5 Goals in 2013: April Review

Expand Mind

1. Did I read at least 1 book? Yes. I read 365 Deployment Days by Sara Dewalt (and then gave it away last week for MSAD) and I continue the book I'd previously started: It's a Jungle in There by Steven Schussler (of Rainforest Cafe fame)

2. Did I develop any skills? No. Nothing new.

3. Did I teach/tutor at least 1 child? No. I'm not sure I'm going to get to this. With my business taking off and taking up a lot of time, it's simply on the back-burner.

Increase Wealth

1. Did I payoff any debt? We continue to make above-minimum payments on everything and developed a plan to attack the smallest two loans by the end of summer.

2. Did I increase ER savings? Yes, the allotment started this month and we're now putting small amounts back into savings

3. Did I increase additional savings? Yes. In April, all my additional money went towards my Vegas trip. Now that it's past, I am refocusing this "extra" savings on my trip to Minnesota in August for the wedding.

Advance Career

1. Did I attend at least 1 event? Yes! I was a mentor at a hiring event; our company hosted a seminar for clients; I was a guest at the welcome reception for the new Division Commander, General LaCamera. These events are testing my networking skills and expanding my base of contacts here in Colorado. 

2. Did I write at least 1 article? Final details are put on the long-term writing project on the blog. I will reveal them this month!

3. Did I make steps toward finding a mentor? No more details on this - in the works!

Enhance Home

1. Did we make progress on the guest bath/bedroom? No new progress. 

2. Did we make progress on clearing the Radon? A little. We started clearing out the basement, including flooring and such, so we can jump on the mitigation system as soon as the budget is available.

3. Did we make progress on the outdoor projects? Throughout April (with the help of a few storms) we tore all the shutters off the front of the house and re-framed them. We painted and fixed our facade light fixtures and put new a new house number up. We also tore out some weeds and brush and cleaned up the rocks/landscaping. Super progress, though small steps!!

Improve Health

1. No smoking? Still smoke-free! 

2. Did I eat healthier? Gearing up for my trip was bad. We were clearing out the pantry and fridge, so eating spaghettios and hot dogs rather than good things. I am consciously avoiding treats and thinking about the calorie intake (i.e. only one breakfast donut!)

3. Did I take a multi-vitamin? Ugh, no. Why is this so hard? Now that I'm taking a daily allergy med, I'm hoping this becomes a part of that routine.

A winner and 2013 goals review

First things first, the winner of my blog-a-versary giveaway is...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations, Mrs. Duh! I sent you an email with more information. Thank you to all who entered and who continue to be fans of my blog. 

Even if you didn't get a chance to enter the giveaway (or chose not to) please take a moment and answer the poll on my sidebar. I would like to know more about what you would like to read on my blog. It is easy to get caught up in weekly features and other happenings and not pay attention to what you enjoy reading - so tell me! I personally plan to include more "tell-all" posts - that are open and from the heart. I don't want to turn this blog into purely an information delivery and house project blog (though I enjoy those too!) I want to utilize the journal aspect of the blog and, well, get more personal. Hopefully, I can implement that during the month of April.

Speaking of April, did it sneak right up on you too? I tell ya. I really thought we had a week or two of March left. Anyway, it is time to review my goals and how I did during the (much too speedy) month of March.

Expand Mind

1. Did I read at least 1 book? Not cover-to-cover. I started a book, but most "free time" has been spent on studying and taking AFTB courses to finish my instructor hours. (I start teaching in two weeks!)

2. Did I develop any skills? I started a spin class which I had never done before.

3. Did I teach/tutor at least 1 child? No tutoring.

Increase Wealth

1. Did I payoff any debt? We made more than minimum payments on all our debts, but no complete payoffs.

2. Did I increase ER savings? No. But we just set up an allotment to make sure this changes in April.

3. Did I increase additional savings? Yes. I increased it by about $20 this month.

Advance Career

1. Did I attend at least 1 event? I attended many events this month. I foresee this being the cornerstone of my business for most of the year and it is very exciting!

2. Did I write at least 1 article? No articles this month, but I started the process of a semi-long-term writing deal with the blog. Stay tuned for information as it becomes available.

3. Did I make steps toward finding a mentor? Yes. I made small step towards finding a mentor through the Rising Professionals group. I haven't finalized the details yet, but I am excited to have the experience!

