Author: Holly King

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
― James Clear, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night [120/126]

I have been so disciplined about going to bed early that I’m starting to struggle to stay up beyond 10 PM! I am finding that I naturally wake up on weekends – and my mornings are so productive!

02: Purge 1000 items [412/1000]

My oldest daughter came home from college, and she cleaned out her closet, too! The following items left: 73 articles of clothing and 1 water bottle. How do we accumulate so many water bottles?

03: Organize the Attic 

Still, no progress in this area!

04: Read 100 Books [25/100]

It’s summertime — which calls for lazy reading on the beach while enjoying a salty, ocean breeze.

In Progress
Art of Coaching
Atomic Habits: This is part of my current book study!

Complete
Nonfiction Reads (25 complete)

05: Try 52 New Recipes [6/52]

I really need to find new recipes! I’m so behind on this goal!

06: Get in Shape

After 3 weeks of celebrations that included two college graduations, educator appreciation week, Boss’s Day, and many evenings that landed us in a “grab and go” situation, I am diving back into E2M Personal Training by embracing the Nutritional Plan.

07: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Three years ago, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2022: Close my Apple Rings [23/31]
February 2022: Exercise every single day! [27/28]
March 2022: New Nutrition/Exercise Program
April 2022: Still embracing a New Nutrition/Exercise Program!
May 2022: Still working on a New Nutritional Program: Plants & Fasting!

08: Write/Send 52 notes/cards [15/52]

I knocked out another one this week… almost caught up!

09: Maintain a weekly blog [12/52]

I took a three-week hiatus, but I’m back! I feel like I actually have something to report!

10: Simplify my life

I am continuing to pause and enjoy life: I completely unplugged to enjoy a weekend college graduation celebration for my oldest daughter, took a day off of work to enjoy my youngest daughter’s Dual Enrollment graduation, enjoyed quick dinners out with dear friends “on a whim”, and spent today simply enjoying an afternoon on the beach. I’m remembering how it feels to unwind and simply enjoy life.

11: Organize my mother’s photographs

I have digitally backed up the ones that have been scanned, and I’m chipping away at Box 2!

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This might get rewritten as I begin sketching plans.
• Secret Goal #2
• Secret Goal #3
• Secret Goal #4

What are your goals for 2022?

Live my #WOTY2022 … Believe

Cheers, Holly

“For me, forgiveness and compassion are always linked: how do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed?”

Source: “There’s No Place to Go But Up” — bell hooks and Maya Angelou in conversation

As I consider the power of feedback, I feel this…

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night [101/105]

I have been so disciplined about going to bed early that I’m starting to struggle to stay up beyond 10 PM!

02: Purge 1000 items [338/1000]

Spring Break meant two big closet declutters! The following items left: 60 articles of clothing, 64 pieces of jewelry, a file box, 12 containers of protein shakes, and 11 boxes of food that I simply do not like.

03: Organize the Attic 

Still, no progress in this area!

04: Read 100 Books [21/100]

My reading groove is picking up. I do love spring-time porch reading!

In Progress
Art of Coaching
Atomic Habits: This is part of my current book study!

Complete
Nonfiction Reads (21 complete)

05: Try 52 New Recipes [6/52]

Time to dust off the grill for yummy eats!

06: Get in Shape

I’m in the middle of Week One of my new nutritional goals. My sleep habits have improved and my cravings have subsided. Now, if the scale will start to move a little bit…

07: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Three years ago, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2022: Close my Apple Rings [23/31]
February 2022: Exercise every single day! [27/28]
March 2022: New Nutrition/Exercise Program
April 2022: Still embracing a New Nutrition/Exercise Program!
May 2022: Still working on a New Nutrition/Exercise Program — Plants!

08: Write/Send 52 notes/cards [14/52]

I did write one this week!

09: Maintain a weekly blog [11/52]

This is a two-week installment.

