Category: Big Goals

The difficult I’ll do right now. The impossible will take a little while.
– Billie Holiday

Source: Wintering

As I enter 2023, this quote speaks to me. I have big goals — really big. And, I am committed to making them happen. I expect that these goals will take a while. That’s fine. In the true “Atomic Habits” style, I will strive to improve 1% each and every day, chipping away at the barriers between my goals and me!

01: Purge 1000 items {Status: 0/1000}

I worked tremendously hard on this goal last year, and I saw a huge different in the organization and clarity of my home. I still have several areas in my home that need attention, so I’m keeping this goal for this year.

02: Organize the Attic 

I started this goal last year. We organized one corner of the attic (purging along the way), and floored several spots. There is still work to be done, so this goal stays on the list.

03: Read 100 Books {Status: 0/100}

Reading is part of my daily routine, so I’m keeping this goal. It’s a good one.

In Progress

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 0 books.

04: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 0/52}

I’m not sure if I accomplished this goal or not. Either I did not reach the goal or I simply forgot to record my progress, I’m not entirely sure. Let’s try this again!

05: Get in Shape

I’m on a 7 week, 35-day streak with clipping in to “ride the bike” (as Dennis would say). With the new year, I am embracing specific goals in 4-week intervals specific to fitness, health, and wellness. See below:

#OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

January 2023:

Peloton: Maintain streak
Peloton: Engage with Accountability Group daily
Peloton: Discover Your Zones Challenge
E2M: Month 1

06: Write/Send 52 notes/cards {Status: 00/52}

07: Maintain a weekly blog {0/52}

08: Organize my mother’s photographs {in progress}

This is such a huge task – but, after clearing 4-5 boxes of photos, I am finally starting to see progress. Perhaps I can finish this year?

09: House Projects {in progress}

Decorate the wall in dining room
Build a Butler’s Pantry
Decorate the sunroom
Build valences for the house
Install a sunroom door
Decorate the fitness room
Remodel bathroom
Repaint island
Replace the front storm door
Paint front porch
Paint front door

10: Random Fun Goals {in progress}

Make sausage
Try new craft beers
Try new local restaurants

Live my #WOTY2023 … Transform.

How are your goals going?

Cheers, Holly

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow. ~ Helen Keller

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 249/266}

Nailed it this week!

02: Learn Calligraphy

Still pausing until life slows down a little bit!

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 1026/1000}

Despite meeting this goal, I’m still purging. The following items left my house this week: minutes from a date meeting, a stack of old magazines, two lamps, and a portable clothes hanging rack.

04: Organize the Attic 

Still waiting for cooler weather! Based on this week, it’s almost here!

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 44/100}

No changes this week…

In Progress
(1) Atomic Habits — Complete!
(2) Ruthless Equity
(3) Start with Why

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 41 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 20/52}

No new recipes this week, but there are two recipes ready for this upcoming week. Get excited!

06: Get in Shape

I’m one month into my new commitment to 1% every day.

Successes: Remove soda from my diet. Drink more water. Trade high caloric density food for low caloric density food. I believe that this starts with awareness and recognizing that every meal is an opportunity to make a better decision.

No excuses! I’m using my social media story for accountability to improve by 1% each 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! [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!
June 2022: Read every day! [30/30]
July 2022: Recommit to Peloton! [22/30]
August 2022: Cut soda [31/31]
September 2022: Food log [25/30}

08: Write/Send 52 notes/cards [23/52]

I did write 6 notes this week!

09: Maintain a weekly blog [17/52]

Sometimes, I don’t have much to say so a blog update seems silly.

10: Simplify my life

I am still unplugging on Fridays! I also use Saturday and Sunday mornings to catch up on work so I can relax or socialize on weekend evenings.

11: Organize my mother’s photographs

This needs to resurface on the top of my list!

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: Finally! We replaced all of the items in the downstairs bathroom!
• Secret Goal #2: Outdoor living room makeover – This week, the completed the electrical work!
• Secret Goal #3
• Secret Goal #4

What are your goals for 2022?

Live my #WOTY2022 … Believe

Cheers, Holly

We live in a time when we are called upon to serve in ways that we did not anticipate. None of us is perfect, but we do our best because this work is worthy of our best. We trust our instincts as we fight our daily dights. Some we will win. Some we won’t. And, some we will only know in time. But we leave each night hopeful that today’s sacrifices have been worth it, our instincts have not led us astray, and our best has been good enough.
– Seth Wright, Designated Survivor

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 242/259}

Since school started, this goal has been nearly impossible to reach as there is more work than hours in the day!

02: Learn Calligraphy

There are a few projects ahead of this on the list. Pause until Fall!

