Challenge (I finished March’s challenge.)
Did you set goals for 2014 yet?
If you’ve posted an update on how you’re doing on your goals for 2014, I’d love for you to share your link in the comments. Or, if you don’t have a blog, feel free to just leave a comment with an update on how you’re doing on your goals. Let’s encourage one another to live lives of intention and purpose!
If you’re brand-new to goal-setting, be sure to read my post on How to Change Your Life By Setting Goals.
Kristen says
Can I ask which marriage books you have read this year? And just an idea…I would love to see a list of your favorite marriage books. I love that you are well-read and seem to read quality books that appeal to Christian women. I would certainly value your recommendations!
Crystal Paine says
One I read this year and highly recommend is this one:
https://moneysavingmom.com/2014/03/surprising-secrets-highly-happy-marriages-shaunti-feldhahn.html
Carrie says
My goals each month help me make steady progress towards my “Big Hairy Goals” I set for the year. So mostly they don’t change from month to month, although this month I am adding some weight training to my routine, as well as a microgoal of moisturizing my hands and feet before bed. Sounds like nothing, but so hard for me to remember. LOL!
Linda says
When I read your “Big Hairy Goals” comment, all I could picture was a Yeti 🙂
And, I always moisturize my hands and feet at night, too. I made this part of my nightly routine years ago, along with applying eye and face night cream (no wrinkles at 40, yay!).
The few times I’ve gotten a pedicure, the ladies are always amazed at how soft my feet are. It really works.
Jessi Fearon (@TheBudgetMama) says
You are such an inspiration Crystal! Thank you so much for allowing us into your life and encouraging us to keep on keepin’ on!
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement!
Stevi says
Hello Crystal! I just wanted to say that you have inspired me to be a better person! Not only for myself but for my family as well. I have also learned so much about saving money and setting personal and budget goals from you. I have been struggling a little bit to set some goals but here is what I have so far:
To build a stronger bond and to continue to grow and nurture my relationship with my fiancé.
To be a better mother to my daughter. To help her grow into a well rounded young lady. To show her a good role model and be mindful of everything I do. To spend more quality time with her.
To take care of myself, physically, mentally, and spiritually. To put my health and well being first because if I’m not well and strong it will effect the other areas of my life.
Those are some main goals I have but I am having a little bit of trouble breaking them down into smaller pieces. I have read Say Goodbye To Survival Mode and you have it laid out beautifully but for some reason I am still having trouble. Do you have any suggestions for me on how I can break them down, or any ideas for and of my goals? Thank you Crystal!!!
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement! You’re definitely headed in the right direction!
What I’d recommend is to think of two very specific and measurable goals in each of these three areas. So for instance, in your relationship with your fiance, what are two specific goals you could have to nurture your relationship? What are two specific goals for your mothering? And what are two specific goals for taking care of yourself? I’d think in terms of goals that could be accomplished within 3-6 months to start out with.