2019 Goals for A Better and Happier Life

When I was challenged with thinking about resolutions, I said "screw that!!" Resolutions are kind of a joke and are something that I am happy that I am no longer struggling to hold onto. Let's be honest with ourselves for a minute, each new year we set resolutions and then wonder why we do not accomplish them by the end of the year. I think that one of the main reasons is that we call them resolutions which  means that we are resolved to doing certain activities. However, by simply changing the language and going into 2019 with goals, I know that I can accomplish the dreams that I have set out to accomplish. So, here are my goals for 2019 and a small action plan for each one of these goals so that I can create a future for myself in a better place for 2019.

Goal #1 -- More Time with Family

I want to have more time with my children, want to play more board games, do more crafts and activities, and spend more time doing special things with the four most important young people in my life. I want to make a plan to at least spend one night each week doing something as a family and enjoying 2019 in a way that might not have been enjoyed in the past.

Goal #2 -- Move 2019 Miles of More in 2019

This is actually an easily trackable goal and one that I will have to play a bit of catch up with since I am on bed rest this week with minimal movement and minimal steps. However, it is 4,015,000 steps that I have to take to be able to reach my goal of moving 2019 miles this year. I am tracking my steps in my planner so that I know where I need to be and how many more steps I need to walk. I am going to break down and give myself monthly goals with January being lower than other months b/c of my surgery. 

Goal #3 -- Use a Planner and Be More Organized 

I won't lie, when I see a carefully curated planner and someone who is always on top of their game, I am instantly jealous. I try really hard to be organized and well I suck at this and fail on a consistent and frequent basis. So, a goal of mine is to take each Sunday to put together my schedule and planner and to work on being better at using it. I want to be that person who remembers birthdays and events and who sends cards and gifts. I want to reorganize me.

Goal #4 -- Published in a Scholarly Journal

I want some of my historical writing and research to be published this year. I need to start working on getting published to be able to get where I want to go with being able to apply for a PhD. I dream of going to Emory or UC Berkeley. However, I know that to get there, I have a lot of work to do and getting published would help push me one step closer.

Goal #5 -- Keep my 4.0 in History Coursework

Yes, I have a 4.0 in History coursework since returning to school and I hope to maintain that.

Goal #6 -- New Health Routine

I need to have a strict routine towards health. I know what my body needs and it is high time that I stop ignoring its needs in favor of an easier life. Instead I am going to work with being able to identify and work on health and nutrition goals that will make my life easier and leave me feeling healthier. As soon as I get the clearance from the doctor, I will be hiring a personal trainer to create workouts for me on a monthly basis and this Monday I will start keeping a detailed food journal in my journal to ensure that I can pick up what I need to change in order to have optimal results with my health.

Goal #7 -- Accepted into a MA Program 

I'm really hopeful that I will get into my top choice of MA programs as ISU. My second choice is U of I Springfield. I really want to be able to get where I need to be with my MA and I look forward to finding a good high quality program where I can benefit and have a great experience. Being a full time mom, college student, and part time employee (I freelance and teach ESL) is tough. I love my life and know that the determination that I show my children and my ability to continue to carve out special time for them is important to having success. 

Goal #8 -- Make Monthly Goals 

Another thing that I need to be better about is making monthly goals that will help me to be able to best reach my long term goals. I am hopeful that I will continue to be the person that I was meant to be and that I can meet goals by having them clearly written for myself. 

Goal #9 -- Journal and Blog More 

I used to run a successful blog and I miss blogging in my free time. I also miss keeping an up to date journal or working on fun journals where I get to be goofy and creative. Yes, journaling and blogging are a big part of my 2019 and a part that I am sure that you will enjoy as much as I do.

Goal #10 -- Run a 1/2 Marathon 

I am NOT a runner but I know that running is amazing for your cardiovascular health. I love how I feel so relieved after a good run and that I never feel like I have the same level of stress that I did before a good run. Running just puts me in a good space mentally and makes me feel good about me. So, I am challenging myself and am going to have some help with a trainer to ensure that I get where I want to be with running in 2019.

While these 10 goals might not seem like much to you, these are the areas in which I NEED to work on and the parts of life that are a bit push for me to become the person whom I have always wanted to be.