10: Simplify my life

This week, I paused several times: to take a dear friend out after his surgery, to enjoy Scholarship Night with my daughter, to take in a concert with family and college friends, and to enjoy a musical with my dad. Although I am spent, I would not change a thing!

11: Organize my mother’s photographs

One binder and one file box are fully scanned! I can finally see progress!

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This might get rewritten as I begin sketching plans.
• Secret Goal #2
• Secret Goal #3
• Secret Goal #4

What are your goals for 2022?

Live my #WOTY2022 … Believe

Cheers, Holly

“Maybe you’re not perfect, but you’re willing to actually look at yourself and take some kind of accountability. That’s a change. It might not mean that you can turn everything around, but I think there’s something incredibly hopeful about that.”
—Brie Larson

As I embrace some significant life changes, this quote speaks to me. Time for personal accountability… and accountability partners.

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night [101/105]

My sleep schedule was so good for me this week. In fact, it was so good that I had two early mornings at work that turned into super productive days!

02: Purge 1000 items [190/1000]

In rearranging the house this week, I removed a bookcase. This forced me to take a critical look at the books that I keep available to read. 21 books are leaving my house along with a table, a bookcase, a futon, a piano, and two baskets! I’m picking up speed in this area!

03: Organize the Attic 

As I clear out areas in the downstairs den, this project is getting closer!

04: Read 100 Books [15/100]

I found a few writers who specialize in thrillers! I am loving my new non-fiction reads!

In Progress
Art of Coaching
Atomic Habits: This is part of my current book study!

Complete
Nonfiction Reads (15 complete)

05: Try 52 New Recipes [6/52]

Time to dust off the grill for yummy eats!

06: Get in Shape

I’m in the middle of Week One of my new nutritional goals. My sleep habits have improved and my cravings have subsided. Now, if the scale will start to move a little bit…

07: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Three years ago, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2022: Close my Apple Rings [23/31]
February 2022: Exercise every single day! [27/28]
March 2022: New Nutrition/Exercise Program
April 2022: Still embracing a New Nutrition/Exercise Program!

08: Write/Send 52 notes/cards [13/52]

I have so many notes to write…but I have a list to chip away at this week!

09: Maintain a weekly blog [10/52]

I took a pause for a few weeks, but I’m back!

10: Simplify my life

I loved spending time with my girls this week… what a treat to have them both home at the same time!

11: Organize my mother’s photographs

No progress in this area this week because I’m still tackling the corner. Does it count that I moved boxes around? Scanning: On Letter S!

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This might get rewritten as I begin sketching plans.
• Secret Goal #2
• Secret Goal #3
• Secret Goal #4

What are your goals for 2022?

Live my #WOTY2022 … Believe

Cheers, Holly

A quote that keeps me going this week:

“”Everyone writes in a way; that is, each person has a “story,” a personal narrative which is constantly being replayed, revised, taken apart, and put together again. The significant points in this narrative change as a person ages—what may have been tragedy at twenty is seen as comedy or nostalgia at forty. All children write. (And paint, and sing.) I suppose the real question is why do so many people give it up?” ~ Margaret Atwood 

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night [94/98]

Only slipped once this week, thanks to the tip-off time for the NCAA Basketball Championship Game in which my alma mater was playing!

02: Purge 1000 items [163/1000]

Purged a few items… still not enough!

03: Organize the Attic 

No attic trips this week… way too cold!

04: Read 100 Books [14/100]

I found a few writers who specialize in thrillers! I am loving my new non-fiction reads!

In Progress
Art of Coaching
Atomic Habits

Complete
Nonfiction Reads (14 complete)

05: Try 52 New Recipes [6/52]

Now that Spring is nearly here, this is going to be a New Recipe Week! I can feel it!

06: Get in Shape

I stepped away from intense exercise for 3-4 weeks to dial in my nutrition. I am still working on this… I am realizing that this is “mind work” just as much as it is “kitchen work”!

