I cringe a little that by now everyone is long past making 2016 goals and are well on their way to quitting them (I’m kidding!), but as I’m getting back into the swing of things this week, I really can’t get the year rolling without setting some intentions of my own. I’ve been brainstorming things I’d like to work on or work towards and my goodness, there is a LOT. I thought about narrowing it down to 10 or trying to put some order to it, but ultimately I ended up with a long list of scattered thoughts and it just felt right to put them all. So for my SMART goal lovers, I’m sorry, this might drive you crazy, but I’m just going to throw them all out there so when a point comes in 2016 when I’m feeling stuck, that I might be able to peruse this list and feel re-inspired for what I’m shooting for.
I’ll start with family goals. I’ve mentioned that David and I do an annual state of the family address, but perhaps you didn’t realize how ridiculously serious I was about it. It’s a legit presentation. We let our nerd flag fly.
In it, we comb through the following:
(not everything is blog-appropriate for sharing) and it helps us focus in on what we are aiming for in 2016. And with that…
Family Goals
Further research and dip our toe into homeschooling. We are both really excited about this. We have some conference trips in the works and I hope to be working with Hailey on a kindergarten curriculum by the end of summer.
Reign in our crazy December spending (which got a little out of hand) and stick to the goals we’ve established for monthly budget, savings, investing, etc. We’ll check in on this monthly.
Monthly date nights, whether those be at home or out.
Travel as a family. Specifically, we are hoping to do 2 long weekend getaways and a 1 full week vacation. Odd fact: David doesn’t actually get vacation time that he can just “take”, so it’s always a little challenging to plan these things, but we made it happen in 2015 and I have high hopes for 2016.
Find a way to better give back. I want to get myself, and possibly Hailey if appropriate, to get some skin in the giving back game. Giving money is wonderful, but I want to find a way to get involved personally.
Re-do the office. It’s a terrible eyesore in Tiffany blue.
Blog Goals
Fine tune my focus to write about what I am passionate about, which at this moment feels largely about focusing on the joy in healthy food, family and self growth.
Continue to build this space as a community. No forums are coming or anything, but as a blogger it’s easy to get caught up in straight pageviews. I understand why they are important; pageviews determine your pay on sponsored work, opportunities available to you and is the main factor when comparing success. However, I can’t fully agree with this. I want to continue to focus on WHY I love writing here, and to me that’s because you guys engage with me through thoughtful comments on posts and social media. Having a well-connected and engaged readership means so much more to me than a single post that went viral. And though it would be inauthentic if I said I wouldn’t love to see pageviews increase, it’s not my focus.
Decide on which social media to engage in. I can’t do all social media. It’s too overwhelming. I’m foregoing snapchat, but am excited to be active on instagram (my love), facebook, pinterest and am still noodling around continuing on periscope. I LOVE the intimate interaction of a ‘scope, but struggle with finding the time to be consistent.
Be a better responder. I read every comment. Always. They come through as an email to me and I always respond in my head immediately, whether it’s with a smile or an answer. But I haven’t been the best at responding via the blog and will work on that this year, even if it means responding a day or two after the post.
Improve my photography. I’m freaking amazing with a point and shoot (haha), but hand me the DSLR with the special lens and I’m clueless. David takes most of my recipe shots, and while I’m super appreciative, I want and need to learn to do this myself. I’m planning on switching the mode to manual and forcing myself to get comfortable with it.
Stay ahead of the game. I’ve recently taken to a program called Coschedule, which I am beginning to fall in love with. It’s a way to organize all my post ideas so I actually get to them. It is allowing me to plan, while keeping the flexibility I crave to chat about what I want, when I want. It is helping me streamline social media and overall is organizing what formerly was just a lengthy list on evernote on my phone.
Recipes. I’ve shared a lot of random recipes over the past 5 years, some trying to keep up with trends or what I thought people liked, but as my blog has come into its own, I have a much better idea of what recipes I want to share. I will be sharing REAL recipes of REAL food that my family eats on the regular. These will be focused on healthy foods with a reasonable prep time that are realistic for health-focused, busy families. I also will be going back and retesting old recipes to ensure they are the caliber I want to be shooting for.
Continue to limit sponsored content. This is challenging financially because one of the best ways to make more money is to take on more sponsors. However, working with companies I’m not passionate about sucks the fun right out of this spot. Still, this blog does take money to run AND I do enjoy being able to contribute to my family’s income, so I will still be working with brands. And I’m EXCITED about it. Because by limiting it, I can seek out the companies I really love and will feel comfortable giving them the attention they deserve.
