September's Goals

We may be more than half-way through the month, but in no way does that stop me from wanting to post my September goals for the month!  After reading Emily Ley's book Grace, not Perfection last year, I've been immensely focused on simplifying my schedule and focusing more on my family.  By looking back on notes from last year, I can see the progress that has been made in these pursuits.  Not only does recording my monthly goals give me specific aims for the month, it is extremely motivating to me to be able to look back and see actual growth over a period of time.

1. Read and work through

Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives 

by Gretchen Rubin 

This is the third book of Gretchin's that I've started to read.  I really loved the first two (The Happiness Project and Happier at Home) and with my constant interest in pursuing the best version of myself, I am very intrigued by this topic.  

2. Complete The Daily Connoisseur's "10-Item Wardrobe Online Class"

If you've been around my blog at all, you know one of the writers and bloggers I love to follow is Jennifer L. Scott.  She recently released an online tutorial filled with videos and worksheets dealing with the topic of cultivating a 10-item wardrobe.  While I have used this practice for almost four years, I thought it would be fun to complete this class as we prepare to transition from the hot Georgia summer to the slightly-less-hot Georgia fall.

3. Write for 5 Minutes Everyday

In the past, I've made many commitments (and re-commitments) to write more.  Since I am attempting to once again develop a lasting habit, I want to put Ms. Rubin's suggestion into place by starting with small steps.  Writing for an hour every day can seem daunting, but I'm sure I can find 5 minutes every day in which to sit down and write.

4. Move 4 Times Each Week/ Complete 2 5K's

As much as I loved having my children home this summer, it proved difficult to always get runs in due to lack of a jogging stroller (and in all honesty, lack of wanting to run in Georgia's insane humidity).  Since both of the children are now back in school, I want to commit to running at least 2 times a week and would love to get to the gym for some yoga at least twice a week.  Additionally, I'm signed up for 2 5K's and want to continue to improve my time with those.  As I am writing this post, I just completed the first 5K the previous weekend.  While it was not my best time ever, it was good enough to earn me 1st place in my age group- something I was super stoked about.  

5. Spend Half as Much Time on My Phone

It is so easy.  You go to check one thing and fall down a rabbit hole of "just checking one more thing!"  Next thing you know it, 8 minutes have passed... which of course doesn't seem like a lot of time.  Until you do that a few times an hour.  Those minutes definitely add up.  They add up to way more than I thought was possible.  I discovered this after downloading a tracking app called "Moment."  It tracks your total time usage, when your usage occurred, and even how many times you unlocked your screen.  Additionally, once a week it calculates the apps you're actually spending time perusing.  It's eye-opening to see the minutes add up, and hopefully, with this app I'll be able to better curb my phone dependence.