Happy August first! I thought I would ring in the new month with a 13 in 2013 update. My August goal is a big one…so I’ll probably be blogging about it more than I have some of the other goals. I’ll need all the motivation I can get! So…here’s a quick update of where things stand so far.
Goal #1: Run 500 miles in 2013.
I’m at 290 miles so far. I’m a bit behind my 10 miles per week pace (which I was surprised to figure out!) But my mileage is getting ready to pick up due to goal #8, so I still feel good that this goal will happen.
Goal #2: Read The Happiness Project.
Check!
Goal #3: Do Project Life.
Still working on this! I did make a bit of progress this past week…and I am committed to keep going with it. So…this one is still a work in process.
Goal #4: Create 4 new online classes in 2013.
2 down…and…we’ll see what comes next.
Goal #5: Attend the National Association of Professional Organizers annual conference.
Check!
Goal #6: Run in at least one race per month from April through December (with the possible exception of August.)
I ran my July race last weekend. So I’m on pace for this one, too. I love these running goals.
Goal #7: Refresh my home.
Check-ish! I didn’t finish everything I wanted to finish, but I got quite a few things done. (But not those chairs – another coat of paint is needed. Grrrr….) So, I’m going to keep plugging away at this in August, though my focal point goal for the month is Goal #8.
Goal #8: Run in my first half-marathon.
Training officially begins this month. I started the week one training on Monday which is a week early. But I just wanted to see if I could do it. I’m not sure how that will throw things off. Will I repeat a week later on? Do week one again next week? I’m not sure just yet, but I’ll keep you posted. I plan to share my training plans here on the blog as a way to keep myself motivated.
So that’s where things stand so far! As I mentioned in last month’s update, this goal-a-month approach has been working so well for me. I really love it! There are definitely goals that will span the whole year, and some that are spilling over into adjacent months (like my home refresh goal) but all-in-all this approach has kept goal setting fun, motivating and interesting in a way that I haven’t experienced before.
As before, if you joined the 13 in 2013 challenge in January, I’d love to hear your update. Are you still moving forward? Are you happy with the results you’re achieving so far? And if you haven’t joined in yet…there’s still time. There’s no reason you have to do 13 in 2013…3 in 13 has a nice ring…or four…or even one. And there really is no reason to wait until January to make positive change in your life. If you start today you’ll be five months ahead of where you would be if you wait until January. So…what do you say—are you in?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and updates in the comments!
I haven’t been setting one per month, but I’ve kind of used that as a rough guideline. Mostly so I don’t get behind. Goals have never really been my thing, so this is new and difficult for me.
So far I’ve set 10 goals. Goals 1-4 are ones that are (and were intended to be) ongoing. I’ve gone back and forth in my progress, but currently I’m satisfied that they are on track.
Goal 5–CHECK
Goal 6–SOOO close! I really just need to spend one weekend and I should be able to finish it up. (other goals have taken priority lately, which is why this is still hanging on)
Goal 7–Haven’t started yet. I’ve held off on this one until #6 is done.
Goal 8–Is very slow. I’ll be happy if I can finish it by the end of the year. But even if I don’t… it’s not one that is really dear to my heart…. so I won’t be heartbroken.
Goal 9–CHECK
Goal 10–CHECK
Sounds like you’re doing great Shanon! Thanks for sharing your update. 🙂
Aby, I didn’t have the time to commit to participating in the workshop forum for The Secrets of Staying Organized, but I wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the class! Even though the year is more than half over, I’m inspired to join the goals challenge! Here’s what I want to accomplish before the year is up:
1. Start, end, and sit the canter well (horseback riding)
2. Make 1 new friend or turn 1 acquaintance into a friend
3. Keep my home company ready – I have a list of what “company ready” looks and feels like : )
4. Clean out/re-organize the office/craft room
5. Clean out/re-organize storage closet
6. Add 50 new words to my foreign language vocabulary
I will do my best to check in when you post about this challenge in the future. Congrats on all your progress so far this year!
Thank you, Amy! I’m so glad you enjoyed The Secrets of Staying Organized! And I’m thrilled you’re inspired to join the goal challenge!! Great list of goals. Can’t wait to hear about your progress.
Aby