I'm pleased to be starting the new year talking about something that I love doing:
wine guzzling
shoe shoppingplanning and organizing: keeping track of our life. And on top of it, it's a blog hop to boot, so make sure you check out all the ladies and see what kind of nuggets and gems for the new year they can give you to help you along your way.
In May I did a very detailed post on how I stay uber-organized and juggle all the everythings of life. You can read it here- I even let you look inside my agenda which is practically like letting you read my diary. Kinda. For the record, I still have my diaries from grade 4- university, but that's another post. So since I've let you dig deep into the confines of my life, I have no desire to revisit that in today's post. That would be redundant.
So then I thought that it would fun to revisit my 2016's resolution because I cannot remember what I had aspired to do. Luckily for this digital diary of sorts that you're currently reading (geez you're snoopy today. Ha) I have the ability to go back in time one year and read what I wrote. Doing...Doing...Doing...done. Yup, I failed my goal. You can read it here. Well, maybe I didn't fail it completely because I do have to say I am in really great shape right now, but I can't say that I lost the 16 lbs I wanted to lose. So I'm not entirely disappointed in myself, but I think I need to rethink what I shall resolve to do this year.
One goal. One month at a time. There's no point making a goal for an entire year because no matter how simple it is or how fun, I will forget or get bored. So this year I will try to break it down into monthly goals, all in the big picture of making a better me.
Okay, that's totally a blanket statement but it goes so well with today's post and also what better month to start a yearly plan than the month of new beginnings, of fresh start and fresher snow, of endings of semesters and of cozy nights spent bundled up at home. Winter in Saskatchewan gives you plenty of cozy time which also provides ample time to reflect, so I'm going to use that as a starting block to create a path for my year.
What I've done thus far:
January/Organization, February/Fitness, March/Simplicity, April/Celebration, May/Photography, June/Learning, July/Friendships, August/Creativity, September/Videography, October/Cuisine, November/Gratitude, December/Family.
This month will bring lots of change as I wrap up my classroom teaching, which also means that 3 hours of each day will be freed up and I'm looking forward to using that time to really get a grasp on the person I want to be. Luckily, being organized totally helps me get into a groove, plus who doesn't love crossing things off a list once you've accomplished them? As a side note, this year I didn't go with an Erin Condren planner..I just couldn't justify the crazy price for shipping + customs...so I found two that look exactly like the Erin Condren but are significantly cheaper...so here you go, Canadians...try these two out:
The Happy Planner from Michaels (always use a coupon, never pay full price!)
The Bando from Indigo.
Hop on over to Lisa's blog to see what kind of pointers she has for you.
Linking up with the Blended Blog and Mix & Match Mama & A Little Bit of Everything Blog
In May I did a very detailed post on how I stay uber-organized and juggle all the everythings of life. You can read it here- I even let you look inside my agenda which is practically like letting you read my diary. Kinda. For the record, I still have my diaries from grade 4- university, but that's another post. So since I've let you dig deep into the confines of my life, I have no desire to revisit that in today's post. That would be redundant.
So then I thought that it would fun to revisit my 2016's resolution because I cannot remember what I had aspired to do. Luckily for this digital diary of sorts that you're currently reading (geez you're snoopy today. Ha) I have the ability to go back in time one year and read what I wrote. Doing...Doing...Doing...done. Yup, I failed my goal. You can read it here. Well, maybe I didn't fail it completely because I do have to say I am in really great shape right now, but I can't say that I lost the 16 lbs I wanted to lose. So I'm not entirely disappointed in myself, but I think I need to rethink what I shall resolve to do this year.
Which brings me today's post: How I am planning my 2017.
One goal. One month at a time. There's no point making a goal for an entire year because no matter how simple it is or how fun, I will forget or get bored. So this year I will try to break it down into monthly goals, all in the big picture of making a better me.
January 2017 Goal: Create a plan.
Okay, that's totally a blanket statement but it goes so well with today's post and also what better month to start a yearly plan than the month of new beginnings, of fresh start and fresher snow, of endings of semesters and of cozy nights spent bundled up at home. Winter in Saskatchewan gives you plenty of cozy time which also provides ample time to reflect, so I'm going to use that as a starting block to create a path for my year.
What I've done thus far:
- I am armed with 3 agendas this year, yup you read that right. 1 for life, 1 for blog, 1 for budget and like having things separated and less cluttered.
- I took 2 weeks off of everything so I could relax and come back with renewed purpose.
- I have been planning the shiznit out of the month so far.
- I have laid out my goals for each month, which I realize may change but at least I have a plan. They are as follows:
January/Organization, February/Fitness, March/Simplicity, April/Celebration, May/Photography, June/Learning, July/Friendships, August/Creativity, September/Videography, October/Cuisine, November/Gratitude, December/Family.
This month will bring lots of change as I wrap up my classroom teaching, which also means that 3 hours of each day will be freed up and I'm looking forward to using that time to really get a grasp on the person I want to be. Luckily, being organized totally helps me get into a groove, plus who doesn't love crossing things off a list once you've accomplished them? As a side note, this year I didn't go with an Erin Condren planner..I just couldn't justify the crazy price for shipping + customs...so I found two that look exactly like the Erin Condren but are significantly cheaper...so here you go, Canadians...try these two out:
The Happy Planner from Michaels (always use a coupon, never pay full price!)
The Bando from Indigo.
Hop on over to Lisa's blog to see what kind of pointers she has for you.
Linking up with the Blended Blog and Mix & Match Mama & A Little Bit of Everything Blog
36 comments
LOVE the you're taking it a month at a time! Love my planner so much, would go bonkers without it. In fact, I almost need a planner for my planner, lol. Happy week ahead!!
