35 Minutes to Easy Goal Setting for Busy Women

Every year I start out with a lofty wish list of things I’d like to do. I quickly come back to earth as my daily tasks take over my day and I realize that with three children 5 & under, this may not be the season for most of what I’d like to do.

While most of the world has their goals set by January first, I tend to spend most of January praying & pondering before I ‘finalize’ my plans for the year.

Once I’ve spent some time thinking, it only takes about 35 minutes to come up with my plan for the year. I select no more than 3 goals per area and they have to fit in with my mission & values and the season of life I’m in. Most importantly, if you have a huge wish list, pick the 2 (or 3) that will make the biggest impact on your life once complete.

35 Minutes to Easy Goal Setting for Busy Women

0:00 – 0:05 – Get Ready

Get a drink.  Maybe a snack. Grab a pen & paper then lock yourself in your room. Pray for guidance if that is something you are comfortable with. If not, just relax for a few minutes.

5:00-10:00 – Spirituality

Think about your spiritual life. What are 2 or 3 things you would like to do this year. Do you want to spend more time in nature? Pick a day & time for nature walks. Maybe you are more traditional & would like to have some time with God each day. Make a plan for that. Remember, no more than 3!

10:00-15:00 – Self-Care

This is a little different than “me” time. If you are responsible for others, in any capacity, than you need to take care of yourself. For me, that means having a little time to myself to recharge (I’m an introvert). If you need to make doctors appointments or change your diet or exercise, this is the time to do it. Remember to make it realistic, though!

15:00 – 20:00 – Marriage

If you are married, this is a good time to plan ways to make your marriage better. Maybe you need a regular date night. Or maybe you just need to be nicer. Perhaps, availability is a problem. Whatever you have in your power to do, pick 2 or 3 and go for it!

20:00 – 25:00 – Parenting

If you are a parent, this is a good time to set a few goals regarding your parenting. Take care to set goals that YOU can do. Setting a goal that your children will stop fighting is not something you can control. Setting a goal to talk weekly about character, IS.

25:00 – 30:00 – Homemaking

This one is the hardest for me to limit because its my weakest area. Isn’t it funny that I write about Homemaking here every month? It keeps me accountable & working at it! My goals have included major purging or reorganization projects, budget or spending/saving goals or decorating projects. It could also be learning a new skill like cooking, ironing or sewing.

30:00 – 35:00 – Work

Whether you work outside the home or within it, you work. I work for our business, write, AND homeschool. Maybe you volunteer. Or want to. Whatever you consider YOUR work, set a few goals.  If you do a lot (like I do), pick one per area.

 

Remember, we are working at attainable for your season of life. If life is going well and you accomplish them all by June, way to go! Set some more! If you only accomplish one, you still did more than you would have if you didn’t have a plan!

What do you want to work on this year?