As I mentioned in my 2012 Goals Final Tally post, I’m trying to be much more specific and simplistic in my goals this year. I not only want to keep in mind what is realistic, but also make sure that all of my goals are clearly measurable.
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 January:
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.
Complete the Couch to 10K program.
Memorize Romans 1 and 2 with Jesse. {Memorized five verses from Romans.}
Wake up by 6 a.m. and exercise, shower, and dress by 8 a.m. every day. {I didn’t do as good of a job as I would have liked to on this goal, but I made some good progress and am hoping that February is even better!}
Read 150 books/ebooks {See my list of 48 books I’m for sure planning to read here — I’ve read 18 books so far in 2013, so I’m on 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 January.}
Go on at least one date per month. {Done in January.}Mothering Goals
Continue Grace and Truth memory book.
Ice-skating lessons for all three children during the first quarter of 2013. {Started these in January.}
Swimming lessons for all three children during the summer.
Finish at least 37 read-aloud books. {We finished 2 books in January and we’re almost done with a few more, so we’re on pretty good track here.}Ministry/Friendships/Extended Family Goals
Begin weekly accountability meetings with my friend Jerica.
Get together with friends for a playdate or lunch at least once a month. {Done in January.}
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!
Claire @ A Little Claireification says
New post in my Time Management Series – “Setting Goals”! Thanks so much for connecting us with so may others here! 🙂 Claire
Shelly says
Crystal, it looks let you are making good progress on your goals for this year.
I was able to stay on track this past month with my cleaning, and exercise goals. I also was able to get some decluttering done. I know by keep focused and working a little each day I can make progress.
Heather @ My Mothermode says
Plugging away at it. This was a good reminder to check back on my goals- and actually post a hard copy so that I will look at them more often!
Hannah says
I did set goals for this year, though this was really the first time, so they are at a much lower scale. 🙂 My goals were to:
Memorize Colossians
Get a certain amount of money in my saving fund
Read 24 books
Get in much better shape
So far they are going along pretty well. I have memorized the first chapter of Colossians, am reading the 3rd book, am getting closer to “in shape”, and have added some money to that savings account.
kathy says
Congratulations on your progress. Please do be careful not to overextend yourself. My first goal of getting up and being active by a certain time each morning is going well.This is a challenge to me due to health issues. My second goal is to write and finish my first book by Sept. 11 of this year.
I am writing about a subject about which I am passionate about: teaching God’s truths. I have taught adult Sunday School for some years and am a certified lay speaker. I feel led to continue my teaching mainly through writing at this point, again due to health and Mobility issues. Poblem: can’t seem to get those first paragraphs on paper,I.e., where to start. Any suggestions appreciated!I know the direction I want to take, it’s. Just those first sentences. Thank you all.
Julie says
I only set two goals this year as it’s my first year even attempting. One was to create more unity in my marriage and the other was to have consistent daily Bible reading and prayer time. I’ve been reading the One Year Bible and am on track for the year! It’s amazing to me how just sticking to that goal of Bible reading has created unexpected blessings in my life. First, it’s helping the first goal tremendously and secondly it’s helping me be more productive and making me set more goals for myself. I’ve added the goals of weekly menu planning, starting a blog, completing Financial Peace University, and monthly dates to the list. I’m loving this goal setting thing 🙂
Michelle Murphy says
I was very excited that I accomplished so many things on my goals list. I am REALLY hoping I can do as well next month. Making goals for the year, month, and week are new things for me. I am so thrilled I am able to keep my goals in mind and be able to serve and help others like I have ALWAYS wanted.
And thinks to all of you that post your links. I am so enjoying the accountability and I am enjoying following you to see how you are all doing. Keep up the good work!
Crystal says
I’m so proud of you!
Rebekah says
Hi Crystal,
Are you still homeschooling your kids?
Crystal says
Yes! My husband and I are loving the curriculum/books/projects we’re doing together with the kids as part of our homeschool year this year.
Monica says
Looks like you’re making some great progress. Way to go!
Whitney says
How on earth have you read 18 books already! I’d be lucky just to read 18 pages in one month!
Crystal says
I read every chance I get! Check out this article for some of my ideas:
http://www.thebettermom.com/2013/02/15-ways-moms-can-fit-more-reading-into-their-day/
Whitney says
Thanks! I’ll check it out! I try to schedule time to read but it usually ends up beingsquashed by some activity or by noisy kids! 🙂
Victoria says
When you finish the 10K program are you going to do a 10k race? I am doing one with a friend in September and strange as it may seem it will be my first! I have done fulls and halves and a few 5k but never a 10K.
Crystal says
I’m hoping to, though I decided not to put it on my goals list for this year since I want to get at least another 5K or two under my belt first.
Jenn@ Couponing Away Debt says
Great job! I love to see these updates reading them are keeping me inspired! I love how this year you have broken them down a bit. I am finding mine are too vague I might need to break them down a little.
Sarah says
I was wondering if you plan to give us more details on your rental house investment process. My husband and I want to start doing this sometime within a year and have read a bunch of books on it, but it would be really cool to hear your story and how it’s going.
Crystal says
I do plan to, once we feel like we’ve had enough experience under our belt that I can blog about it. Right now, we’re just really learning as we go. So far, it’s been a great experience!
marie says
Yes, thanks to your inspiration I’ve already read two books this year and am working on 3 and 4. I don’t feel I’m doing good on the other goals because I really need to map it out better with a plan to achieve them. I just seem to get stuck on that part.
Crystal says
Way to go on making progress on your reading goals!
