Well, we’re 7 days into the new year. It’s been a whirlwind first week. We’re swamped at work, both kids are back to school, temperatures have plunged, already a snow day for both boys, and I started a second job this weekend. Lots going on but I promised myself I was going to do better posting consistently so here we go.
I love New Year’s Resolutions. I firmly believe everyone should set goals and resolutions and they don’t necessarily have to be done on January 1st but I love the idea of a fresh year and a fresh start. I like to stay focused on becoming a better person. Some of this year’s goals are similar to last year’s, some may seem a little vague but I assure you I have specific action steps for all of them but I don’t necessarily want to bare too much on this blog. Also this is a big transition year for me financially and emotionally with Nick graduating. His graduation means the loss of the remaining Social Security benefits and most likely it means he’ll be moving to a dorm in another city this summer so some of my goals may need to be adjusted later.
Financial goals:
- Keep my emergency fund intact. This is important to me between medical bills that are always looming and the single mom aspect. There’s no second income to fall back on.
- $3800 in extra income this year from all sources other than my main salary. Sounds like a random amount but it’s not.
- Payoff two bills.
- Reduce all credit card balances.
- Find a new home for us that will help us to downsize, both financially and space-wise. It’s a delicate balance between juggling our needs now and for the long-term.
Personal/Career Goals:
- 3 hours a week of “me” time
- Write 5 days a week
- At least one blog post a week
- Submit three pieces of writing for publication this year
- 1 trip somewhere
- 1 class taken for work/writing improvement
- 36 books read
Health Goals:
- Less diet coke/more water
- 30 minutes physical activity 3 times a week
- Minimum 7500 steps daily, 5 times each week
- Minimum 6 hours of sleep at least 5 days each week
- Look into meditation
There you go, lots of goals, lots of challenges. Some of these are just a matter of changing habits and routines. I truly think they are all manageable but as I said earlier, this is a year of transition so some of these goals may need to be adjusted. We’re currently searching for a new home and that’s a big priority right now and also I’m going to spend as much time with my boys as I can before Nick takes off for college in August. Our family dynamic is changing and change has always been tough for me so say a little prayer for us this year. Happy 2017!