ReplyDeleteIf shiznit isn't a realy word, it totally should be. I may just have to borrow it from you :*
ReplyDeleteYour ideas are always epic. Except for having THREE paper planners? THREE??? How do you carry all those around with you. Did you buy a new gigantic purse? HA!
ReplyDeleteI bought a Erin Condren one last year and didn't find it any better then the one I had from the previous year which made it hard to justify the cost. Especially given the dollar these days. This year I am using a bando one from chapters that I love love love and it was very economical too. I use that for every day and then i created a bullet journal binder to track everything else. Not sure if that will work for me but it's been fun so far!! I am also focusing on monthly goals rather then yearly bc like you, I either get bored or I just completely forget about it until I go and look and see that i never made it past February haha.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love the look of the ECs there's no way I can justify the cost to get one here in Canada. I went with the Happy Planner this year and so far I really like it! This is my first experience using a vertical format and I'm really loving the way it's working for me!
ReplyDeleteI also have to have multiple planners! Right now I have one for school and one for the blog, but I want one for just life too. Girl, you sound on top of things! Way to go!
ReplyDeleteAre you done teaching at the end of the semester? Oooo will definitely check out the Michaels planners.
ReplyDeletebahahahah, Love that quote at the end. I love the one month at a time and that you've already decided what you're going to do each month. I really, really hope that in July with the friends, you'll come visit me :) hehe.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you have a goal/theme for each month! I've never seen that before and it's definitely something I want to contemplate for myself!
ReplyDeleteI could not love this post more! I love that you're taking the year one month at a time. It really does make more sense to do it that way anyway! Go rock that shiznit!! Hehe.
ReplyDeleteI can't get into those planners! All the stickers and shit reminds me of Lisa Frank and the 80s!! Unicorns and rainbows and puffy stickers! Lol
ReplyDeleteThat style of planner inspired my planner organization back when I was updating my routine in the fall. I like how you broke each month into a category of goals to tackle! Reminds me of The Happiness Project. :) Good for you to take time off to relax and renew yourself!
ReplyDeleteErica
www.pumpsandpushups.com
You have totally inspired me by the way you are organizing your months with themes. I'm going to be rethinking some things!
ReplyDeleteI hope it works! Would love to collab on a theme with you one month!
ReplyDeleteI completely forgot that I had read that book years ago: I do have a horrible memory. I will have to re-read for some inspiration!
ReplyDeletebut what if there were a Marvel one......
ReplyDeleteLol- I just hope it works.
ReplyDeleteThe unit planner in me must have been controlling my brain when I decided that...
ReplyDeleteChallenge accepted.
ReplyDeleteI am...but I'm going to keep my cyber because I love it and can keep using my french.
ReplyDeleteummmmmm, I didn't count the one for teaching...so that makes it officially 4 and I"m out of control.
ReplyDeleteYup, I love the Bando one too. What kinda of goals do you give yourself each mont (in case I need to steal them for inspiration)....
ReplyDeleteSooooo apparently it's actually 4. I forgot teaching. And I only carry my day-to-day one around in my backpack. Yup, I have a backpack...I'm not cool enough for a briefcase.
ReplyDeleteDo it and I will continue to make up wonderable words.
ReplyDeleteI totally get that! I have no clue how I would operate without it.
ReplyDeleteI seriously wish I had bought that planner, I do love my Kate SPade... you'll have to remind me next year
ReplyDeleteyou forgot "visit with Shaunacey as many time as possible"... that can be your standing one ;)
It's a deal. Sadly my June scheme isn't going to work. Same price to fly Glasgow to TO as it is to Stoon. Weird.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely a lover of smaller goals monthly ... keeps me in line hahah. I love that you have 3 different planners and I definitely want to separate life/blog/whatever. Love that idea. I'm also definitely going to be snooping into your planner cause I'm def snoopy LOL! Loved this post! XO -Kim
ReplyDeleteI always feel organized until I see how organized you are. I don't know how anyone can live without a paper planner, or my "brain" as I like to call it. Love your monthly goals.
ReplyDeleteI use my planner for blog stuff but really need to start incorporating real life too. Such a good idea to take one month at a time! I think I would accomplish more goals that way!
ReplyDeleteJill
Doused In Pink
OMG I love this!! And will have to look for those super similar planners in Michael's next year! Goal for 2017...save money!! Love that you are taking your goals one month at a time! Great idea!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a super planner, so imm all about these tips!!
ReplyDeleteShauna
www.lipglossandlace.net
Wow, you are starting the year off organized. I am pretty organized about most things, work, kids, meals but as I read this I realized that the one thing I don't plan for or make a significant effort to plan for is my own stuff, apart from run club on Saturday mornings. Hmm, I should maybe schedule when my workouts will happen, time to read, time to write, time with Logan, time for TV. OMG, I know why I don't because it's overwhelming!!!! AHHHHHH. I think I'll be heading over to your 'organizing' your life blog post.
ReplyDeleteI love a goal a month and taking some time to breathe at the beginning of the year, too!
ReplyDeleteI'm so down for organizing- planning + getting everything sorted (both physically and mentally) helps me feel SO much better and more able to tackle life. :)
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I like the idea of separating things onto different agendas but I have enough trouble remembering to open ONE! I saw that Whitney keeps two lists...HOME and SCHOOL on her one blogger, so I am going to try that. I am a list maker but usually just throw everything onto one list.
ReplyDeleteYour themed monthly goals are an interesting idea. I keep transferring my October goals to November and November goals to December and never really realize any of them.
Have a lovely day!