Enhance Home

1. Did we make progress on the guest bath/bedroom? No new progress. We are keeping our eyes peeled for a guest bedroom set and then I will have the foundation to organize and decorate the room.

2. Did we make progress on clearing the Radon? Not so far. Still waiting for the weather to warm up and our budget to accommodate.

3. Did we make progress on the outdoor projects? Yes! This past weekend we tore out the rotting deck and rebuilt the joist and floor boards. We still need to seal and paint the deck, but here are a few snaps of the progress:

Improve Health

1. No smoking? Still smoke-free!!

2. Did I eat healthier? Until last week, yes. I made lunches from home and focused on veggies and low fat meals. Last week, however, we grabbed pizza and ate at restaurants a few times because we were so busy. Bad!!

3. Did I take a multi-vitamin? Not regularly. This one is so simple and yet so difficult. 

2013 Goals Review

In know February is a short month, but I am still shocked by how quickly it flew by! Now that March has begun it is time to look back at my goals and how I achieved them during February.

Expand Mind

1. Did I read at least 1 book? Yes. I read "Basic Black" by Cathie Black (review to come!)

2. Did I develop any skills? I have done a lot of shadowing new classes at the gym so I can be more versatile. I also became certified as an AFTB instructor so I can lead classes on post. (Details here.)

3. Did I teach/tutor at least 1 child? I did not tutor this month, but I took on another new class at the gym to coach.

Increase Wealth

1. Did I payoff any debt? Yes! We paid off our smallest debt this month!

2. Did I increase ER savings? No. This actually took a big hit this month. I had to pay quite a few registrations/fees for my licenses and a few expenses for my upcoming trip. We have a plan to counteract that now that we paid off some debt.

3. Did I increase additional savings? Yes. I increased the amount by about $30 this month.

Advance Career

1. Did I attend at least 1 event? Yes. I attended 2 different meetings/events.

2. Did I write at least 1 article? Not personally, but I participated in an interview with Kaye at Successful Military Wife. (Details here.) 

3. Did I make steps toward finding a mentor? I am currently working on an application for a mentor through the Young Professionals division of the chamber.

Enhance Home

1. Did we make progress on the guest bath/bedroom? We finished the guest bath and started clearing out the guest bedroom.

2. Did we make progress on clearing the Radon? No progress per se, but we did price out the process so when we're ready to move we can do so.

3. Did we make progress on the outdoor projects? Small steps. We drew up plans and priced all the materials. We have started a garden indoors that will be moved outside when the ground de-freezes. We are also researching the best ways to revive our grass.

2013 Goals Review and February Tidbits

One month down in 2013.

Time sure does fly (and other cliche sentiments that are fitting for this reflection...)

Before I jump into the things happening in February, I want to look back through January and how I did on my 2013 goals. I shared with you my spreadsheet for tracking the goals, so I can stay on top of it daily when I use my planner. Now, I want to look at the individual goals and see how I can improve my strategy and plan for achieving those that fell short (and pat myself on the back for those I've accomplished!)

Expand Mind

1. Did I read at least 1 book? Yes! The Art & Power of Being a Lady

2. Did I develop any skills? I attended a small business class at the local library. I also shadowed another coach at the gym to further develop my coaching skills.

3. Did I teach/tutor at least 1 child? No, but I am taking on a new class at the gym - tumbling. This should challenge me and help the kids!

Increase Wealth

1. Did I payoff any debt? No. With the break-in, any progress we made was depleted by those added expenses.

2. Did I increase ER savings? No. See above.

3. Did I increase additional savings? Yes, I saved about $25 this month towards travel and events

Advance Career

1. Did I attend at least 1 event? Yes. 

2. Did I write at least 1 article? No. I am looking at ways to fix this by seeking out new sources and places to write.

3. Did I make steps toward finding a mentor? Yes. I had a meeting with an attorney I hope to maintain a mentorship with.

Enhance Home

1. Did we make progress on the guest bath/bedroom? Yes! We are 50% done and hope to finish this weekend!

2. Did we make progress on clearing the Radon? No. This will happen when the weather warms.

3. Did we make progress on the outdoor projects? No. See above.

Improve Health

1. No smoking? Yes! I have not had a cigarette in over 30 days!

2. Did I eat healthier? Somewhat. I opted for a salad at least once per week and cut back on sweets. I also avoided soda, for the most part. I could definitely improve more in the area.

