2014 Goals

Let's talk about goals in a tropical settling, shall we? Will the British Virgin Islands do? I just can't get enough!

For 2014, I've decided to simplify my goals. I've made looooong lists of specific things I want to accomplish, both small and large, for the past two years. As a someone with a undergraduate degree in business management, I'm obviously a fan of S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic, & Timely). However, as much as I love checking items of a list (like, really love it), I don't want to limit myself this year. I feel like I'm a bit more settled and am ready to continue to grow into my own...

I'm not going to make guesses at what will make me happy or feel accomplished this year. Instead, I'm giving myself a framework of themes that I find vital and satisfying. There's also plenty of room for me to expand upon. 

RUN

Out of anything in the world right now, I want to be able to run again. I injured myself shortly after running my first marathon in November and haven't been able to do practically any physical activity since. I've been trying to begin 2014 with hope and determination that I will run again (duh! it's only a stress fracture!). In order for me to get there and stay there, I really need: 1) Be hopeful and set some long term goals, 2) Be realistic and set some short term goals, 3) Take rest seriously. I hope to at least be able to jog the Monument 10K in April and, with some hard work and everything above, maybe run the Richmond Marathon again in November. Crazy? Maybe. But I want it.

SAVE

As of this coming May, I'll have been out of college for 4 years. I (probably) can't be considered a "recent graduate" anymore...but that definitely doesn't mean that I'm living in the lap of luxury, all cozy in grown-up land. Money is and will be an issue for a while (a downside to having 3 different jobs in 3 years, and ultimately settling on a nonprofit position). This year, however, I'm going to take a stab at actively managing the moo-lah. This includes monthly budgeting, adding money to my savings pot, and officially starting a 401K. Also, saving money = saving stress. Yes, please!

IMPROVE

Improving myself is a life-long quest, but this year I want to focus on reading and relationships. I've never been a big reader. Sure, I like reading books but a lot of activities take precedent over it in everyday life. It's something I really only do on vacations. And I know I've been missing out on a lot because of it: better vocabulary, expanding my perspectives, and even potentially improving my mental health. One book a month sounds achievable and frugal enough, so I'm trying it. I also want to foster my relationships. So many of my friends live in other cities, I sometimes forget that I even have any! It's difficult to stay in touch and involved in each other's lives. I want to make more of an effort in 2014 to stay connected with old friends and better connected with new friends. And I can't forget my family :)

GIVE

In 2014, I want to give when/where I can. Giving just feels good. I still really want to start volunteering again, but have yet to pick out an organization. Giving blood is relatively easy---and what better time than now, when I'm not training for anything? And Lord knows I have enough clothes to dress a small school of girls. When it comes to giving, everything is a double-win.

BLOG

I want this blog to continue being a part of my life. 2013 wasn't my strongest blogging year, but it seems to me each blogger has their seasons. I'm looking forward to further developing how I use this blog, reach others, and the overall look! I also don't plan to stop baking anytime soon. Hand-in-hand with buying more local ingredients, I've also become interested in homemade versions of food that we all buy at the store. Crackers, granola bars, cereal, bread (hmm carbs?)...I want to make them all, plus more.

Tell me about your goals! Are any of them similar to mine? How do you plan to accomplish them?