Another year gone! This meme made me laugh because it feels so true!

Or is it just me? I just can’t believe we’re about to start 2022!

But I am definitely one of those people who love new years because I love fresh starts. I love making New Year’s Resolutions. Not that January 1 is the only time you can start a new goal, but for me, this time of year just feels like a natural time to reflect on progress I’ve made, changes I want to make, and how I can be a better version of me. My husband and I celebrate our anniversary on December 28, and we always use it as an opportunity to talk about goals we have as individuals, as a couple, and as a family. I love making goals- and it’s even more satisfying when you reach them!

Sometimes it helps me to hear other people’s goals. A goal should be measurable, specific, and attainable. And it can help to hear some ideas when trying to solidify your own goals! So here are my goals for 2022:

• Say my prayers every morning and every night. I do great with personal scripture study, but for some reason I forget to say my prayers! I talk with my Heavenly Father all through the day, but I really need to make sure I’m taking the time to kneel before Him and talk with him when I start and end the day.
• Read 35 books. This past year I read 47 books, and my goal was 45 so I feel great about that! This year, I want to make sure I’m reading a lot, but I want to spend time on some other goals as well so I’m lowering that number to 35. A number that does require me to stretch a little, but also gives me time to devote to other goals I want to achieve.
• Write in my blog every week. I have a personal blog that I used to write in regularly as a family journal. It was such a fun and easy way to keep a record of my family’s history, but I’ve gotten out of the habit the past couple years. I want to pick that up again so I can look back at this busy time of my life and remember all the good times!
• Make my kids’ stockings. My mom made all of our stockings when I was a kid. I have always dreamed of doing the same thing for my own kids, but have always been too “busy”. This is the year. I want to make a special Christmas stocking for each of my children, my husband, and myself. That’s 8 stockings to sew and decorate- but I’ve got a year!
• Lose ____ pounds (haha you don’t need to know the exact number ;) ) through eating a healthy diet and exercise. Some of you may remember a couple years ago when I lost a ton of weight. I still exercise everyday, but my eating habits have definitely not been the greatest, and after 2 additional pregnancies and breastfeeding I’ve definitely put some of the weight back on. My husband has been following a meal plan with a dietician, but he’s felt like he needs some added support to keep going, so we’re planning on doing it together to keep each other accountable and reach our fitness goals! I’m also planning on working out 6 days a week, as right now I’m averaging 5.

This list doesn’t include every single goal I have, as some are a little more personal, but hopefully it helps you brainstorm as you create your own goals! Some other ideas:

• Drink _____ ounces of water every day.
• Run a half marathon.
• Host a dinner at your house twice a month.
• Learn to make a new recipe.
• Use Cook’n to create a family cookbook.
• Read a nonfiction book for 20 minutes every day.
• Fold the laundry every night.
• Adopt a dog.
• Keep a daily gratitude journal- write down 3 things every night.
• Create a weekly meal plan and stick to it.
• Practice your instrument for 2 hours every week.
• Volunteer at a local shelter once a month.

Whatever you choose for your goals- make sure they stretch you, but are still achievable. And be sure to make them as specific as you can so you know when you’ve “met” your goal!

I’d love to hear some of your goals for 2022! Let’s encourage each other and help each other out- what are you hoping to accomplish this next year? Share with us in the comments below!