Top: J.Crew Pointelle Sweater (XSP / TTS) (similar, similar, similar)
Bottom: J.Crew Princess Mini Skirt (0P / size up) – (similar)
Shoes: JustFab ‘All Or Nothing’ Boots (similar, similar)
Bag: Chico’s Animal Print Tote
Earmuffs: Amazon Earmuffs
Hello and happy 2020!! Adrian and I rang in the new year with a low-key party at my friend’s house and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate the new decade. We wore pajamas, snacked on hor d’oeuvres, and laughed until our sides hurt as we played games such as Paper Telephone and Fishbowl! 2019 had quite a few rough patches but it ended on a high note in the midst of good friends and even new friends.
I love the fresh start that a new year brings and in the past, I’ve always had a few New Year’s resolutions that I’d set for myself. But, the problem with me and yearly goals is that I find it hard to keep track of them as the year progresses and before I know it, the year’s already coming to an end. Which is why I’ve come up with an alternative to New Year’s resolutions! For me, I’ve found that I work better with smaller monthly goals that I can achieve and have it actually become a good habit over time.
I’m a big proponent of building good daily habits as a way to produce actual change, so I decided that this year, I would write out my monthly goals and share them with you here — both so that I can be held accountable but also so that I can reflect at the end of every month!
Setting Monthly Goals: My Alternative to New Year’s Resolutions
10 goals for January 2020:
- Start off each day with cup water + apple cider vinegar
I started this habit about 3 months ago after hearing about how taking 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar every day helped your body naturally detox and cleanse. And so I started off each day with 8 oz of warm water mixed with 1 Tbs of apple cider vinegar (I get this kind with “The Mother” in it).I personally don’t mix in any lemon or honey and just chug it straight as most days I’m in a hurry out the door – the first few times are rough but I it does get easier. I do find that it kills my sugar cravings and helps me keep my appetite in check for the rest of the day.I fell off the habit of having this drink recently when I went on Christmas vacation so I’m excited to get back into it! - Take vitamins
I picked up these vitamins literally 6 months ago and they’ve sat there in my pantry ever since. Adrian and I made a pact yesterday that we’d both start the habit of taking these vitamins every morning. I know that I felt a difference yesterday after taking a pack as I had significantly more energy! - Start off each day with standing at my desk for at least 1 hour
I love the fact that I have a desk that allows me to both sit and stand while at work, but I need to make better use of the standing option. More often than not, I end up sitting for 95% of the day, so I’m making it a point to start off at least standing at my desk for an hour!
- 50 mountain climber twists + 50 vacuum twistsI’m consistent about working out 3-5 times a week (I do a split of vinyasa yoga and Orangetheory), but one of my goals this year is to have a more defined waistline. I wanted to set a simple 5-minute goal to do 50 vacuum twists to target my upper abs combined with 50 mountain climber twists to help me target the lower abs, as well as hopefully cinch in that waist!
- Organize the pantryI actually tackled this goal yesterday on the first day of the new year as I had the day off from work. Our pantry was pretty overrun with boxes and cans in every random shelf and we’ve had a few instances in the past where we’ve had moths, so this is an important one that I wanted to take care of asap! I did take a before/after picture and can’t wait to share more in an upcoming blog post!
- Purge / organize closet
Similar to the pantry, I want to clean out my closet and purge out all the items that just aren’t serving me anymore. I can be a bit of a hoarder when it comes to clothes, but thankfully Adrian is on the opposite end of the spectrum so I’m hoping to have his help in getting me to successfully clean out my closet!
