Goal Setting

I remember back in middle school sometime during the first week or so back at school my homeroom teacher would make us all sit down and fill out a goal sheet. At the time I thought it was dumb. What was the point of writing down my goals. Of course I wanted to do well in all my classes. Why couldn't she just accept that and move on? Why did I have to be so specific as to what I wanted my grades to be like? At the time I didn't understand the importance of goal setting and making sure that I was setting SMART (Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) goals. By putting pen to paper and reflecting on what I want to or need to accomplish is very powerful for me. I can take the time to determine what has to get done and what I need to do in order to achieve that. For myself personally Specific and Timely are two very important things. I can say I want to do well in a class but what does that really mean? Being specific helps me get things accomplished. Timely is important too, it allows for me to follow up with my goals at certain time increments. With classes time is somewhat built in, I can determine how well I am doing after a test or a midterm and reevaluate and readjust from there. For personal goals I need to be more diligent in setting time to evaluate them.

Do you set goals? If so, what is important to you in goal setting?

Jaclyn

PS. Here is my free printable goal setting template.

25 by 25 Update

I posted my 25 by 25 a year ago. I thought I would give an update.

1. Graduate University - Still working at this.

2. Buy a car 

3. Take a cake decorating class 

4. Go to Europe - hopefully within the next two years

5. Run a race - I just need to gain the courage to sign up for one and train! 

6. Throw a dinner party - Do potlucks count?

7. Watch all of Sex in the City 

8. Take a ballroom dancing class 

9. Get a real job - Need to complete 1. first, on my with with an internship!

10. Buy a great pair of shoes 

11. Read all the Jane Austin novels - Working on this. Reading Emma at the moment

12.  Have my own place 

13. Make Macaroons - Happening this summer!

14. Make a cupcake tower for something special 

15.  Do another service trip 

16. Road trip

17. Go to a sporting event 

18. Have a pet of my own (even if its just a fish)

19.  Go to Vancouver 

20.  Find my signature drink  

21. Have a girls weekend 

22. Learn to play a song on guitar

23. Keep a journal 

24. Invest in a good camera 

25. Dream Big  

I have a lot left on my list still. Some are on going and others I need to graduate in order to complete. 

Getting to the Gym

I find it so difficult to actually get to the gym and work out. I am forever finding excuses as why I shouldn't go. I am busy. I just showered. I'm tired. I'll go tomorrow.   

Here are somethings I have found helpful in getting to the gym. 

1. Creating a schedule... and sticking to it! 

No more excuses. If it is written down then I have to go. I find going right after class works best for me and I give myself two rest days which I use to make up for days I have to miss because I have reports or assignments. 

2. Packing my gym bag the night before

When I pack my gym bag the night before I don't have to rush around in the morning to make sure I have everything. This way I can grab it an go in the mornings. 

3. Finding a work out routine that I enjoy

I found this work out routine on Pinterest. Surprise Surprise. I like how it gradually gets more difficult and I love that I can download a check list to keep track of all my workouts. It is a great visual and helps to keep me accountable. 

What are your tips on getting to the gym and do you have a favourite workout routine? I would love to hear about it.

Jaclyn

13 Things for 2013

I thought rather then doing a typical New Year's Resolutions (which I never actually keep up with anyways) I would do a list of 13 things I would like to do or do more of in 2013.

1. Run a race (either 5K or 10K)

2. Bake more cake pops

3. Make a meal only from things bought at the farmers market.

4. Get a summer job in my field

5. Read a Jane Austin novel

6. Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity one Saturday

7. Take a cooking class

8. Make a recipe book with family favourites

9. Go on a trip/vacation

10. Make my own tea blend

11. Blog at least 1x per week

12. Have a board game night

13. Give hot yoga another try

Whats on your list for 2013? 

Jaclyn