07: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Three years ago, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2022: Close my Apple Rings [23/31]
February 2022: Exercise every single day! [27/28]
March 2022: New Nutrition/Exercise Program
April 2022: Still embracing a New Nutrition/Exercise Program!

08: Write/Send 52 notes/cards [13/52]

I have so many notes to write!

09: Maintain a weekly blog [9/52)

I took a pause for a few weeks, but I’m back!

10: Simplify my life

I am learning to say YES more often than saying NO!

11: Organize my mother’s photographs

No progress in this area this week because I’m still tackling the corner. I am, however, on Letter R!

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1
• Secret Goal #2
• Secret Goal #3
• Secret Goal #4

What are your goals for 2022?

Live my #WOTY2022 … Believe

Cheers, Holly

A quote that keeps me going this week:

“Finish every day and be done with it. For manners and for wise living it is a vice to remember. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it well and serenely, and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day for all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the rotten yesterdays.”

Source: Letter to his daughter Ellen, reprinted in The Letters of Ralph Waldo Emerson

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night [47/49]

This week was better. I’m learning that a good night’s sleep equates to higher productivity the next day. And, caffeine after 5 PM means that high-quality sleep does not happen. So, no more evening caffeine.

02: Purge 1000 items [151/1000]

I cleaned out one drawer of my chest – removing 3 items that I do not love. My daughters joined the game and eliminated another 18 items. It was not a bad week on this goal!

03: Organize the Attic 

No attic trips this week… way too cold!

04: Read 100 Books [9/100]

The current fiction book is taking longer to digest than usual. Also, I’m reviewing a couple of books as a part of my job, so those have bumped pleasuring reading to the side.

In Progress
Art of Coaching
Atomic Habits

Complete
Nonfiction Reads (9 complete)

05: Try 52 New Recipes [3/52]

My oldest daughter was home from college this weekend, and – after watching a trending TikTok video, she wanted to try Hot Dogs Burnt Ends: hot dogs smoked with butter, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce. While always game for a food adventure, I do not plan to add this recipe to the weekly rotation.

06: Get in Shape

Still rocking my February Mini Goal!

But, my goal for February will be to carve out 30 minutes to exercise every day.

07: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Three years ago, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2022: Close my Apple Rings [23/31]
February 2022: Exercise every single day! [26/27]

February Apple Rings: Looking good!

Peloton consistency: Check!

And, I earned a couple of cute badges!

And, on my 50th ride, I earned a Personal Record (PR) *and* surpassed 200 output for one ride (I’ve never hit that milestone before!) I might not be seeing progress, but I can feel it!

08: Write/Send 52 notes/cards [13/52]

I’ve carried these notecards around with me for a week. I have no idea why this small action takes so much effort?!

09: Maintain a weekly blog [7/52)

I’m back!

10: Simplify my life

This week, I lived to quickly get home to ride my bike. There is something about the 20-30 minutes, unplugged, that is magical.

11: Organize my mother’s photographs

No progress in this area this week because I’m still tackling the corner.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1
• Secret Goal #2
• Secret Goal #3
• Secret Goal #4

What are your goals for 2022?

Live my #WOTY2022 … Believe

Cheers, Holly

75% of the way through February…and I’m running on steam!

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night [40/42]

On two occasions over the last two weeks, I found myself burning the candles at both ends — staying up late to complete projects and waking up early to make an appointment. I paid for those sleepless nights for many days after. This commitment has made me realize how important sleep is to my overall health and positive attitude.

02: Purge 1000 items [128/1000]

I only had time to remove a handful of items this week, as I rearranged a few things in my cabinet. Once Spring Break arrives, I’m taking a deep dive into purging!

03: Organize the Attic 

No attic trips this week… way too cold!

04: Read 100 Books [9/100]

Traveling and projects this week made for a slower progress in my fiction books, and I’m behind in my reading challenge!

