The Importance of Goal Setting + More Personality Talk

For years, I've struggled with why I sometimes thrive with structure and routine, and while at other times it seems that it is the very thing that leads to burnout. Since taking the time to learn more about my personality (ENFP/Type 9), I've found out something fairly shocking:

I am not an organized person by nature. But, I thrive on goals.

This would make my husband shake his head at me (I'm often told I'm too organized or too structured, etc.). It sounds like a complete oxymoron, right?

Yet, upon exploring more about what makes me tick as an ENFP, I've learned two things: a) I can be a bit scattered and b) I can easily be organized. 

Case in point: If I tell myself I need to clean out the closet, but don't set goals for it, it won't get done. It's a bit humbling, to say the least. On the other hand, if I tell myself that I need to clean out the closet and write a quick list of goals to help me carry out that task, I will have it done within a few hours.

Needless to say, creating goals, routines, and using a daily planner has changed my life. It helps to stay organized, which leads to thriving with my day to day life.

For me personally, I need a few simple boundaries: The morning hours are blocked off for work. Afternoon hours are blocked off for house cleaning. The kids nap time is for "me" time. I use a daily planner to remind myself of appointments, deadlines, etc. I also focus on 3-4 daily goals. By keeping my goals to a bare minimum, I'm less tempted to get carried away or overwhelmed. It also allows me to give 100% to whatever I'm focusing on. 

According to Small Biz Trends, "Set achievable goals, over small periods of time." Their argument was that it will help you stay motivated. I tend to agree.

Sometimes-- less really is more. 

What about you? How do you set goals? Do you find that goals and routines help you stay motivated? 

March Goals

February Recap & March Goals...

Faith: I've enjoyed having quiet time each day, and spending more time in prayer. My goal again this month, is to carve out a few minutes throughout the day for scripture reading & prayer time.

Health: I have really stuck to my guns on this! I've been working out, drinking plenty of water, and stuck to an 80/20 rule with clean eating. I enjoyed the occasional treat, and did so without guilt. And honestly, I've had a blast learning ways to make our favorite meals healthier. 

Marriage: We were able to enjoy a date night last week! We've also enjoyed watching movies after the kids go to bed. It's been nice. :) My goal is to continue having date nights, and to start reading a devotional together.

Project Life: This is the only area that I didn't get to work on. I'm more hopeful for this month!

Reading: I read one book, and started another. Not bad! My goal this month is to read two books. One non-fiction, and one fiction book.

Linking up with Grit & Grace!

February Goals

I've always been a Type A+ person. Goals are my "thing" and while they may change regularly, there is something satisfying about setting them. However, I'd also have to admit that adding littles to the picture has kept me from setting goals. I think part of it is that I have felt like I'm living in a bit of a hazy fog (interrupted sleep does that, ha!). On the other hand, I also realize that I still need to be bettering myself two littles under two or not! Back to goal setting I go!

Here are a few things I'd like to work on this month:

Faith: I'd like to start reading through my devotions every day, and journaling what the Lord is teaching me. It's very theraputic. I've slacked the last couple of weeks. 

Health: This is important because I have really aged over the last year. It was just a rough year, rough pregnancy, and rough post-partum. I haven't been taking care of myself as I should be, so I want to make this a number one priority. This includes eating healthier food choices, exercising regularly, drinking more water, and taking a few hours each week to pamper myself. A facial goes a long way!

Marriage: I'd really like to carve a few hours each week for just the two of us. We are lucky to have mom's who offer to watch the girls regularly. Also, there is always the good 'ol put the kids to bed date night. ;-)

Project Life: I'd like to catch up on 2015, so that I can start working on 2016. I'd also like to look up some new journaling ideas. I lack creativity with this project! It's such a fun way to recap the years!

Reading: My goal is to read at least two book each month.

Home: So, we are praying about where our next house should be. Finding the right neighborhood, putting our house on the market and all that will take a LOT of time. I want every step to be within God's will. It's scary, but exciting. 

Linking up with the Monthly Goals Link Up