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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i need to read and drink more….surprisingly i havent been spending as much on groceries lately..and like you said having a grocery list really helps.
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Chicken Puff Pastry {Chicken Patties}
They all are realistic and good goals! 🙂 Good Luck!
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Great goals Parita! I go back and forth between setting them also, but find that the challenge always gets me motivated. Like you, I’m competitive and have to do what I say I’m going to do most of the time, so it really helps.
Kacy recently posted…First Slurp at Yona in Ballston
I’m with you on the reading and the water goals- Especially the water one!
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Healthy Sugar Cookie Batter Oatmeal
Hey,
So funny, I have been doing something familiar, I have been creating a monthly fitness goal the last few months. A reminder on my cell phone goes off day. However, keeping track on a paper planner is a great idea!
GREAT GOALS! I’m so excited for you and I like the goals you’ve set!! I think you’ll be able to achieve them. Water used to be a hard one for me, too. But now I just try to drink at least 80 ounces a day. I have a 20-oz bottle at work so I just make sure it’s always full and filled at least 4 times. It’s hard, but it’s so satisfying to see it tracked in MFP haha. I love the phone goal. I am on my phone WAY more than I Need/should be. Although, part of the reason I’m on my phone is to use the Kindle App. I find it a lot easier than using my kindle which is on the fritz and keeps dying. But I should really only be doing that when I’m reading and not just mindlessly browsing FB or IG!
Good luck on the goals 🙂 Can’t wait to see its recap in Jan!
[…] to follow through. Even when it’s MY own expectation or rule. My Upholder tendency is why setting goals (and blogging about them) works so well for me. Also (this isn’t a good thing), I […]
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