3. Did I take a multi-vitamin? Not regularly. This one is so simple and yet so difficult. I will get a pill box and set it up each week on Sunday so I can just pop-and-go in the morning.

For the month of February, I added an additional little project. I joined up with The Idea Room to participate in her photo prompt project on Facebook. 

You can watch my progress on my Facebook page - I've incorporated the photos in my 365 in 2013 album. You can also watch the progress of the other participants (most of them are much better photogs than I am!)

Finally, don't forget that February is heart month. Do something to raise money, awareness, or assistance for those suffering from heart disease, and take the necessary steps to lead a healthy life so you heart stays healthy too!

2013 Goals: A trackable list

After compiling my goals for 2013, I decided I needed a way to keep myself on track. I wanted something compact enough to slip into my planner, but clear enough for a quick-glance when I need a reminder. 

Over my Saturday morning coffee, I created the following document. It took less than an hour to make and fits on half of an 8x11 piece of paper so I can clip it into my planner. I like that I can flip to it and remind myself what the goals are - with a checklist when I've accomplished them each month!

Do you track your goals daily? Weekly? Monthly? How do you keep yourself accountable? 

2013 Goals: #5 - Improve Health

I saved this category for last. It is not that I don't think about my health already, it is just that this is the category where I have the largest ability to let myself down. But I suppose my awareness of that fact is the right way to start, huh? 

That said, I'm not going to "lose 20 lbs." or "shake 2 pants sizes." I'm not even going to "workout twice per week." Let's be real, those goals are not going to happen. (We're two weeks into the year and other than the times I break a sweat when I'm coaching, I don't exercise.) It doesn't mean those things can't happen, it just means I am not going to make them a goal and set myself up for failure. Instead, I am going to focus on overall health and making my eating habits a priority, and, hopefully, the other stuff naturally follows.

Here are my goals: 

1. Quit smoking. This is a bit of a cheat, due to the fact that I actually "quit" in 2012. It should read "remain smoke-free" but I did cheat on NYE (it's really hard to drink wine and not smoke) and Al is still smoking, which makes my temptation all the more in-your-face. So, I intend on still being smoke-free when 2014 rolls around!

2. Eat more mindfully. Cut sweets down to once per week. Avoid the second snack (defeats the purpose of a low-cal way to take the edge off) during the work day. Pack a lunch so I don't grab junk or fast food. Cut down on soda (only for social occasions and to mix with Crown.) These small changes will help me feel better and look better. 

3. Take a daily vitamin. I used to do this. I got sick a little less often and had clear skin. It is also a good way to sneak some pre-natals into my system, so when we finally decide to try again my body is ready!

This is the last of my five wishes for 2013. I will check in on my goals throughout the year, though not as regularly as I did in 2012. Here's to a purposeful, healthy, and successful 2013!!

2013 Goals: #4 - Enhance Home

When we first bought our house last year, we hit the ground running and completed a few major renovation projects right away. With the holidays and budget concerns, we stalled most progress until after the new year. 

Well, that time has come and I have three major things I want to accomplish in the house this year: 

1. Finish upstairs guest bath and room. The bath is already gutted and floors have been relaid. The rest of the project should only take a long weekend to complete. The guest room will be a little more involved since we have used it as a storage/linen/Army room - and the fact that we have no bedroom furniture. I guess I'm going to be hitting some major thrift stores and garage sales this summer!

2. Remove radon from basement. We had this tested during inspection and bought the house knowing it was too high for livability. Our thought was that so long as it was only the two of us, we could basically use the basement as storage and otherwise close it off. I want to do the radon-removal and vent system this summer so we can start developing that space into an entertainment and guest space.

3. Outdoor revival. Our lawn is dead and needs some serious CPR. We want to re-pour our front step and pour a patio out back. We also want to re-paint the deck, re-secure some wobbly spots, and perhaps even build a fire pit. Al will be putting in a large garden spot in the spring for veggies and herbs. 

Originally, when we bought the house, I expected that the first thing on my list was to pull up all the carpet and lay hardwood throughout the entire house. That is still a priority, but I am realistic about our budget and the fact that this is not our forever-dream-home. It's likely we will move in 5 years and use it as a rental. Therefore, it will probably be a while before hardwood goes in. In the meantime, the above projects should give the house the facelift it needs (and fill plenty of our time in 2013!)

