The Life of Bon: Resolutions! Resolutions! Can I get some resolutions!?

Thursday, January 02, 2014

Resolutions! Resolutions! Can I get some resolutions!?


The problem with resolutions, as most of us probably know, is that within a mere month we forget about them almost completely.  February hits and we're barely working on them anymore.  Last year for her resolutions Elizabeth wrote down a goal a month  instead of the usual bunch of goals for the whole year.  Something about this really appealed to me.  It would still allow me to work on several different goals, but with the difference that it would be one at a time.  The idea is that I would still continue to work on past goals, but with a new focus every month.  That way if I get overwhelmed I can just remember that there is really only one main goal I have to be working on.  Genius, don't ya think?

So, I present to you, twelve goals for 2014, month by month.

JANUARY:  REFOCUS ON BLOGGING
I have felt a bit "off" my blogging game the past few months, so I want to refocus and get back on track.  My blog has been an extremely satisfying and rewarding experience for me, and I would like for it to continue to be so.  

Sub goals:
- Respond to 100% of blog comments left in January
- Host a link up
- Find an effective way to  advertise and increase audience (any suggestions here?)
- Start blogger round tables again
- Develop deeper connections within the blogging community.

FEBRUARY:  WRITE A BOOK
Even just writing that out makes me sick to my stomach.  I have always wanted to write a book, but have been plagued by fear.  Fear of failure, yes, but also fear of the extreme amount of time and energy and dedication it will take.  Who knows if the book will ever get published, but I'm tired of not trying.

Subgoals:
-Write five days a week for 1-3 hours.

MARCH:  BE A BETTER WIFE
Sometimes I just think Greg deserves a kinder, happier, less insane woman.  That's all.

Sub goals:
- No nagging.
- Do an act of service daily for Greg.
- Say thank you more often.
- Be more willing to do "his activities" and less pouty when we don't do "my activities."
- Tell him I love him and compliment him every day.

APRIL:  FOCUS ON FAITH
I try to make God a part of my daily life, but sometimes it all just gets so hustley and bustley that I feel like He about dang near gets crowded out completely.  In April I want to spend more time contemplating the spiritual and developing deeper connections with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Sub goals:
- 30 minutes of "quiet time" a day- time to read scriptures, ponder, and write down spiritual impressions.  Tell Greg my plan so he is not trying to distract me while I am working on this.
- Attend the temple every week in April.
- Deeper focus during prayers.
- Be patient and loving.  Pray for help throughout the day when I feel like I am lacking.

MAY:  SAVE
Greg and I will likely have some big expenses coming up (June's goal is to go to Europe!) so I want May to be a month of absolute loyalty to my bank account.  No spending other than what is absolutely necessary- gas, groceries, etc.  It's only for a month.  I can do it.

JUNE:  GO TO EUROPE
Ever since Greg and I have been married we have wanted to go to Russia together, where he served his mission.  Every summer there is a reason not to, and this summer I am crossing my fingers and fighting hard that the reasons not to go will have finally run out.  My sister lives in Germany so we would love to do a combined Germany/ Russia trip.

JULY:  BE KIND
One thing that I have often wished about myself is just that I was a kinder person.  I can feel it happening slowly, but it is a long process as my natural tendency is to be sassy and give attitude.  It requires a lot of deliberate attention.

Sub goals:
- No saying unkind things about people when they are not around.
- No saying unkind things about people when they are around.
- Tell people how much they mean to me.
- Say thank you more.
- Do one act of service a day for someone.  Go out of my way to help people.
- Write hand written notes.
- Give more compliments.
- Give more hugs.

AUGUST:  SLOW DOWN AND BE PRESENT
I often think about Thoreau's words, "our lives are being frittered away by details."  In August I would like to slow down and just live a very present life.  (Posts on that here and here.)  I want to relax and enjoy the small things and not feel rushed or stressed or hurried, but just enjoy life in its simplicity.

SEPTEMBER:  TAKE CARE OF MY BODY
My body does a lot for me without asking too much in return.  Time to give back.

Sub goals:
- Exercise 30-60 minutes a day.
- Eat more raw fruits and vegetables.
- Only one sweet thing a day.
- Drink more water.
- Spend time outside every day.

