2011 reflections and 2012 goals for a better life.

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The guys from Union High School at 15 year reunion.

I’ve been on vacation for about a week with my family for the holidays and during this time I’ve had time to reflect on my life in 2011 and been able to give some thought to my 2012 goals.

I’ve been reading Michael Hyatt’s blog more frequently and having been thinking about goals for my life. His e-book, My Personal Life Plan, is a good short read. I’m using some of his teachings to shape my 2012 goals.

First, I wanted to share some of the highs and lows of 2011 that are certainly top of mind as I think about 2012.

2011 Reflections:
- promoted at work and moved into an exciting area where I will learn a tremendous amount.
- re-elected as President of Charlotte Area Texas A&M Club.
- directed the 4th Annual Marti Estes 5K that raised over $22,500 for local charities.
- started teaching a college age Sunday School class in the summer.
- found out we were having another girl due in April 2012.
- Kristen’s mother, Kay, passed away.
- My Dad was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.
- participated in my 15 year high school reunion.
- attended my second Catalyst Conference.
- my girls turned 2 and 6…time is flying by.
- built a fantastic team at work and love working with all of them.
- experienced my first Black Friday in eCommerce.
- helped First Presbyterian Church launch a new website.
- camped with my buddies in the mountains and hiked up to top of Mount Rogers in Virginia.
- elected to session for three years at First Presbyterian Church and finishing term as a Deacon.
- worked with a great group of people on a strategic plan for our church for the next 3 years.

 
Goals, Goals, Goals

 

2012 GOALS

I broke them down into categories so I aim to stay balanced in my life and work towards who I want to be.

God- Pray more routinely and intentionally. Consistently do my Monvee study plan.
Myself- Focus and intentionally say no to more things so I can do a better job on the things I want to focus on. Get to and maintain weight around 180. Reclaim garage – we’ll need it. Save more. Embrace my StandOut strength findings: Creative and Pioneer. Prepare myself for life with four ladies in the house. :)
Kristen- uniquely show her why it’s been 10 great years all year not just in June on our anniversary. Get her a new car and take her on a pre-baby getaway.
Girls- room redone when Katherine arrives. Do more Daddy dates. (it will help Kristen too).
Career- stretch myself in my role in 2012. Ensure our new team/processes are working as intended. Start my own “side project” holding company and do things for good.
Family and friends- set up a proactive contact plan and follow through so I can focus on better relationships with them. Backpack camp with the guys this fall as we discussed.
Ministries- Focus on Marti Estes 5K, College Age, learn role as an elder. Teach Catalyst class and attend again in 2012.

 

What are your goals and plans for 2012? I’d love to hear what you are planning to do whether it be a new years resolution or a list of goals like I have.

“Goals” Photo credit: lululemon athletica

  • Amilarn

    One of my main goals this year is to focus on “now.” I can’t predict the future or change the past so there’s no need to dwell in either.  I’ve been reminded by lots of people this year that any day can be the last so I need to make “now” count.  The spontaneous college girl that got buried needs to make a few more appearances and the teacher in me needs to take a hike and ignore some of the planning I tend to think is a necessity.  

    If something’s not working for me, I need to change it. Life’s too short to spend time being miserable and stressed out. If people are bringing me down, I need to lose them. I need to focus on spending more time with the people who make me happy and not the ones who suck the life out of me.

    I need to accept that staying home with my kids is extremely respectable and not worry that I’m losing ground in the world by not being a working mommy.  I’ve been on both sides and I always end up “grass is always greener”ing myself to death.

    This year I’d also like to further improve public education in SC.  I’m not sure what roll I’ll take on, but I feel passionately about the system and it needs some dramatic improvements and an army of help.

    My husband gives me everything I need and I want to make sure I make more time for him.  I tend to spend my whole day working on the house and the kids and then crash at the end of the day.  I’m not much company after dinner anymore. Movies on the couch, exercising together, and hitting the town need to happen more often.

    Crafting with the kiddos used to be one our favorite things to do together but life has gotten so busy that we don’t get to very often.  I want to make more time for them and spend it creating together like we used to do.  After all, I do need some new artwork for the house!

    Lastly, I need to finish the projects that I start.  We’re working on decorating the house and I always come up tons of ideas, but then start ten projects and only finish two.  I’m going to focus on sticking with one project from start to finish.

    Thanks for your post about resolutions!  It really helped me get motivated to sit down and think about my goals for the coming year.  I hope you and the girls have a fabulous 2012!!!

  • http://thomasmcmillanjr.com/ Thomas McMillan Jr.

    My favorite part of this is focusing on the “now”.  The Catalyst class I’m going to do has a theme “Be present”…it’s all about being in the now. Here. Right now. Happy New Year and may all your goals come true this year…I know you can do it.

  • http://thomasmcmillanjr.com/ Thomas McMillan Jr.

    My favorite part of this is focusing on the “now”.  The Catalyst class I’m going to do has a theme “Be present”…it’s all about being in the now. Here. Right now. Happy New Year and may all your goals come true this year…I know you can do it.

  • Amilarn

    thanks! and after realizing i used “roll” instead of “role,” i’ve decided to quit drinking and typing.  at least it was new year’s so i had a good excuse…