Beyond the bookish resolutions I set out at the beginning of January, I haven't decided on what else I want to achieve this year.
The truth is, there is a lot I want to do and most of it would fall into the long term goals category.
The only way to achieve the long term goals is by breaking them down into bite-sized chunks and that's fine... But it still leaves me feeling like I've achieved nothing when I look back on the year.
(Plus, the big goals have a way of casting long shadows over all the little things that give you a buzz of achievement.)
That's why each month, I'm going to be taking part in Task It Tuesday.
I'm going to use it to track all the things I want to achieve in a month regardless of whether they're mundane, ridiculous, or pretty damn important.
It'll give me a reminder, every single month, to celebrate the little things and when I feel like I'm getting nowhere it'll give me something to look back on and think, "actually, I'm doing ok."
There are five key areas that tie into my goals: Home, Blogging, Family Adventures, Health and Finance. Each month, I plan to set goals out under these categories but the emphasis on each will vary month-to-month... Plus there will be some random ones that don't fall into any of the main categories.
February's goals!
Arrange a roof cavity inspection.
We got a letter in recently about fire cavity spaces in the attic not being up to code in some of the new build houses so they want to come and inspect each build and - if your house is affected - rectify.
Finding time is tricky but not something to be ignored so I need it dealt with in Feb.
Arrange a boiler service.
Because we're grown ups and homeowners now and we need to do these things.
(I have to remind myself frequently of both those points.)
Plus, I like heating and hot water and don't like big repair bills so preventative maintenance all the way!
Start sowing February seeds.
Last summer, we started a vegetable garden and we're at that point of year where it's time to start sowing some of the crops! It's early in the season but if you want a steady harvest you need to space out the sowing of the seeds or they all come at once! (We learned this lesson last year. 😆)
Sort through the little dude's clothes and remove all the things that are too small & sell/donate.
The kid grows like a weed.
Every time I do this, I feel like I've just done it! Grrr.
Instagram!
Yes, it's one word not a goal... But I have Instagram and barely use it! Which is frankly ridiculous because I'm a complete picture ho and photograph everything.
So, I guess my goal is to post a minimum of three times a week and to post varied (and more bookish) content.
Prep blog posts for the week ahead the weekend before.
It's simple, I don't have time during the week to write posts, read posts, return comments and do all the things I need to do to keep my house/family/life ticking over.
So, if it's not scheduled by the Sunday night before, it's not happening.
I'm hoping this gets me into a good blogging rhythm and helps balance things out.
Read (at least) two of the books on my Nuke Netgalley Challenge.
I have so many to choose from and get through before the year is out... I should be able to find a couple I'm in the mood for!
Visit at least one National Trust property.
I paid for an annual membership last summer and we've not come remotely close to making it economically viable. Thus it's time to get our money's worth!
Visit the Fleet Aviation Museum
We bought tickets for this when they were half price last year but haven't redeemed them yet. If we don't do it soonish, they'll expire.
Look into Penguin feeding at the oceanarium for the little dude's birthday.
He's obsessed with penguins and he wants to feed the penguins... Should be interesting since he doesn't even like feeding dry food to his hamsters! 😂
Lose 7lbs/half a stone/3kg (ish)
The weight I lost a year ago has crept back on. I'm grumpy that my jeans are pinchy. So, I'm going to get it off again. But, slowly... Because it's not a race and following a diet plan makes me evil.
Keep the family accounting up to date on a weekly basis.
I'm a project manager! I love spreadsheets! But I'm completely hit and miss at tracking our household expenditure and because of that it turns into a laborious task at the end of the month and sucks up half a freaking day instead of being a quick and simple review job.
An hour (or less) a week seems much better for my sanity...
Pokemon Go: Evolve my Eevee into an Umbreon
(Yes, I play Pokemon Go and yes I have goals, lol.)
🌻
Tell me, what are your February tasks/goals you need to tick off your list?
Or are you a rebel with no to-do list?