Personal Goals
Commit to getting up always at least an hour before the kids. Since I do 90% of my blogging in the early morning when my mind is working, this isn’t hard to stick to, but I’d like to try getting up a little earlier to gain a little more solo time. The girls are both up at 7:00 am now, so I’m playing around with what that means for my schedule.
Focus on myself. Sounds so vain doesn’t it? But I feel like for 4 years I’ve been so focused on babies and now that Kaitlyn is 19 months, I feel like I have a little more energy to put towards me. I have several things I’d like to do, like ensure I get all my annual doctor appointments in (I already checked off the dermatologist this week- 3 biopsies- get your skin checked friends). I’d like to also find a grown up skin care routine (laugh lines are legit), learn how to properly dress my body (please help!) and look and feel more pulled together overall.
Read. How vague is that?! And how often has it been on my list over the past few years? Ha. Ideally I’d love to shoot for 6 books this year. I’m thinking of starting with What Alice Forgot, since so many people seem to love it.
Workout 3 days a week. I’m still obsessed with Burn Bootcamp. I want to shoot for 4 days, with hopes that I never do less than 3. It’s a good balance for me.
Stop being a chameleon. I’m such a people pleaser and I want to stop. Oddly enough, I’m most bold right here on the blog because it’s just me typing with no immediate feedback. Still, I get nervous to share some opinions because I hate confrontation. I’m making myself learn that discussion of ideas is GOOD and it does not mean that one side is right and the other is wrong. It’s OK to have an opinion and be open to hearing others’ thoughts on the topic too.
Putting the phone away when I’m with my family. I’ve already been working on this one and it’s something I feel passionately about. I love being quick to respond to fb messages/texts/etc (people pleasing again perhaps?) but I’m going to learn to be OK being a slower response time because I won’t have my phone on me when I’m with the girls and David. They are my priority and I want them to feel like it.
Focus on my relationships with friends and family. It’s crazy season of life and I often feel like I don’t have a free moment from girls up to girls down (versus sun), but I want to figure out a way to stay better connected with friends and family that may not be close by.
If things feel out of whack, pause and re-calibrate. The holiday break was so good for me and if it’s something I need again, I want to give myself permission to take it.
So, here we go, 2016!
Thoughts/feedback?
Do you set goals/resolutions for yourself or family?
What is one thing you would love to accomplish or work on in 2016?
Tanya says
I could have written some of these things for myself. I have many of the same sentiments moving into 2016…I can focus on me more now that Ru is almost a year old, I want to read more (still alice is sitting on my shelf waiting to be read too–lets do it together!) and I want to dig into homeschooling thoughts too. What conferences are you planning?
Erica says
Love all these goals! I’ve started to look into homeschooling curriculum already (not too early or anything) and have found only one I like. It’s hard for me to find ones that aren’t super religious. I’m considering designing my own pre-k. If I do or not depends on when we have kid #2, which is something I’d like to decide on this year!
Amanda Peterson says
I think you’ll love What Alice Forgot! I tried to get back to reading in fall and read that along with Big Little Lies (which is another favorite Liane Moriarty book)! I’m hoping to read Girl on the Train and Gone Girl finally this year!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh, I’ll look at Big Little Lies too! Funny enough I’ve actually read both Girl on the Train and Gone Girl- both definite page turners!
EmilyS says
Love this post and thank you for sharing. You continue to be my favorite blogger as I just relate so much to your content (and I have no little munchkins yet, however we are working on it!). Additionally, you give me motivation and inspiration on how to live an intentional life which I truly think is the key to happiness and well being. So, thank you! And PS, we grew up right around the corner from each other (2000 LHS alum here!). π
Brittany Dixon says
Favorite blogger?! Even though I was a yellow jacket and you, a trojan?! π Haha, what a small world! Thanks for the kind comment!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Unrelated comment first – I love the way you write! I feel like I’m sitting at a coffee shop with you having a conversation.
As far as the one thing I’d like to work on this year, I want to master the art of pausing. I tend to be a go-go-go person, and often, that gets me in trouble. So…2016 is the year of the pause!
Happy New Year!
