Hey All! We’ve officially completed January. I think it would be fun to share how we’re doing with our 2018 goals. I’ve learned sharing my progress or not progress on my goals helps keep me accountable. This year, 2018, I really have a lot I want to accomplish. So, I want to share with you how January went for me.
True Story Ahead
You may remember my very first post of 2018, Imperfectly Me. Well, I’m still imperfect. But I’m being intentional to become a better Michelle every day. Sometimes I succeed. Sometimes I don’t.
Here’s how my January went with living a wholehearted life:
Spiritual
I have absolutely been deep into God’s Word daily and praying fiercely. God surprised me yesterday, the last day of January. Over the last five years, I’ve implemented the spiritual discipline of fasting into my life. But I like to choose a day I’m not working so that I can focus on reading the Bible, praying, and journaling without anything else competing for my attention.
Yesterday, God directed me to fast. Friends, I admit. My first reaction was not so accommodating because I’m on the Whole30. It was Day 30! I’m already giving up a lot of foods and calories. But God wants obedience. So, I obeyed.
Results: Not only did He provide me with all the energy and strength I needed for the entire day, but I ran 2 miles without stopping last night. Now, that was an unexpected accomplishment.
Today, I feel refreshed. I’ve come to believe sometimes when God asks something of us, it’s not about the results it will bring, but it’s strictly a test of obedience. Praise God! I passed His test. I want Him to know I’m all in when He calls me to step up and follow Him.
Relational
There were some bumps in relationships in January, but I was able to bring it all before God. It’s amazing when we seek God first how everything falls into place.
My husband and I have prayed together daily except two times. Truth, we’ve not lived a life of praying together so this is new for us. I’m very proud of us.
I didn’t get to see all my kids every week in January, but I did at least every other week and my youngest daughter I get the pleasure of seeing daily because she lives at home. I love my children.
Financial
- Paid off cell phones!
- Set aside a small portion of money into our savings account!
- Still working on paying off that stupid credit card. That will take me a few months.
New Goal for February:
- Get taxes done.
- Save a little more money.
- Keep paying on credit card bill.
Emotional
- Practice self-control (especially with listening) (daily)
- Engage with courage, compassion, and connection (daily)
- Focus on the good stuff (Philippians 4:8) (daily)
Yes, Yes, and Yes!
New Goal for February: Continue
Physical
- Completed the Whole30 for 30 days.
- Lost 5 pounds! WooHoo! I’m half way to my 10 pound goal, which I set for March 1.
- I’m not getting 8 hours of sleep daily, but I’ll try again. I did successfully work out 12 times in January and just last night I ran 2 miles on the treadmill without stopping. First time in a long time since I’ve done that.
New Goal for February:
- Do Wholo30 again, except for my birthday. I’m going to enjoy one of my favorite combos: chocolate and red wine.
- Work out 12 times.
- Try to get at least 6 hours of sleep daily. I’ll have to work up to the 8 hours daily.
Professional
I can proudly say I am officially a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach! WooHoo! I completed all requirements of the certification process successfully. I’m so excited to have gained more competence in helping others develop their talents.
I am fully in the midst of designing a workshop, due March 1. I’ll share more about that in a blog very soon.
Time-management. Okay, I’m setting time-management boundaries like NOT doing dishes in the morning before going to work so that I won’t be late for work. Unfortunately, I’ve found I just find something else to squeeze in, and I’m still running late almost every day by 5-10 minutes. To my defense, did you know people who are consistently late are creative and successful? Research says so! I always like to find the bright side to everything. 🙂
Personal
- I did re-listen to one of Brené Brown books.
- I am practicing Both/Ands. I practiced boldness and gentleness a lot in January through conversations and my writing.
- I’m working to strengthen my storytelling skills. I have two workshops I’m going to get to really practice this skill in February and March. Pray for me please! I believe stories are key to helping people understand messages and content.
New Goal for February:
- Read one of Brené Brown books.
- Implement stories into my workshops.
- Allow God to show me the Both/Ands He wants me to practice this month.
Well, that’s a wrap on January and what lies ahead for this new month of February! Let’s all keep pressing forward. Thank God for His faithfulness and keep seeking His direction for our lives.
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).
I’d love to hear from you. What did you accomplish in January? Did anything surprise you?
Leave a Reply