OCTOBER:  BECOME A BETTER PHOTOGRAPHER
I got a nice camera, but I still have no idea how to use it.  Mostly I feel like a huge doofus carrying it around everywhere with me and trying to work the buttons.  In October I really want to take the time needed to figure out how to use the camera to the best of its ability.  I would love to take a class to help if my schedule permits.  At the very least I need to do some serious reading of the manual and read anything online I can find to help me out and just get out and play with it.

NOVEMBER: COOK MORE
We eat the same 5-7 meals all the time because I have mastered  5-7 meals that we both like.  Time to expand this a bit.
Sub goals:
- Try two new recipes a week.
- Invite another family to eat with us once a week.

DECEMBER:  SERVICE AND CHARITY
I couldn't decide if this was too close to July's goal to "be kinder", but then I decided that even if it was, I would like two months to work on charity, kindess, etc. anyway.  Subgoals are pretty much the same as July's but with the addition that in December I would like to participate in some kind of service project/ Sub for Santa.  I want to be more purposeful about serving those in need.

Alright, there you have it!  12 months, 12 goals.  The beauty of it is that right now I only have to think about one goal- refocusing on blogging.  Which means I'm going to answer some emails, get my sponsor stuff in line, and respond to comments.  Wow, this is going to be easy!

And hey, why not make this a link up?!?  If you made resolutions leave the link below.  I'd love to see them!

85 comments:

  1. I think breaking it down by month will make your goals much more manageable. Good luck!

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    1. Thank you! Yes, I don't think there's any way I could accomplish them if I were trying to do them all at the same time!

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  2. "The Happiness Project" is one of my favourite books and I love that you are doing your resolutions in the same format! I definitely want to try this some year. Can't wait to follow your progress! :)

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    1. Yes! I forgot to reference her- she is definitely one of the huge motivators behind doing it month by month. :)

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  3. Going to Europe sounds like an amazing time! We have been discussing doing some traveling this year as well. The list of places is just too long, I can't pick!

    Looking forward to reading more :)

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    1. That's always the problem, right- deciding where to go. Russia certainly doesn't sound too exotic or exciting, but I know we would regret it if we didn't go so we're going to shoot for it!

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  4. Great goals... In particular, I love the subparts. Sometimes, making change can be very overwhelming and I for one, get a little lost at figuring out what the first step even is... but the idea of subgoals is amazing! I kind of wished I had added them to my own Resolution post (which I linked up by the way!).

    I'm a relatively new reader of Life of Bon, so looks like you are still expanding and creating relationships to me! :)

    Cheers to the New Year!
    -Kate
    www.theflorkens.com

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    1. Thank you so much for this sweet comment! So glad you linked up your resolutions. I totally agree with you on the difficulty of the "first step." Where do you even start with "becoming a kinder person". So many areas to work on!

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  5. How long do you want your book to be? I wrote one when I was 16 of about 60,000 words (roughly like 250 pages, I think?) and while I never scheduled time to work on it, I think I started it in June or July and finished it in December of the same year?

    ANYWAY, tangent over, have you heard of NaNoWriMo? National Novel Writing Month, where you write 50K words in a month. I used it to help me power through the last tough bits of my novel and it really helped. Also there are more days in November than February. ;)

    Good luck on your novel!!!! Writing mine was seriously one of the more rewarding things I've ever done.

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  6. I am definitely thinking NaNoWriMo style... and I don't necessarily care that I finish it in one month because I know that's straight up crazy, but I would just like to get a really really good start on it. What did you do with your novel after? I am excited for the process, but also totally intimidated and scared. Also we need to hang soon.

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  7. I love the idea of 12 goals. I'm giving myself until Sunday to finish my resolutions for 2014. I have just one word in 2013 and it was gratitude. Not sure that I can do better than that this year :) Good luck!

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    1. Love the idea of just one word for your goal... makes it so much more obtainable!

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  8. Look at Barnes & Noble Nook Press when you are ready to publish. They let you publish your book for Nook readers to buy. I'm sure many of your readers would buy the book (including me).

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    1. Oh you're so sweet! And such a good idea to publish through Barnes & noble nook press. I will definitely have to look into that.

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  9. I love the idea of doing one resolution a month. Elle Sees (the beauty blogger) does that, although last year she very intensely did a mini-goal every single week.

    My resolutions this year are related to my personal life, stuff that I'm not sharing with my blog. But maybe I'll make some blogging goals, separate from New Year resolutions.