Brittany Dixon says
Loved your post on pausing! Great word for 2016. And thanks for the compliment! I can never call myself a “writer” with a straight face because I definitely just type how I talk, for better or worse π
Kate says
Love your nerdy slides! As a fellow nerd I can totally relate. π And the family picture does make it look classy… π
Keep up the good work on your blog!
Christina says
Love this post!!! My goal for 2016 is to use babysitters more regularly! My daughter (4 in a few weeks) has a FIT whenever we leave her with a babysitter (despite having been in daycare since she was 6 months old). As a result we almost never use a babysitter, which in turn makes it that much harder on the rare occasions we DO use one. But my husband and I need that time away (especially with baby #2 coming in May!), so I am in the process of meeting a few babysitters through Sitter City, and also a few local teens, so feeling positive about what’s to come in 2016!
Brittany Dixon says
Yay for babysitters!! What a great goal. I adore mine and it has made a big difference feeling like there is someone I can call for help or for time to be with David. I hope you find a good one! I have friends that had great luck with sittercity! And a BIG CONGRATS on baby #2- yaya!! π
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I think all of these are excellent goals! 2016 is the year we really want to start a family. It’s been something we’ve been working on the last 5 months and it’s proved to be more difficult than we thought it’d be. I’m trying to stay positive and focus on all the good/happy times in our life.
As for you taking better care/focusing on yourself more, I’m trying to do the same. I got 2 facials in 2015 and absolutely loved them. I’m hoping to get 3 this year. It’s something I love and it’s one hour all to myself. Love it! Happy 2016! Looking forward to following along with you again this year.
Brittany Dixon says
Sending you a big hug Kelli! There is nothing stress-free about starting a family and I know it can feel all-consuming. Sending all good thoughts and prayers that things will go well for you and your fam in 2016. It’s a wonderful idea to focusing on taking care of yourself in the process! <3
Kathleen Ojo @ My Ojos says
Your “State of the Family” presentation cracks me up! You guys are adorable! It’s a really good idea though. Personally I LOVE goal-setting as long as they are forward-thinking and positive goals, not goals that stem from insecurity or guilt (like all those weight loss, stop smoking, save money goals. I know those can ALSO be great and empowering, but too often they come from a place of self-loathing, and that helps no one). I’m having a baby (girl #2!) at the end of April, so my goals mostly revolve around going into childbirth well prepared physically and mentally, and getting back into some sort of fitness/personal care routine after. All the best to you in 2016!!
Brittany Dixon says
Congratulations on baby girl #2!! I am so excited for you to get to experience all the adorableness that sisters create- so amazing. I hope pregnancy is treating you well. And on another note, I completely agree that the goals that motivate me are the ones that move me/my family forward in a positive way. All about that power of positivity! π
christina says
omg i would’ve loved to watch that presentation. and take notes. hahah. that’s pretty awesome. good luck with your aspirations!
Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life says
Great list! I always find myself getting more motivated after I read your posts for some reason, haha. Like, your state of the family presentation….I want one of these now, haha!!
Heather says
We do have a few family goals this year that we’ve discussed, but I don’t have a lot of personal goals this year – just intentions, really. My biggest intention is become healthier overall. I really let things go the last few months and I can feel the effects mentally and physically. Now to just break all of those bad habits. π
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
I think you’ve got some great thoughts on what direction you want to go in for 2016. I thrive on goals and always set them for myself. I haven’t really set family goals but I think it’s a great idea.
danielle says
I’ve been reading blogs for a looooooong time, and honestly yours is the only one I still feel invested in. I love your voice and how authentic you are, so thanks for that!!!
I would love some more details on the homeschool planning!
Cassie says
I love these! And you are great at responding to posts! We don’t do family goals but I love the idea. For me, I’m focusing on being okay with not getting the checklist done – reality of having a 17 week old – and beginning the daunting task of losing the last 15 pounds of baby weight. Any suggestions? Happy New Year!
Tiffany says
Your personal goals could have come directly from my mouth! Perhaps it’s a season of life thing since my girls are similar ages to yours, but one of my topline goals was “Invest in myself.” That includes, health (exercise & food), quiet time, etc. I also have a goal to show up for others – more friend dates, more giving back (yes, money too, but mostly in ways that require actions), more focusing on family. I kept it simple to 4 main goals. I thought that was doable at this stage in life, but we’re a week in and I think I need to recalibrate already. Work takes so much of my time and energy (and I just switched roles so there would be less travel required) and it is not any better. I suppose there’s always something!
Whitney says
I LOOOVE the idea of a State of The Family Address!!!! I would love to do this with my husband!