In Progress
Art of Coaching
Atomic Habits

Complete
Nonfiction Reads (9 complete)

I am intentionally taking my Professional growth books slowly so I can savor, learn, and integrate these reads into my life. I hope to blog about my books as I enjoy them!

05: Try 52 New Recipes [2/52]

The Superbowl Party at my Dad’s house resulted in my husband trying out Bacon Wrapped Smoked Armadillo Eggs! Try them! They are quite yummy!

06: Get in Shape

This goal saw massive improvement this week!

But, my goal for February will be to carve out 30 minutes to exercise every day.

07: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Three years ago, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2022: Close my Apple Rings [23/31]
February 2022: Exercise every single day! [19/20]

February Apple Rings: Looking good!

Peloton consistency: Check!

And, I earned a couple of cute badges!

08: Write/Send 52 notes/cards [13/52]

Cute notecards are in…now, I need time to write!

09: Maintain a weekly blog [6/52)

Whoops! I missed a week…but, I’m back on track!

10: Simplify my life

Last weekend, I enjoyed a wonderful Superbowl Party with my family. This weekend, I spent the weekend celebrating my oldest daughter’s senior day at Varsity swim and shopping for Prom dresses with my youngest daughter. It was glorious!

11: Organize my mother’s photographs

No progress in this area this week because I’m still tackling the corner.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1
• Secret Goal #2
• Secret Goal #3
• Secret Goal #4

What are your goals for 2022?

Live my #WOTY2022 … Believe

Cheers, Holly

Today, I am looking at my February calendar while trying to figure out how to fit it all in…

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night [35/35]

I am finding that I need full nights of sleep — I need it to ensure that I have the cognitive bandwidth to complete heavy tasks at work, can effectively problem-solve daily fires, and plan for the days/weeks/months ahead. I’m still not at the point where I am waking up early enough to squeeze in a workout. It’s still a goal!

02: Purge 1000 items [124/1000]

I let go of a few kitchen items and my sister’s wedding album from her first marriage. Seriously, that was 17 years ago. Why did I still have it? I am still digitizing my files… Section H! Regardless of how small, it’s progress.

03: Organize the Attic 

No attic trips this week… way too cold!

04: Read 100 Books [8/100]

I fell asleep in my fiction book several times this week. Clearly, the sleeping goal trumped the reading goal this week.

In Progress
Art of Coaching
Atomic Habits

Complete
Nonfiction Reads (8 complete)

I am intentionally taking my Professional growth books slowly so I can savor, learn, and integrate these reads into my life. I hope to blog about my books as I enjoy them!

05: Try 52 New Recipes [1/52]

The weather finally broke, allowing us to revive the grill. Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza for a huge win!

06: Get in Shape

This goal saw massive improvement this week!

But, my goal for February will be to carve out 30 minutes to exercise every day.

07: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Three years ago, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2022: Close my Apple Rings [23/31]
February 2022: Exercise every single day! [6/6]

February Apple Rings: Check!

Peloton consistency: Check!

And, I earned a couple of cute badges!

08: Write/Send 52 notes/cards [13/52]

Cute notecards are in…now, I need time to write!

09: Maintain a weekly blog [5/52)

I’m still here… not hitting all of the goals, but, meh, that’s ok! Life is all about progress, right?

10: Simplify my life

My local watering hole reopened after two weeks of winter renovations, so I enjoyed some freshly tapped craft beer with friends this weekend.

11: Organize my mother’s photographs

No progress in this area this week because I’m still tackling the corner.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1
• Secret Goal #2
• Secret Goal #3
• Secret Goal #4

What are your goals for 2022?

Live my #WOTY2022 … Believe

Cheers, Holly

Dear universe: I live at the beach to avoid all cold weather. So, three consecutive Fridays filled with winter storms and snow is more than this flip-flop-wearing girls needs for one winter season!