    Also this comment is a test. ;)

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    1. Wow... a mini goal every week? I think that would exhaust me! I would love to see some of your non personal resolutions if you decide to put them up. Did I pass my test? :)

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    2. You aced the test! Congratulations! ;)

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  10. A break down by month? Lady, you are my hero. After reading your post, I can see how easing into big things might make it easier. You should check out "NaNoWriMo" for your book goal and make it a year-long adventure.

    If you need encouragement from one writer to another, I'd be glad to help! Good luck!

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    1. Thank you! You are so sweet! I'm going to do something similar to nanowrimo for February and then hopefully continue working on it as the year goes on.

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  11. Love the way you broke these down by month, I was inspired to do the same after reading the happiness project. I think it is so much more effective to focus on one thing at a time.

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    1. Yes! I agree! I feel so much more productive as less down on myself. Who can remember ten goals all year long?

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  12. I think this is a great idea and considered doing the same myself! I like the concept of 30 day challenges too since that seems so much more obtainable and is enough time to make something a habit.

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    1. That's what I keep telling myself... that I can make it a habit within the month :)

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  13. I think these are great! I'm continuing with my monthly goals I started in november. That seems to be working better for me :) Guess I should add sponsor you again to my list. The month I did sponsor you was my best EVER :)

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    1. Oh you already started monthly goals? You are ahead of the curve! And I would love to have you again for sponsorship... it's easy to promote such a great blog!

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  14. This is awesome! And, as a person also trying to write/finish a book (and I've done NaNoWriMo 6 years now) if you need someone to bounce ideas around with or anything let me know! Collaborating and brainstorming book/story ideas and helping other people reach their writing goals are some of my favorite things to do.

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    1. Thank you! I really appreciate that offer- writers are such a nice group of people!

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    2. I love writers! And it's amazing what ideas you can come up with when you're talking with a bunch of other writers. During NaNoWriMo this year, I was really stuck at one point, so a writer friend of mine invited me over for a brainstorming session. We sat in his house for two hours thinking of ideas and now my story is going to be SO MUCH BETTER.

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  15. I love that you broke your goals down by month! I think that kind of organization will make them easier to accomplish, since you aren't tackling tons of different goals at the same time. I can't wait to see how you do on all of these!

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    1. I will definitely report back... I like to post resolutions on something as public as a blog because it makes me so much more accountable!

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  16. Go for the book writing thing! You will be glad you did if it's something that's nagging at you to try. I had this same desire for a long time and in the last 2 years I got really motivated and I think it will finally be done writing it this year. It's really, really hard. Especially if you have no idea if it will get published or in my case if I will ever even let anyone read it. It's very satisfying though.

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    1. Yes, that's exactly how I feel. I don't know that I would ever let anyone read it (yikes!) but it is something I have been wanting to do for so long that I need to just do it!

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  17. Anonymous2:18 PM

    I'm really excited to see how you accomplish your January goal. Have you thought about making the blogger roundtables online (like through Google Hangout) so us non-Utah bloggers can attend?

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    1. Yes! I have thought about it! One of those things that I have bounced around in my head and would like to make a reality in the coming months. Thanks for the reminder.

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  18. This is a great way to do your goals!

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    1. Thank you! Now I want to see yours!

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  20. I have several large goals that will take the whole year (e.g. run more miles this year than last), but I also have monthly goals. I plan to focus on one passage a month to help me improve my character. This month I'm focusing on 1 Cor. 13:4a, "Love is patient, love is kind." I've got that posted in my car (where my patience is tested the most!). at my work computer, etc. to help me focus on being more patient and kind. I'm like you in that I can be quite sassy, and while I think it is usually harmless (or so I hope) and in good fun, I know I can go too far. I can be quite critical, and I don't want to be seen that way. I haven't planned all 12 months yet, but I'm also going to do Phil. 2:14, 1 Thess. 5:11ff, and who knows what else.

    On another note, I'm so bummed that I slacked last month and didn't start We Need to Talk About Kevin until the end of the month and thus haven't finished. I can't read your review of it (I'm very anti-spoiler) yet, and it's killing me! Sadly, I'm #84 on my library's request list for January's book and won't be able to participate in that discussion either, but I'm skipping ahead and doing The Night Circus figuring I'll just read the Jan. book when it's finally my turn!

