Thursday, January 1, 2009

Goals for 2009

I am not crazy about New Year’s Resolutions. The phrase seems to come with the implication that resolutions are lofty, unreachable desires that will soon be abandoned. I do, however, think it is good to set goals and strive to reach them, regardless of what day of the year it is. At this time last year, I wrote out a list of goals for 2008. I posted the list in my bathroom, where I would see it every day. I reached some my goals this year and did not reach others. Some are in progress and I will continue to work on them this year and in years to come. Now it is time to look at 2009.

We have been talking about goals for our family this week. Mark and I have picked up the phrase culture of excellence, and we would like to work that concept into the fabric of our family. Scripture teaches us to do our best at everything, to do each task as if we are doing it for the Lord. (Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:13 ) We would like to instill that practice in the children, as well as embrace it ourselves, so that whether we are cooking meals, cleaning the bathroom, doing schoolwork, reading to little ones, or folding laundry, we give the task at hand our very best. We hope to really work at creating a culture of excellence in our home this coming year.

Mark was also impressed when he learned recently about the list of priorities BYU’s football coach gives his players. He encourages them to focus on faith, family, academics, friends, and then football. (By the way, BYU had a 10-3 season this year.) We like the list, so Mark changed football to fun, and encouraged each of us to set one goal for each category.

So, without further ado, here are some of my goals for 2009. ( These are in addition to my goal of reaching a healthy weight.)

Faith: Be more consistent in my daily devotions. Read my Bible and have quiet time for prayer and reflection at least five days each week. (This was also a goal last year. I did okay, but I want to be more consistent, even when life is busy.)

Family: I want to cultivate my marriage. My bond with Mark is the key to our family’s strength. I want to have a monthly date night, even if that means the children eat pizza a watch a movie in the basement while we have dinner in the dining room together. January’s date is already circled on the calendar!

Academics: Finish my medical transcription course and begin looking for a few hours of at-home work each week.

Friends: Get to know the moms in our homeschool group a little better. There are some beautiful, wise, FUN, ladies in the group, but I am often so busy keeping up with the children that I do not have time to socialize with the adults. I want to spend more time getting to know Beth, Mary, Laura, Gladie, Jane, Tiffany, and the other women.

Fun: I have two for this one. First, I want to spend more time playing with my children. I want to toss the football with them, play volleyball in the backyard, take them to the park and fly kites, and get in the floor with the little ones more. For myself, I want to learn some new activity. Perhaps I’ll find a video and learn a new dance. Hey, I could learn to belly-dance and do my own Subway commercial!

What about you? Do you have goals for 2009? Whatever your plans, I hope your 2009 is filled with joy, happiness, good health, and wise decisions.

Happy New Year!

Bev

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Visiting from SITS.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you surpass all your goals in the new year.

Cathy said...

I love your goals for the New Year...especially the daily devotion..I have really slacked in that department!

Sarah said...

Happy New Year Bev!!!! Go for the belly dancing!

Unknown said...

Hi hi! Thanks for popping by my site! :)

I like your list - haven't got a chance to pen mine down yet though, but I think your categories are a good start! :) Happy 2009!

Tiffany said...

I love that way of doing resolutions! I especially love the "Friends" one :-) And how cool that you already have your date night circled on the calendar. Jim and I need to do more of that.

I've nominated your blog for an award. Pop over to my cooking blog to find out more. Happy New Year!

Mary said...

Happy New Year, Bev! Love your post, goals sound so much better than resolutions (even though they are nearly the same).

momtofivekids said...

I like the idea of posting your yearly goals in the bathroom so you see them everyday. I may try that!

momtofivekids said...

I like the idea of posting your yearly goals in the bathroom where you can see them everyday. I may try that!

LORI said...

WHAT GREAT IDEAS FOR 2009! I THINK I'LL ADD THE "CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE" TO MY GOALS AS WELL!