New Year’s Goals
Welcome to the New Year! We hope you’re as excited about 2025 as we are. One of our cherished traditions is to start the year with a focus on goal-setting. We believe in the power of setting intentional goals for our personal and professional lives, and we want to share our journey with you.
Start with the Week: A Focused Approach
Many of us are eager to make big changes at the start of a new year. However, the sheer amount of time in a year can make it challenging to maintain focus. That’s why we suggest starting with a week-by-week approach. Each week, Rachel and I sit down on Sunday nights to plan out the coming days. We ask each other a simple but powerful question: “What’s your most important thing for this week?”
This might sound daunting, especially if you’re overwhelmed by tasks that seem equally important. Trust us, it’s worth the effort. By honing in on one significant goal each week, you can achieve tremendous progress over the year.
The Importance of Prioritizing
Not every task that’s pressing is truly the most important. To illustrate, consider this classic analogy: imagine your time as a large container. Fill it with big rocks first—the crucial tasks—and then add smaller rocks and sand. If you start with the sand and small pebbles, there won’t be room for the big rocks. It’s about focusing on what truly matters, both for your personal life and career.
Encouragement from Each Other
Doing this as a couple can strengthen your relationship. Encouraging each other and holding each other accountable becomes a valuable practice. It’s not always easy, even for those of us who love planning. But together, we find ways to stay motivated and celebrate our successes, no matter how small.
Extending the Focus to Months and Quarters
As you become comfortable with weekly goals, extending this practice to monthly and quarterly goals can facilitate tackling larger projects. For instance, a project that spans a season can be broken down into monthly and weekly tasks, ensuring steady progress and reducing the urge to procrastinate.
When it comes to yearly goals, we opt for simplicity. Choosing one primary aim for the year helps maintain focus, making it easier to align weekly and monthly tasks with broader objectives.
Balancing Planning with Flexibility
We love planning but also recognize the importance of being adaptable. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that while we make plans, divine guidance might redirect our steps. By planning with open hands, we welcome the opportunities and challenges that come our way, ready to adjust as needed.
Conclusion: Planning for an Intentional Life
The key to successful planning is intention and diligence. We hope some of these insights inspire you as you set your own goals for 2025. Whether it’s personal growth, family development, or professional advancement, remember to celebrate each step on your journey.
May 2025 be a year of growth and joy for your homeschooling adventure and beyond.