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night [28/28]

I definitely hit a 7/7 in this area this week…but, I’m still not at the point where I am waking up early enough to squeeze in a workout. It’s still a goal!

02: Purge 1000 items [118/1000]

My youngest purged her closet and removed 12 items, and I let go of two items (way overdue). Instead, I am still digitizing my files… I finally advanced to section G! Regardless of how small, it’s progress.

03: Organize the Attic 

No attic trips this week… way too cold!

04: Read 100 Books [7/100]

I’m trying to embrace nonfiction reads, but they are going slooooowly.

In Progress
Art of Coaching
Atomic Habits

Complete
Nonfiction Reads (7 complete)

I am intentionally taking my Professional growth books slowly so I can savor, learn, and integrate these reads into my life. I hope to blog about my books as I enjoy them!

05: Try 52 New Recipes

Enjoyed a delicious lasagna this week. Winter cooking is so good — but not good for my waistline. Ooops.

06: Get in Shape

Still struggling…

But, my goal for February will be to carve out 30 minutes to exercise every day.

07: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Three years ago, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2020: Close my Apple Rings [22/30]

So far, I have closed my Apple Rings 22 out of 30 days in January!

08: Write/Send 52 notes/cards [13/52]

I just purchased some super cute cards to send out in February!

09: Maintain a weekly blog [4/52)

I’m still here… not hitting the goals, but, meh, that’s ok! Life is all about progress, right?

10: Simplify my life

My girls and I spent a wonderful pasta dinner with my sister. Love the little things.

11: Organize my mother’s photographs

No progress in this area this week because I’m still tackling the corner.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1
• Secret Goal #2
• Secret Goal #3
• Secret Goal #4

What are your goals for 2022?

Live my #WOTY2022 … Believe

Cheers, Holly

A 4-day work week turned into a 3-day work week in a snap when the forecast called for 100% chance of snow!

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night [21/21]

I definitely hit a 7/7 in this area this week…but, I’m not at the point where I am waking up early enough to squeeze in a workout. It’s still a goal!

02: Purge 1000 items [106/1000]

I did not make a lot of progress in this area. Instead, I started on one corner of my study to scrutinize the items that are taking up space. I found myself stuck on a stack of files that need to be digitized…. I finally advanced to section C! Regardless of how small, it’s progress.

03: Organize the Attic 

No attic trips this week… way too cold!

04: Read 100 Books [6/100]

I’m trying to embrace nonfiction reads, but they are going slooooowly.

In Progress
Art of Coaching
Atomic Habits

Complete
Nonfiction Reads (6 complete)

I am intentionally taking my Professional growth books slowly so I can savor, learn, and integrate these reads into my life. I hope to blog about my books as I enjoy them!

05: Try 52 New Recipes

Nothing new… I really need to get this one going!

06: Get in Shape

Still struggling…

This week, I focused on two things: sleep and nutrition. I am continuing a journey into discovering why I eat… and, wise advice suggested that I start a journal. I have work to do around stress eating and boredom eating.

07: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Three years ago, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2020: Close my Apple Rings [20/23]

So far, I have closed my Apple Rings 20 out of 23 days in January!

Somehow, amidst this goal, I earned another cool little badge!

08: Write/Send 52 notes/cards [13/52]

One more is ready to go in the mail in the morning!

09: Maintain a weekly blog [3/52)

Despite not meeting my blogging goal last year, I’m jumping back into the saddle for 2022. I’d love for you to share which topics you’d like to read more about!

10: Simplify my life

This week, I enjoyed a lovely high school basketball game & dinner at the local country club with my neighbors who just joined. It’s still the little things, y’all!

11: Organize my mother’s photographs

No progress in this area this week because I’m still tackling the corner.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1
• Secret Goal #2
• Secret Goal #3
• Secret Goal #4

What are your goals for 2022?

Live my #WOTY2022 … Believe

Cheers, Holly