I love goal setting. As a type A girl with a lot to manage on a daily basis, I find that I am most successful when I plan ahead and know the smaller steps that I need to take to achieve my goal. It’s hard to believe that there are less than a couple weeks left in 2018. Looking back on the year, I am happy with what I was able to accomplish and also with how I’ve grown personally. I’m grateful for the opportunities God put in front of me and content with the understanding that things that didn’t work out weren’t meant to be. A quote that I love to live by is “Nothing that the Lord has for you will ever pass you by.” Even if He doesn’t allow for an opportunity to open, I’ve learned that I always learn and grow in the pursuit of my goals and what I feel He has called me to. So here’s to finishing out 2018 strong and planning ahead for all you want to do in 2019.
2019 Goals & Experiences that could change your life:
- Join Special Olympics as a partner player, coach, or volunteer (It will change your life–take my word for it).
- Sign up to compete in a local pageant (I can honestly say that pageantry has given me an irreplaceable sisterhood and has without a doubt helped me to grow into the best version of myself).
- Sign up for a marathon or half marathon! (I trained for a half marathon this fall and reached over 13 miles in my training runs, but then wasn’t able to participate in the actual race because of other conflicts, so I’ll be preparing for another one in 2019).
- Go skydiving (This has been on my bucket list for a long time–what can I say, I’m an adrenaline junkie).
- Try a new kind of fitness class or change up your workout routine (Most people want to set fitness-specific goals in the New Year, but I find the best way to reinvigorate my workout routine is to mix it up and try new things to challenge my body and keep me fully invested).
- Clean it out! Whether it is your closet, bedroom, or pantry, cleaning out and giving away/donating what you really don’t need is a great way to start fresh.
- Read at least one thought-provoking book a month. (Readers are leaders! Learning from other’s experiences in books can teach you powerful lessons and also inspire you in unexpected ways).
- Learn to cook something new (It’s easy to get into the habit of relying on Favor or UberEats to deliver meals, or cooking up what you know that’s easy, but what I find most successful is to keep a consistently healthy meal plan when I’m preparing the food myself–plus it’s always fun to share time in the kitchen with friends and family).
- Establish a morning routine that makes you excited to carpe diem! (Seize the day!) Whether you wake up and read your Devo with a hot cup of coffee, meditate, or hit the gym, find something that you look forward to starting your day with.
- Start journaling. Journaling helps me appreciate and account for all of the small blessings each day as well as work towards goals I want to achieve. Taking time to journal also helps me find the joy that’s within the small things.
I hope that the last of 2018 is filled with many blessings and that you don’t wait for the New Year to come to begin pursuing your goals and dreams. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