- Cook 1 new recipe
I love cooking but just haven’t prioritized it enough in the past as I seem to get overrun with projects and deadlines instead. I recently started using my Instant Pot more and have loved all the different recipes that I’ve since created (this chicken tortilla soup is a new household favorite!). I’m setting a realistic goal of trying out one new recipe every month to get me excited to get back into the kitchen and eating more healthfully too! - Finish 1 book
I don’t have a lot of time to physically read a book, but I do love my audiobooks! I have a good 20-30-minute commute to the office so I’m going to get back into the habit of listening to a book during this time. I have a few books in my Audible library that have been waiting for me and just started on The 5 Second Rule today! - End each day with stretching
I love a delicious stretch and would love to unwind from my day with a simple 5 minute stretch before going to bed. It’s a great way for me to get back in touch with my body, focus my attention on my breath, and just let go of the stresses for the day. - In bed by midnight
I’m a night owl through and through (and even confirmed that it’s my genetic predisposition too via new test results from 23 and Me!), , but definitely want to set a goal to be better about getting more sleep. I’m always up late working on blog posts / getting my content ready for the next day, but I know the lack of sleep is taking a big toll on my body. A midnight deadline is actually going to be a challenge for me, but I’m hoping that just by having this goal, I’ll make better efforts to get my work done in a timely manner and hit the sack by this time!
Top: J.Crew Pointelle Sweater (XSP / TTS) (similar, similar, similar)
Bottom: J.Crew Princess Mini Skirt (0P / size up) – (similar)
Shoes: JustFab ‘All Or Nothing’ Boots (similar, similar)
Bag: Chico’s Animal Print Tote
Earmuffs: Amazon Earmuffs
What do you think about doing monthly goals as an alternative to New Year’s resolutions? Let me know in a comment below!
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I like this idea with having a monthly goal instead of having New Year’s Resolutions. I started doing that last year and I did pretty good. I will continue on having monthly goals and try sticking to them. I hear you on the sleeping part, I am a night owl as well so I’m trying to change that. Happy New Year and all the best! ❤️
I’m with you – I’m a goal-setter with a penchant for good habits, not a resolutioner. I’ve never heard of the apple cider vinegar with water habit – I should try it too!
I love this so much! I usually have some big goals/resolutions for the year but I break them down into bitesize pieces that I do throughout the year each month. But working on smaller things really help me accomplish the goals I have. Good luck with all your goals this month! Can’t wait to hear about which book you listen to.
As someone who stays up way past a reasonable hour, I really appreciate your “bed by midnight” goal. And yes to monthly goals rather than year long resolutions.
I like the idea of focusing on one month at a time! That gives you a chance to come up with goals that you can really achieve in a shorter time frame. Plus your goals for January sound like they will make a big difference in your life.
Love your goals! They’re measurable and practical. I also love the idea of taking it down to a month-by-month basis instead of an entire year to accomplish your goals. Make sure you celebrate each month, you deserve it!
Only you can make ear muffs look this fabulous! I love these January goals. I’ll need to steal some (especially going to bed by midnight)!
Yes, indeed. Monthly or even weekly goals are more achievable. Happy new year, gorgeous!
Marie
https://theflowerduet.blogspot.com/
Happy New Year! Really like the idea of batching goals per month. Looks like an ambitious list for January but it sounds like you are motivated! All the best in the new year!
I love this! I am very similar in the fact that I focus on quarterly goals. I used to do monthly goals but many would be long term so quarterly made more sense for me. 🙂
I love this idea, and I might even have to replicate some of this list in my own life. I love doing a health and wellness reset in January because there’s so much support from your peers. My house could use some extra organizing after moving this past month, too.
I want to do some of these same goals, especially drink more water. I also want to workout 2-3 times a week.
I am the same way! I have always worked better with little steps rather than big leaps, and setting huge goals is so intimidating. Happy new year!
Audio books are a game changer. Books take you into another life and help you to escape ours when we need it.
ACV YASSS…its about habits, not resolutions…if you want to change something why not start now?! Love that you share this perspective!
I am also SO over resolutions! These are great habits to slowly adopt and make part of your daily routine during the year 🙂
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
I am also better with smaller monthly goals. They are more attainable for me.
I’m loving you guys’ lowkey NYE plans! I definitely need to purge this month. I have a lot of unnecessary items I need to get rid of.
Good for you! These are great goals!