My 2013 Goals

Over the last few years, I’ve tried to carve out a little time in December/January to reflect on the past year, and to set goals for the year ahead. Some are justifiably cynical when it comes to things like New Year’s Resolutions, but personally, I believe that the beginning of a new year offers a perfect occasion for reflection and for goal setting.  When I think about my own goals, it is my hope that the end of each year I will have become a better version of myself than I was at the beginning. That means engaging in activities that will help me improve myself with regard to my mind, my body, my heart, and my spirit.

So here are my top ten goals for 2013.

Carve Out Time For Reflection—Whether it is for engaging in spiritual disciplines like Sabbath, Solitude, Silence, and Fasting, or it is merely taking time to breathe deeply and reflect on the day’s accomplishments, I want to take more time for reflection in 2013. Specifically I’d like to carve out five minutes of my day as a minimum to reflect.

Blog More Consistently—For the last two years I have set blogging goals and failed at them each year. Last year I had the meager goal of 105 posts, and barely got past 75 posts. This year, I want to strive toward 105 posts again. I feel like this is a realistic goal, but it will require a degree of discipline.

Exercise—Why not? Over the last two years I’ve been able to cultivate a consistent habit of fitness. In 2013, I hope to continue the trend.

Lose weight—As I start 2013, I have weighed in at 190 lbs. During 2013 I’d like to lose at least 10 additional pounds, and maintain the weight over the course of the year.

Parkersburg Half-Marathon—This goal has eluded me for my entire life, but I hope that 2013 will have a different outcome. I also hope to run the Marine Corps Marathon for Nuru International this fall!

Steward Our Resources More Wisely—In 2012, Jamie and I continued our trend toward lowering our footprint, shrinking our spending, and being more earth friendly. We hope to continue the trend in 2013. 

Get Outdoors—In 2012, I was able to spend at least 30 minutes outside almost every day of the year. I really believe that getting outside does wonders for the constitution, and I hope to continue this trend in 2013.

Connect—Jamie and I have been blessed with an amazing group of friends, and we hope to continue to stay connected with our friends both near and far as we venture out in 2013.

Plant A Garden—Every year we set this as a goal, and it is our hope to grow even more of our own food in 2013.

Leave Margins—I’m terrible about leaving space in my schedule. In 2013, I hope that I can leave more time for unplanned spontaneity and epic adventures.

What are your 2013 goals? Are you hitting them so far?