Tammy Skipper (@Tammy_Skipper) says
Am I understanding (late in the game) that your family is personally continuing to fund the project in the Domincan Republic each year? That is fantastic! I love reading about your progress on goals, particularly financial ones, because I see you being blessed AND giving. I can’t wait to be further along the babysteps!
Crystal says
Keep stewarding your money well and plodding along on the babysteps and you’ll be in a position to give more, too, soon. It’s such an amazing thing — and so worth the short-term sacrifices!
Kimber says
Keep the updates coming, Crystal, if you feel comfortable sharing them. I LOVE hearing about what the proceeds of your book have done. You are a large part of the reason my family is now sponsoring two little boys in Colombia through Compassion. Thank you for your example of Christian charity and love.
Crystal says
That’s beautiful and it put a big smile on my face to think of those two boys in Columbia that you are blessing!
Michelle says
Crystal,
Are you going to continue doing a brief book review of each book you’ve read at the end of each month? I love reading your reviews since I often get book ideas from what you are reading. Your reviews let me know if it is worth the read.
Thanks!
Crystal says
You can see some of my mini reviews here for all books I read: http://pinterest.com/msmblog/books-read-in-2013/
And then I’ll continue to highlight a few of my favorite books in stand alone reviews as I’ve been doing.
Thanks so much for asking and for saying that you find my reviews helpful!
Sarah says
Can I ask some advice from your readers?
My husband and I have never had a night without children (it’s been 5 years!)
We would love love LOVE a night away, but we don’t have family who is able or close friends to stay with the children. Do you have any ideas? An overnight baby sitter would cost a ton (and we don’t know anyone we would trust to stay overnight). I’m sure some of your readers have the same situation…any ideas or solutions? We haven’t had a date night in over 6 months either.
Meredith says
Yup, same situation here. Here are my suggestions. It’s important to get to know people. Finding a babysitter is, in my opinion, more important than finding a job. You would be surprised at who would love to babysit if you just asked. Our neighbor does it for free and even orders pizza for her and our daughter (she refuses our money when we offer). Your neighbors, kids parents, etc., will all have someone that they trust too. Just start asking! Something else that we did was set up a trial babysitting with a 13 year old in our neighborhood. This will at least get you and your husband out. Have her come from say, 6-7:30 while you two go out to a local restaurant. Set this up for once a month so you can start a routine. After awhile, dinner may turn into dinner and a movie. As far as overnight stays, there is no way we could do every other month (with getting someone available or financially) so when my parents come down, we schedule a night away. It’s never far. That’s about 1-2 times a year. Also, I don’t know how old your kids are but….they will get older and older equals sleepovers! Those will happen too!!!
Sarah says
They’re still young. Oldest is almost 5. Great tips for finding a babysitter. I’m going to ask hubby if we can start asking around so we can go out this month 🙂
Sarah says
Do you ever travel to visit family out of town. Is so see if your family would be willing to keep the kids at their house for a night or two during your visit so you and you husband can have some time together sans kids. Stay at a hotel in the same town but make it a point to take at least 24 hours away from the rest of the family to enjoy being with each other.
Crystal says
What a fantastic idea!
Sarah says
That is a great idea. All our family is local, but my parents have health issues preventing them from watching the children. Perhaps a family reunion is in order 🙂
Kristen says
I’m in the same boat as you. My husband is in the military and we are far from our family and friends. I’m not going to leave my kids with someone I don’t trust 100% but we also need to have some time alone. My solution for now is to spend time together after the kids go to bed. Every once in a while we’ll even put them in bed a little early (they can’t tell time yet!), have a special dessert and watch a movie or play cards or just hang out and talk. Maybe I’m wrong and this isn’t a good idea, but I think the most important thing is to make your marriage a priority!
Sarah says
This sounds like something we should be doing more of. Our kids can’t tell time yet either :). Great idea! Thanks.
Ellen says
We do this too! We are blessed to have available family support, but often enough we want more time together and would rather stay in anyway for the privacy (I can’t stand having serious conversations that get interrupted by servers), so kids in bed on the dot or early, heat-up or order-in food, play a game/watch a movie, have some intimate time…
It works really well.
Lea Stormhammer says
We have an older couple from church who take our kids overnight about 2x a year. Their children are grown and gone from home but they’re still very able to do things with the kids. They had someone do this for them when they had little children and the only thing they ask is that we “pay it forward” sometime.
We also have a once-a-month free date night at church. Each family has to work 1 night a year but it’s so worth it to have the date without childcare each month. Maybe you could start something like this?
Hope those are helpful ideas!
Lea
Courtney says
In the 14 years that we’ve been parents, my husband and I have never taken a vacation without the kids or spent the night without them. We don’t have family nearby or anyone else that we feel comfortable leaving our kids with overnight. It’s not a big deal, we figure that we’ll have plenty of time for dates and getaways when the kids are grown. 🙂
Fashion & Frugality says
Looks like you have some great goals to work with Crystal!
My main financial goal for the year is to pay off debt & then build up an emergency fund. I know it will take work, sacrifice, & time, & consistency. Hope everyone does well with their goals! We can do it!!
angel says
Congrats on crossing off two big goals!
Thank you so much for the encouragment, inspiration and printables.
This is the second year we’ve used your goal setting printables- love them!
We’re not specifically crossing anything off – more like, improving areas over time.
Still using the bite-sized idea though. Our areas are Family, Friends, Career, Health, Home and Hobbies.
Melissa says
You are doing so good on your goals. I want to thank you for inspiring me to pick up reading again. I read 4 books in January, which is more than I think I read all last year, and I am enjoying it!