Some Thoughts on 2012 Goals

I always like to take some time at the end of one year and the beginning of the next to reflect on how the year went for me, and what my goals are for the coming year.  Sometimes my goals don’t synthesize until a week or two into the year, as was the case this year.  I like to think about them a bit.

I don’t believe in making over-reaching goals that I can’t achieve.  That’s a recipe for giving up.  I believe in making achievable goals, where there are little victories along the way, so that I am encouraged by my progress and want to continue.

I believe in living a balanced life.  This means my goals encompass different areas of my life and not just my body.  I want to take good care of my body, my mind, my soul, and my spirit. 

With that in mind, I thought of a theme for my year 2012.



Some people have One Little Word (as originated by Ali Edwards), I decided to have a theme. 

Begin from a place of grace… and finish strong.

I chose this because I want to change my attitude towards myself and other people.  I usually come from a place of criticism, both to myself and others.  I want to be gentler to myself and others this year.  To come from a place of grace instead of criticism.  To really think about what grace means.  This is so out of the norm for me, but I think it’s really important that I concentrate on this.  And the “finish strong” part is important to me because I’m really good at starting projects, but not good at finishing them!  I have so many half-read books, half-finished scrapbook albums, half-finished craft projects.  I think it would do my mind and soul good to finish some of these things and feel good about myself and my accomplishments. 

Here are my goals for 2012.

PHYSICAL:

• Get a grip on how much I’m eating.  Track food intake for a few weeks to see.
• Hold steadfast to exercise plan.
• Run 365 miles this year.  (Avg one mile per day, but doesn't have to be everyday.)
• Mix it up and have fun.
• Hope to lose 10 lbs, but if I can achieve the above, then I’m okay with whatever weight I am. 

MENTAL:

• Read at least 12 books this year.  A mix of fiction and non-fiction.
• Finish my half-read books!
• Meet challenges at work and solve problems with innovation and patience.

EMOTIONAL:

• Make more connections with people. 
• Come from a place of grace instead of criticism.  Go easy on others and myself.

SPIRITUAL:

• Attend church more regularly.
• Find a home Bible study group.

CREATIVE:

• Just get things done.  Don't over-stimulate self with too much of other people's work.
• Spend time creating instead of consuming.
• Finish projects that I've started!

So, these are it.  I usually tweak them during the year.  I also sometimes set monthly mini-goals which I find very useful in helping me reach my bigger goals.  We will see how this goes.  :)