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    1. I deleted my first comment due to an error, and I just found another one. Gah! I'm usually so good at proofreading...I guess doing this while at work has me in a hurry. ;)

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    2. I love the idea of doing your goals based on a passage of scripture. Such a beautiful idea. You will have to keep me updated on how it turns out.

      I haven't finished We Need to Talk about Kevin yet either... you're in good company! And yikes... #84 on your library request list?! Popular book! Just join in for what books you can when you can... it's no big deal if you are a few months late :)

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  21. I love setting goals, and the high you get from accomplishing them is pretty much the best feeling ever! This is a great way to organize them,- I can't wait to see how you do. We're all here if you ever need any encouragement!

    xo, Hima
    Hima Hearts

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    1. Thank you! You are such a sweetheart!

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  22. I'm excited that you'll be doing blogger roundtables again! I've been dying to go to one!! :)

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    1. Yea! I would love to have you at one! Life just got too insane there for a little bit so I had to put them on the back burner but I am certainly excited to start up again. I will keep you updated.

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  23. I would love more blogger roundtables! I loved the two I went to!
    I also really like your idea of goals per month...it has a Happiness Project feel to it. I really want to do one...but I think I will wait and start at the end of this school year so as to not overwhelm my already hectic schedule. Thanks for all the inspiration you continue to give!
    Also...have you ever taught Animal Farm? I have to teach it to my 7th graders at the beginning of 3rd term and I absolutely HATE that book...I could use some fresh, interesting ideas.

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    1. And I loved having you at the blogger roundtables! Always so fun to meet people in a more intimate setting.

      Yes, I have taught Animal Farm! I only did it one year as I also don't love it, but we still managed to have a pretty good time with it. I can send you over all my lesson plans if you want... send me your work email to bonnie.louisa@gmail.com and I'll send over what I have!

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  24. I love the idea of doing it this way - I had thought about breaking my whole list down and doing certain ones for each month, but time will tell. I am working on learning my camera more in manual - its exciting!!

    What are blogger roundtables?

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    1. The camera thing is way exciting, but also frustrating! I have taken some truly awful pictures! The blogger roundtables is basically local bloggers getting together and talking blog strategy. It's a lot of fun and great to meet other bloggers. So far I've only done it locally in Utah but have been thinking about doing it via google hangout so that others can join in too!

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  27. I love your goal of writing a book! Obviously, it could be a completely overwhelming goal- but the fact that you were willing to put in down on "paper" is actually so refreshing and encouraging! I say, go for it, girl! Also, yes, yes, yes to going traveling overseas with your husband. My husband and I did that last year and it was a really fun, special trip and was great to do before we start having kids!

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    1. Yes, I agree! Before the kids come I feel like I have to get all the traveling in that I can!

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  28. I'm with you on July.

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    1. Could have fooled me. I think you are very nice! Of course I've never met you IRL, but still.

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  29. My New Years Goal is to hang out with my bon bon more.

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  30. Oh my word! I love this idea!

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  31. Wow, great goals Bonnie. I have been reading your blog for quite a time now and I absolutely adore it. I'm participating in your Book Club this year, yay!

    I haven't made any new year resolutions as of now Cuz I suck big time in it....but now reading your resolutions have inspired me, I think i need to work on mine right away and link up here.

    Thanks...

    xoxo from Bhutan.

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    1. Thank you Rekha I really appreciate that! Reading all the way from Bhutan- I'm honored!

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  32. I also did one goal a month last year...well, until August when I kind of quit. But up until that point it was really good to be able to focus on one thing for a month. It really really helped me and I hope it works for you!

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    1. Thank you! I hope it works too, and knowing me I will also hit August (or March!) and then quit. I'm hoping the one a month will make it doable, though.

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  33. You should switch Feb and November so you can write during writing month, and there's more holidays in February so school slows down a bit?

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    1. I've thought about that... February is such an awful month weather wise, though, it felt like the best time to lock myself up indoors and crank out a book. Also I'm afraid if I postpone it until November I will never do it!

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  34. Hey, so this doesn't have to do with resolutions, but I wrote this blog post about stuff people should stop assuming about English teachers and totally wondered what you would add to the list:

    http://autodidacticambitions.blogspot.com/2014/01/stuff-you-should-stop-assuming-about.html

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    1. love this Torrie! Absolutely brilliant! The one that bothers me the most is people expecting me to know all sorts of random, totally inane grammar questions. Also drives me crazy when I misspell something or leave out a comma and someone makes a remark like, "Aren't you an English teacher?" Yes, I am, but that doesn't mean I am perfect.

