I feel like I have 2,009 resolutions, but really they're just my goals for the year. I've never been big on resolutions, but inspired by Madison's post about execution and organization over at My Dollar Plan, I couldn't help but make a few. Or a lot. I had already set a few goals -- merely setting in stone a few habits I was already working on. I have the exact same problem as Madison -- extreme organization to the point of non-action. Her post tripped me into action, and many resolution posts across the internet inspired me. So goals are below, with a theme of sorts each month, and a few actions that I'll take for each area. I'll develop further actions each month -- I don't want to get too involved in early research and take no action. I'm going to make sure my goals are achievable.
January: email
I still have emails from 2004 in my inbox of several accounts. Maybe even earlier. This needs to change.
- backup old messages, be more choosy about which emails to save, clear out all inboxes across many accounts, increase security of accounts, set schedule for maintenance/catch-up so I don't end up getting overwhelmed
February: garden
We are pretty good about edge-of-chaos maintenance in our rather large yard, but want to be more deliberate about our landscaping.
- plan schedule for the year, decide on veggies to grow, detail larger necessary projects, maintenance schedule, budget
March: household management
Having the home truly in order is an ultimate dream for me. A home the runs almost effortlessly, and nothing that is not either useful or beautiful. We really don't have a lot of clutter, but I need to change my approach when it comes to keeping unnecessary things. I'm reading a wonderful book about housekeeping, and I already have a lot of ideas.
- massive decluttering, garage sale, filing system, backup systems on multiple fronts, emergency binder, insurance needs, wills/trusts, research safes for valuables, master schedule for cleaning and irregular household maintenance
April: correspondence
I used to write numerous letters every month, and I would love to get back to that. Moreover, I need to improve the way I keep in touch with people. With so many wonderful friends and family, I'd be stupid not to make this an area of improvement.
- unify address books, backup contact info, correspondence log, schedule for keeping in touch
May and June: pictures
This is a huge project. I've slowly been trying to organize, but I have a lot of pictures. So I'm giving it 2 months and hoping for the best.
- backup all photos, inflow systems, update all online albums, order wedding album, print other albums, archival system, scan in old photos, send duplicates to friends
July: genealogy
This is an old interest of mine that I haven't done much with in the past few years. I can't wait to see what changes technology has allowed.
- update Ancestry.com trees, plan for further searches, copies of verified info to relatives
August: crafts
I really love to sew and quilt. I'd like to improve my skills when it comes to sewing, especially design.
- what I’d like to make for xmas presents, work on expanding range of skills in various crafts
September: French
I was fluent. I will be again.
October: holiday prep
I really would like to have another wonderful holiday, and preparation will be key.
- schedule and start intensive prep so that all holiday stuff is done by Thanksgiving and 30th birthday
November: life goals
I'll be turning 30, so I might as well do a big review of what I want out of life and how I want to spend the next 30 years.
December: tax and investing planning
I don't want to overburden the month, so this will be the culmination month of all the improvements from 2009 in the areas of personal finance. I want to be proactive about taking care of things by year-end so that leftover goals don't get pushed to 2010.
- do annual review
There’s also a few smaller goals:
- date night every Wednesday night – cook something new/newish together, no chores besides cooking and cleaning up afterward
- be on-time more often
- eat more fruit and veggies – shoot for one a day extra (split snack)
- drink 2 extra glasses of water per day
- walk 5 days a week
Finance Goals
- establish regular savings for annual/semi-annual bills and expenses
- increase retirement savings
- increase net worth (which includes making more progress to eliminating debt)
Basically, I just want to feel less crazy.
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