December 2015 Goals

I’m my best self when I set goals and create a plan of attack.  Not only am I more organized and effective when I go in with a plan, but my competitive nature doesn’t allow me to give up.  Whether every goal is achieved or not isn’t the point, it’s more about the journey.  Am I trying my very best to do what I said I would do?

I know I’m not the only one who feels this way.  Regardless of personality types, I believe setting goals, whether short term or long term, is a huge motivating force to getting stuff done and being productive.

And the doing isn’t the hard part.  Most people get stuck in the planning phase – finding time to think through and write down SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound).

Over the past few months, I abandoned my need to create goals and plans.  In the short-term, it was good for me, but more than anything it taught me not to go against my true nature.  Even if it’s a couple of goals at a time, I need (and honestly like) to have personal missions that require planning and tracking.  Again, it’s probably my competiveness coming into play but this helps me thrive.

With that being said, I’m starting a monthly feature on MIS that’s all about my goals!  Basically, at the start of every month, I’m going to share and review 2-5 goals.  I’m hoping this not only keeps me accountable but hopefully also motivates others to do the same.

My December 2015 goals:

1. Drink at least 56 ounces of water a day (~7 glasses).

This is a non-negotiable for me.  If I don’t drink enough water, I get massive headaches.  No buneo.  So I plan to track this the old-fashioned way…in my paper planner!  For every glass I drink, I get a tick mark.

2. Log 10k steps a day.

I’m not going to lie, this is a bit of a stretch goal for me.  On the days I run, I have no doubt I can surpass the 10k steps. On the days I do a Barre workout or go for a short walk, it’s going to be much more difficult.  And of course, every step will be tracked via my FitBit.  Wish me luck!

Note: For those of you who follow me on Snapchat (username –> myinnershakti), Vishnu was able to fix my FitBit.  Yay for a handy husband!

3. Keep the weekly grocery spend to $75 (or less).

When I meal plan and know exactly what I need to buy, I’m able to achieve this with no problems whatsoever.  When I go in willy-nilly and buy whatever looks good, I spend at least $100.  Not good!  So here’s to a month of meal planning and saving $$$.

4. Limit mindless phone time to 30 minutes a day.

I recently read that boredom is a good thing.  It forces us to be creative and actually use our brains.  My problem is that whenever I sense boredom coming I grab my phone and scroll through my Instagram and Facebook feeds.  It’s a real problem and it needs to stop.  I think I can control myself and keep the mindlessness to 30 minutes a day.  But what would be even better is having an app that tracks my phone usage for me.  I know apps like this exist, but from what I’ve read, they drain your battery life.  If anyone has any good recommendations, please send them my way!  Otherwise, I’m running on sheer willpower with this goal!

5. Read for 15-20 minutes a day.

Reading is and always will be one of my favorite activities.  However, if I don’t make time for it, it never happens.  Therefore, my goal is to read for at least 15 minutes before bed.

And for those of you who are wondering what I’m reading – I just finished The Book Thief (will share more soon) and am now moving on to It Was Me All Along.

So there you have it…my December goals.  I’ll share how I fared at the beginning of January.  Wish me luck!

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