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 1006/1000}

After two weekends of “cleaning out”, I have – officially – met this goal!

04: Organize the Attic 

Once the temperatures cool to fall weather, we are going to start rearranging this space and adding flooring. This project might explode based on what we find up there!

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 44/100}

So many good, fun beach reads!

In Progress
(1) Atomic Habits — Complete!
(2) Ruthless Equity
(3) Start with Why

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 41 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 20/52}

Tried a Taco Pie last night — interesting.

06: Get in Shape

I’m one month into my new commitment to 1% every day.

I have successfully eliminated soda from my diet.

Next stop: Processed foods, most dairy, and excess sugar. I hope I am not too grumpy or hungry during the detox period!

No excuses! I’m using my social media story for accountability to improve by 1% each 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! [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!
June 2022: Read every day! [30/30]
July 2022: Recommit to Peloton! [22/30]
August 2022: Cut soda [31/31]
September 2022: Food log [18/30}

08: Write/Send 52 notes/cards [17/52]

I need to get cracking on this goal!

09: Maintain a weekly blog [16/52]

Sometimes, I don’t have much to say so a blog update seems silly.

10: Simplify my life

I am still unplugging on Fridays! I also use Saturday and Sunday mornings to catch up on work so I can relax or socialize on weekend evenings.

11: Organize my mother’s photographs

This needs to resurface on the top of my list!

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: Finally! We replaced all of the items in the downstairs bathroom!
• Secret Goal #2: Outdoor living room makeover!
• Secret Goal #3
• Secret Goal #4

What are your goals for 2022?

Live my #WOTY2022 … Believe

Cheers, Holly

“I make suggestions, you make decisions,”
– Dennis Morton, Peloton instructor

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 217/224}

Surprisingly enough, I have become very consistent with this goal.

02: Learn Calligraphy

It’s way too pretty outside to practice handwriting. Pause until Fall!

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 811/1000}

Now that A has moved into her new apartment, we’ve started to organize items for B’s move to college. I’m counting on this week to bring this goal closer to done!

04: Organize the Attic 

More furniture is coming downstairs and not returning to the attic!

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 40/100}

So many good, fun beach reads!

In Progress
(1) Atomic Habits — Complete!
(2) Ruthless Equity
(3) Start with Why

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 38 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 17/52}

Fell short in this arena this week. We’ve been eating a LOT of fresh seafood.

06: Get in Shape

I’m one month into my new commitment to 1% every day. This week, I am committing to a complete overhaul in nutrition. I am eliminating soda, sugar, processed carbohydrates, most dairy, and excess sugar. I hope that I am not too grumpy or hungry during the detox period!

No excuses! I’m using my social media story for accountability as well as the improve by 1% each 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! [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!
June 2022: Read every day! [30/30]
July 2022: Recommit to Peloton! [22/30]
August 2022: Cut sugar and processed carbohydrates

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

Still on the list of things to do!

09: Maintain a weekly blog [15/52]

Took a long, long break. I’m back.

10: Simplify my life

I am still unplugging on Fridays! I also use Saturday and Sunday mornings to catch up on work so I can relax or socialize on weekend evenings.

11: Organize my mother’s photographs

The piles are getting smaller… slowly.

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

The biggest resistance is in your mind.
– Alex, Peloton instructor

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 189/196}

Surprisingly enough, I have become very consistent with this goal.

02: Learn Calligraphy

It’s way too pretty outside to practice handwriting. Pause until Fall!

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 686/1000}

Several more bags of clothes and linens left the house. And, with A leaves for graduate school later this week, I will say “see ya later” to several large pieces of furniture that have been occupying real estate in my attic.

04: Organize the Attic 

Furniture is coming downstairs and not returning to the attic!

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 33/100}

So many good, fun beach reads!

In Progress
(1) Atomic Habits
(2) Ruthless Equity

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 33 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 17/52}

The subscription to Hello, Fresh has really upped by new recipe game!

06: Get in Shape

After several weeks of landing squarely off of the wagon, I have dusted off my Peloton shoes to recommit. I am going to give myself 30-45 minutes each day to sweat. No excuses! I’m using my social media story for accountability as well as the improve by 1% each day.

Each month, I will post the badges that I have won!

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!
June 2022: Read every day! [30/30]
July 2022: Recommit to Peloton!

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

Need to kick start this with some friendly notes!

09: Maintain a weekly blog [14/52]

Took a long, long break. I’m back.

10: Simplify my life

I have unplugged most Friday – Sunday afternoons to enjoy time by the water with friends and family… I feel more refreshed than I have in a long time.

11: Organize my mother’s photographs

The piles are getting smaller… slowly.

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

“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