I want to make 2017 my best year.
I’m a goal setter, but I’m not necessarily a goal keeper. I am really good at planning and making lists, but when it comes right down to it, I often make excuses and fall into the same old traps.
New Years resolutions can be one big pit fall, am-I-right?!
Losing weight, eating better, cleaning out the junk from our homes all sound really good but it can be really daunting and most of us fall away before the end of January.
I really want to make some changes in my life in this new year, but I knew that if I didn’t think through my goals strategically I wouldn’t be successful.
So, I picked one thing to cut out each month. I am also going to replace that negative habit/thing with something good. I’m setting aside time each month to think through the possible pitfalls and doing everything I can to set myself up for success! I also only plotted out things for 6 months – that way I can reassess half way through the year.
I’d love for you to join me on this journey of making 2017 our best year as we work on becoming our best selves!! You can do the challenge along with me, cutting out the same things I am – or you can choose hang-ups that are more specific to you.
As Lara Casey says, progress over perfection! This isn’t about making massive lists and getting chaotic about becoming perfect. This is about taking intentional steps toward a more meaningful life. (If you want to learn more about Lara Casey and her amazing resource, Powersheets, check out her website and stay tuned here and on my social media. I’ll be sharing snippets and my goals as the year unfolds.)
I sat down and made a list of things that I really wanted to change and habits I wanted to break. This is what I came up with!
January – cut out sugar and add in 5 cups of fruits and veggies a day
February – cut out TV (with the exception of movie dates with the hubby) and add in reading from my book list
March – cut out clutter and add in organization and meaningful decor (I’ll be taking on a room/space per week)
April – cut out clutter and add in organization and meaningful decor (continued)
May – cut spending and add in creative giving
June – cut out negativity, excuses, and meaningless “I’m sorry’s” and replace with positive actions and phrases
So, January is officially a sugar-free month for me! (It doesn’t matter what day or what month it is – just start!)
Think Ahead
I know that if I have sugar in my house, I will find it in a weak moment and binge on it. So, in the week leading up to the new year, I went through and purged, pitched or passed out all the candy, cookies and treats – including everything I have on hand for baking!
Because I’m replacing my sweet tooth with fruits and veggies, I made a list of my favorites and planned out when to buy them each week. I also made sure I had measuring and storage containers on hand to keep me accountable.
Plan for Rest
I once heard someone say to “work from rest, not for rest” and I love that mind shift! If we are working from a place of rest and peace instead of running around getting things done so that we can rest, we will be much happier and more productive. I think that can apply to planning in a “cheat day” as well I’m allowing myself two treats throughout the month (and let’s be honest, they will most likely both be lattes!) This way, I can focus on my goal but also know in those times of tempting that I have something to look forward to if I stay strong. I will also focus on buying and prepping ahead of time so that I am prepared.
Stay Accountable
This is a big one for me. If no one knows what my goal is, no one knows when I give up on the first day and there’s no one to encourage me to keep it up! My husband knows what my goal is and will check in with me. I will also be posting on social media so all of you can keep me accountable!
I’d love to see what you choose for your goals, and if you’re in on #sugarfreejanuary2017 use the hashtag and tag me on social media!
Give Grace
We tend to be much harder on ourselves than we are on anyone else. Your best friend wouldn’t say, “OMG you’re so fat because you just ate that oreo your kid didn’t want!” So you shouldn’t say it to yourself. (Preaching to myself here!)
Enjoy your days, take baby steps, and keep plugging away at your goal even when you have a set back or a momentary lapse of self-control. 😉
I created this 6 month worksheet for you to use as you work toward making this year your best ever!
Join me in making this our best year as we work on becoming our best selves!
Don’t forget to share with us on social media so that we can all cheer each other on!
You’ve got this!