#Goals on Goals on Goals

Ok, it's time to get this thing rolling. My posting might continue to be sporadic for a while until I really find a groove for writing that fits into my daily schedule, but I didn't want to make the mistake of waiting forever to start posting. So this is what we get for now, until I level up in the game of adulthood.

Let's talk about some goals I've been setting; both blog-related and personal. If you know anything about SMART goal-setting, you'll realize that these are pretty terrible goals. They meet practically none of the criteria of a SMART goal. Buuuut pretty much everything in my life is hazy right now, so it's just par for the course. This adulting thing is hard, man.

1. Reduce frivolous spending

In the adultiest moment of my life to-date, the husband and I have decided to build a house! Well, we're like 97% sure that's what we're gonna do. We haven't signed anything (yet). Either way, we're planning to move very soon.

This means we have a LOT of projects around to get our current house ready to sell, as well as moving expenses to save up for over the next 6-8 months. We started budgeting for pretty much the first time ever in November, but we still have a long way to go as far as reducing our frivolous spending and changing our financial habits.

2. Establish adulty habits

This is a pretty damn broad topic, but I've got some more specific mini-goals in here that look something like:

• Create meal plans & cook meals at home at least 4 nights a week.

• Don't miss doses of your medication.

• Do something productive around the house every day.

• Wake up more than 30 minutes before you have to leave for work.

• Water your damn plants.

• Use that planner you bought. Or the productivity app you downloaded last week.

You know, stuff that sounds kind of awful and boring, but will ultimately probably maybe improve my quality of life? I'm not convinced.

3. Practice mindfulness and focus

Yet another kind of hazy, undefined goal for myself is to get to know myself better. To be more mindful of my thoughts, actions, and emotions. To learn how to focus and really make some sort of magic happen in my life. This is kind of a spiritual journey that has no beginning or end, but I'm hoping to at least make a level of progress in this area this year. I actually feel like I already have, which I'd love to write about in a future post.

4. Eliminate self-doubt

Alternatively, I could've called this goal "Procrastinate Not." Procrastination and self-doubt go hand-in-hand for me (as I'd assume they do for many people). This is something that took me a really long time to figure out. I don't procrastinate just because I'm lazy or easily distracted (although, yeah... those things can play a part). I procrastinate because I don't believe the outcome is going to be satisfying - due to my own insufficiency or some stupid thing my brain tells me is true, but logically I'm pretty sure it's not.

I honestly don't have much of a game plan for this one, other than like - powering through when I'm feeling unsure of something. Maybe this is more of a "see things through to completion" kind of goal?

5. Own your habitat

Both at work and at home, I want to feel more in control of my environment. I've said before that I'm a "Creature of Habitat," rather than one of habit. I am my best self when the environment I am in is inspiring, comfortable, lively, beautiful, etc. I'm so dedicated to the craft of my habitat that I set up a "nest" when I travel on a plane. All of the things I might need during the flight in easy reach & comfy on my lap. It might sound superficial, but it's just how my brain works. And I know that by really getting a grip on the spaces I spend most of my time in, I'll begin to feel more like I have a grip on my own mental state.

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I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting on this list. It's by no means exhaustive - and it shouldn't be! I just wanted to throw some intentions out into the world & see what kind of good comes back at me. Maybe someone out there will hold me accountable to myself. Maybe that someone will be me, now that this is all in print. The future is looking kinda bright, you guys.

<3.

What I'm up to:

Reading: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Watching: The Good Place on Hulu

Obsessing over: All the pretty house stuff

Geeking about: INFINITY WAR TRAILER!!!