SHU says
I love the state of the union! We do something similar (especially with focus on planning vacations) but it’s all on paper (I know – shocker for me π ). I will be very interested in your homeschool adventures even though it is not in our plans, I think it’s fascinating (and can imagine that if done well it could be awesome for kids/families).
My request – more meal plans (love those) and fun ideas of things to do with H&K since mine are so similar in age π
John J. says
Good to have your inspirational postings back! This post was really well thought out, Love your choice of family review and goals with such a solid value oriented prioritization.
Maria says
Your D4 State of Family Address is why I love you. It’s hilarious in a good sort of way. I’ve been meaning to write down my goals for the year, as cliche as it is. I did a 5 Year Plan a few years ago and I’m happy to say I met all of those goals and even surpassed a few, so it does work to write them all out.
Most of our goals are vacation planning: Texas, Banff, Costa Rica, Kauai….my husband apparently thinks we are made of money and unlimited vacation time (not true).
Really interested in reading more about your adventures in homeschooling. While we don’t have kids, I think it’s something I’d be all for in the future when we do.
Lauren @ Oh Hey! I Like That! says
Omg I love love love that you guys nerd out when doing your State of the Family Address! I see my future family doing something remarkably similar!
Monika says
WHAT ALICE FORGOT IS SOOOOO GOOD READ IT FOR SURE!
Emma says
So many of your goals are the same as mine-reading! Learn to dress my self in real adult clothes! Is would love to hear about what you find out about homeschooling, my son is only 14 months but my husband and I have talked about potentially homeschooling one day. I’d also love to hear about meals in your regular rotation! I get stuck with our same meals but don’t always find new recipes that are easy enough to just toss in the rotation.
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
Some lofty goals! Iβm confident youβll accomplish it all though. I love that youβre setting the year off with smart intention. Thatβs the true way to success!
Wishing you a courageous 2016. π Happy New Year!
Hilary says
One of my goals this year too is to stop being such a people pleaser and really focusing on me and what I want some of the time! I think it will be great for me and everyone around me as well!
alex @ ald_fit says
I love the “State of the Family,” that made me laugh. As for homeschooling, such a great idea! Have you heard of Teachers Pay Teachers? I’m a first grade teacher (Fort Mill, SC) and it’s full of great, resources (lots of free ones too) that align with the standards! I use it all the time and I bet it would be super helpful for you π
Josephine says
I want to establish date nights out, we have date nights at home together once my daughter is asleep and we have lunch out as a family every weekend but I would like to finally get a regular baby sitter, get dressed and go out somewhere!
I too aspire to dress better, Arianna started nursery school this September three days a week. The first couple of week I did the school run in outfits and makeup and hair done then it just slid and I feel better about myself when I make the effort with how I look. I’ll add exercise to that somehow I’ve managed to pack on the lbs this last year but with baby no.2 on the way weight loss goals have to wait a while.
Take a beachside baby moon
I really want to save and track what we are spending. Once you’ve done your budget how to do you stick to your budget? Do you collect receipts and enter everything into excel? Have a housekeeping account? Jars with money? How often do you review what you’ve spent? Weekly? We just spend and we need to stop so we can get a house deposit together.
Final goal have a home that looks like Martha Stewart lives here instead of looking like I’ve been burgled!
Brittany Dixon says
So exciting with baby #2 on the way! Hope you have a fabulous beach babymoon!!
As for the budget, we don’t keep receipts but have quicken set up to our credit cards and bank accounts for tracking. We put everything on cc and pay it off in full each month. Part of my goal is to pay closer attention to quicken on a monthly basis. First step is to track what we are already spending, then develop the budget based on that. I like to see monthly budgets for things like food since one week can be really pricey at the grocery store and the next, not so much.
Alyssa @ RenaissanceRunnerGirl says
Annual state of the family things are something that can really help you focus and talk about what’s important, so props to you two (nerds π )! And as for involving Hailey in giving back, there are so many great organizations that welcome little helping hands. A particularly great one is where you have your kids help prepare a room at a shelter for a family to live in, since they can help choose what to give the kids who will be staying there, and really it’s an experience that helps them consider how some people don’t have a home, and how they can help them.
Brittany Dixon says
Do you know the name of the shelter organization? I like the sound of it!
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl says
http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/01/02/charities-that-inspire-kids-the-league-of-yes/?_r=0 This article has it and other great suggestions!