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  35. Awesome goals… good luck with them all! And you don't need to respond to this ;) Unless that is, it'd be keeping you from keeping your goals. This is Mindy btw

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    1. Mindy the goal was to respond to 100% of comments and that ESPECIALLY includes sisters' comments. Miss you already- was so fun to have you here!

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  36. Yay for bringing back the round tables! I did 12 goals also last year, and I loved it, but this year I'm doing four goals, one per 3 months, because one month just flies by so fast!!

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    1. That's true... one month per goal might go too fast but I also get bored quickly so I am thinking it will be just enough time before I am totally bored of the goal. And yea for roundtables!

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  37. My number one goal: Push baby number two out of my body with minimal damage. ;) Just kidding…sort of.

    In April you should read Lamott's "Help, Thanks, Wow". She says those are the only three prayers we need to learn how to prayer. It's on my list for books this year.

    [Quick side story I thought you'd appreciate:
    a former student sent me a fb message with the gist that in college/ trade school he corrects people's grammar all the time and he just wanted me to know that he actually was paying attention to something. I shot him back a message, saying that I was astonished that the kid I constantly had to wake up actually learned something ;), and wished him a Merry Christmas…to which he responded: "Merry Christmas to you to." I couldn't help but laugh. Guess I didn't teach him everything!]

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    1. I'd say your goal #1 is worth all of my twelve goals put together. So excited for you! I am putting "Help, Thanks, Wow" on my to read list NOW and will forever thank you for introducing me to her.

      Also, best facebook message ever. Yes, we have taught them well, haven't we?!?

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  38. Hahaa nice post! Love, Shabana
    http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/9807829
    http://shabanasultana.blogspot.com

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  39. I LOVE that you broke it down by month and sub goals, very clever! You would be a great writer, and it is surprisingly easy to self publish through Amazing and sell.

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    1. That is what I hear about Amazon... I am looking forward to trying it. And thank you for kindness- you are always so sweet!

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  40. Good luck with them all, lady!
    Loved them all, especially the be kind one.

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    1. Thank you! Probably the one I need to work on the most :)

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  41. Anonymous9:06 PM

    Ooh, I like this concept of one per month. I don't think it would work for me, but I'm sure the blog posts will be wonderful :)

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    1. Yes, I'm excited to follow up on it! The best thing about a blog is it definitely holds you more accountable.

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  42. I called mine intentions instead of resolutions but I made a list. I love a good list! I like how you've broken yours up month to month. I've done the same thing but didn't post them all at once :)

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    1. I considered posting just one a month, but then I decided to just be out with it and have it all laid out for me to see the end from the beginning. It might be a little overwhelming, but ah well!

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  43. This is a great idea, only having to focus on one thing per month makes it easier and less overwhelming. Good luck with them all, excited to hear about them every month.

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  44. Anonymous9:32 PM

    Just stumbled across your blog on facebook - I love it! I love this list of goals. I actually did my goals this year almost exactly the same way, broken down month by month. I also picked a word for the year and fit all of my goals into that: bright. I even named the months to help give them a focus - like February is "be a brighter writer" haha, cheesy, I know.

    I totally support your goal of writing a book bytheway. What kind of book do you want to write? I sat down to write a book a couple years ago (epic fantasy) and hit the ground running with it! In fact, I liked it so much that when my husband graduated with his Master's I told him I hoped he could find a job with a salary we could live off of so that I could just write full time. And whaddya know, it worked! (except that the job he found moved us to CHINA, which was unexpected, but is super crazy and fun). I'm just querying agents now, trying to find representation. Hopefully someday I can see my book on the shelves. :) Until then, I'm still writing.

    I also love the Europe goal. Traveling is da bomb! We're trying to take advantage of our time abroad and travel as much as we can. In fact, we're trying to work out a trip to Europe for April, if all goes well. We'll keep our fingers crossed.

    Anyway, I loved reading this post - your goals are super similar to a lot of the ones I made. I think we'd hit it off in real life. ;) I'm excited to read more of your blog! Thanks for writing!

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