2013 Goals: #3 - Advance Career

This category is probably the biggest one in 2013. I have made huge strides in building my business and starting my career in 2012. I graduated law school and became a licensed attorney in Colorado. I also received my license to sell insurance and manage investment accounts. I have one more exam to complete before I am a fully-licensed financial planner AND attorney. 

This year, I plan to put the majority of my energy into building my law practice and my financial planning business into a collaborative business. Here is how I plan to do that: 

1. Attend at least one event per month. This will help me grow my contact list and therefore my client base. 

2. Write one article per month. I want to branch out into more writing regarding the legal and finance fields, whether it be through the branch website, MSJDN, or other organizations. 

3. Find a mentor. I want to find a mentor through the CBA or another group, that can help oversee the growth of my business and guide me through the process. I would prefer a business-owner who also wears a dual hat in finance and law. I already have one attorney in mind, but I am going to sign-up for the mentorship program and see if that gives me a good lead as well.

2013 Goals: #2 - Increase Wealth

Last year, with graduation, moving, buying a house and moving again, and seeing the first bill for my school loans, our we did not accomplish any wealth growth. In fact, we used about half of our savings to pay for the house and to get my business started. 

Now that things have slowed down, it's time to get serious about debt reduction and building up our savings again. It would be even better if we could get to the point this year where we can invest in a retirement plan. For now, we're going to prioritize and keep the goals simple: 

1. Pay down 1/3 of our debt (excluding mortgage). Our house is at such a low rate, we'd rather pay off the school debt and minimal other debts first. We have no credit card debt, but my school loans are substantial. If we can pay off 1/3 of the debt, we will free up more liquid cash - definitely plus!

2. Double our savings. By the end of the year, I would like to have our savings back to where it was when we started 2012. Paying ourselves back for the legitimate investments we made is our top priority after debt reduction. 

3. Secondary savings. This account is where I dip into for travel and other "fun stuff." Right now, it is high enough that I can pay for one of my planned trips this summer. I would like to increase the amount to cover both trips so I don't have to budget it separately. 

Easy-peasy. Except that I like shoes and fancy coffee. I just keep reminding myself that I like financial security more!

2013 Goals: #1 - Expand Mind

I am someone who functions well in an education setting. I enjoy learning. I thrive on mental stimulation and challenging my cerebral function. But, after spending seven years (and way too much money) getting my degrees, I'm ready for a break from the organized educational setting. Instead, I want to find ways this year to stimulate my mind on my own.

I plan to do that in three ways: 

1. Read. I am going to read one new book each month. I continue to add to my list when I run across a book that interests me and I clip reviews from magazines or articles online recommending new reads on a regular basis. 

2. Build skills. I want to take a German class at a nearby University. I've got more than enough money in my MyCaa account, so I might as well use it to build on skills I already have. I want to become fluent in German. I may sign up for some small business classes or entrepreneurial courses as well. The focus is on business building and fun, rather than a particular degree.

3. Teach. I am certified as a tutor here in Colorado. I want to tutor at least 2 students this year. I am working on getting trained as an AFTB instructor on post. I plan to have that complete by March.

New Year, New Goals

Last year, I made a list of 12 goals for the year 2012. They were not necessarily measurable goals so much as traits and lifestyles changes I wanted to make. I had a few measurable goals, but in all they were more like guidelines. For last year, that was a necessary approach. I was finishing law school, moving across the country, and starting a new career, so I wasn't exactly free to accomplish new goals and try new things. Therefore the 12 goals I made for myself were suited to that lifestyle. 

This year, however, I'm settled in, loving life and ready to hit the ground running. As such, I put together a list of new goals - goals that match my new life and that I can hold myself accountable for. Also, I was tagged by my dear friend JG to come up with five goals (wishes) for the new year. (It's a good thing she tagged me too, because when I first started this post I still had over 10 items on my goal sheet. Being held to five goals made me focus on the important ones and narrow that initially too-long list down!)

The result of those hours of reflection and thought is this list - 5 simple, significant, and trackable goals for 2013! Throughout the week, I will take each individual goal and break-down my plan for accomplishing the goal and what markers I will use to track them. For now, I'll simply debut the list:

{I am supposed to tag five people to participate, but I would rather allow my friends and readers to set their own goals and plans for the new year. If you would like to participate by creating 5 wishes for 2013, please let me know, so we can encourage, push and applaud each other as we proceed through the year!}

Here's to a great new year!