2014 Goals

Let’s talk about a few of our goals…

I’ve never really been a stellar goal setter… I’ve always been the type of gal who sets goals with really high expectations and then gives excuses why she didn’t accomplish any of them. Or I resolved to set really accomplishable goals like eating three meals a day or getting out of bed in the morning… rough life, I know.

Never have I ever really pushed myself to be better, and it comes down to the fact that I am afraid of failing. I don’t enjoy failing, and I certainly don’t enjoy being disciplined. I have convinced myself that I lack the self-control to carry anything through—especially when a delicious, chocolate brownie is begging to be eaten.

My goal setting history completely changed when I married Kevin. You guys. The man has an entire filing system of goals and aspirations. I’m talking sealed envelopes with goals written down for specific time periods.  Do you know how uncomfortable that makes me!? Sealed documentation of failure is exactly what I see, but for Kevin it’s different. He will not settle to be the same man year after year. He pushes himself to new heights and allows himself to dream of where he wants to be. Sure he probably struggles with a fear of failure and lack of accomplishment, but it hasn’t stopped him. 

Throughout the month of December, I knew he had been scribbling down goals for the new year in his notebook, and the closer we got to the new year, the sooner I knew he would be asking if I had made any goals yet. So, I decided to be pro-active (two days before) and create my quaint, little list before he even asked the dreaded question…  Sure enough we sat down and exchanged our individual lists of goals, shared our desires for what we wanted to accomplish in the new year and why we wanted to do so. It was refreshing. It was encouraging. It was much needed.

You guys, I am so blessed to have a friend, who just happens to be my husband, who encourages me to be better. He knows me better than anyone, and he cares about my well-being and my heart. He wants me to be better, because he knows that I want to be better.

my list:

1.     I want to be still. I want to simply be before the Lord every day.

2.     I want to be healthy—rather broad, I know, but certainly a goal to eat and live healthier in 2014.

3.     I want to read one book a month. For being an English teacher, my desire to read is close to none, but

        I have so much to learn!

4.     I want to be a cheerful wife, teacher, and woman.

5.     Simplify. my schedule. my work-load. my possessions. my life.

6.     Post at least three blogs every month… begin writing on a regular basis!

7.     Create a 101 in 1001 list… More to come on this. My list is currently in process, and I couldn’t be

        more excited about it!

8.     Memorize more scripture.

9.     Floss every day.

10.   I will not buy a new article of clothing the entire year of 2014… Those of you who know me well 

        know that this is going to be one of my greatest challenges on this list, but I am determined. I have

        more than enough clothes to fill my closet, and I will survive…. I hope.

This list is very accomplishable, but it is requiring discipline and self-control--two of my least favorite words. Kevin has been so encouraging and has been so helpful by keeping me accountable with these things thus far.

When we finished discussing and perfecting our individual goals for the year, we decided to think of things we both wanted to accomplish. One of our favorite pass times (besides battleship) is to dream. It’s invigorating to look ahead and to plan, dream, and set goals for our future. So, for the year, we have set forth a few goals that we can both tackle together.

our list:

1.     Drink more water (shooting for 8-16 cups a day!)

2.     Save for a twenty percent down payment on our first home

3.     Max out our Roth IRA’s

4.     No soda for the entire year

5.     Use the app “fuducate” to help us make healthier choices

6.     Meal-Plan every week

7.     Stick to our budget with integrity (mint.com is the bomb)

We can plan and dream as much as we want, but if it isn’t within the Lord’s will for our lives, it is all in vain. The Lord has blessed us with so much, and I am so excited to use the means he has given us to bring glory to his name.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

We want to be good stewards of the gifts God has given us, and we want to be fruitful and wise with the time He has blessed us with. The Lord may guide and direct us in different ways throughout the year, but we will trust in his faithfulness and follow his provisions.

Maybe you’re like me when it comes to setting goals, or maybe you’re more like Kevin; regardless of your past goal-setting experiences, I pray that you would be encouraged to seek the Lord and dream, plan, and make goals for this year! 

Love, The Andrews

P.s. What are some of your goals? Do you have any new year traditions or advice that you follow to prepare for the upcoming year? We would love to hear it!