Just another WordPress site? Why I set 19 goals and how I accomplish them

“Hello world.” So starts each WordPress site, down to the all-too-often forgotten comma after “hello.”

It’s good to be here, world. (See what I did there?)

After years of setting (and forgetting) resolutions, I began recording and mastering my goals. I tracked my progress on scratches of paper, on my phone’s calendar, and even on napkins and old church bulletins… sorry, pastor.

I blame Goodreads (this link goes to my page there if you want to follow me). What started as an innocent reading challenge turned into a reviewing challenge, too. By 2015, I had graduated from college, landed a marketing job, and had seemingly infinite time on my hands. So, I read and reviewed, 50 times in fact.

With countless shelves of books read and so many lessons learned, I set 19 goals for 2019 to continue learning and exploring. There’s a difference between reading and doing. There is also a difference between simply talking (blogging) and living.

By measuring and reporting on my progress, I hold myself accountable. My readers do, too (thank you for being here).

Each goal ascribes to one of my values: creating, exploring, learning, moving, and serving. While there will be many posts to come on how I specifically accomplish the goals below, what’s key for me is living intentionally by setting boundaries and saying “no” occasionally.

TL;DR: Kaylie Longley’s 19 Goals for 2019

Creating

• Journal a list in my daily planner
• Blog weekly, including book reviews, style guides, travel logs, and progress on goals
• Send a gratitude letter once a month
• Own my mornings again

Exploring

• Adventure once a week
• Mingle at a networking event, club, concert, or grand opening every month
• Road trip for the first time as an adult
• Travel by airplane to a new state

Learning

• Attend church once a week
• Take a class in improv/hand lettering/dance/beer making
• Read and review 36 books this year
• Monetize my website by the end of the year

Moving

• Exercise at the gym 4 times a week (to, among other sub-goals, finally freehand 2 pull-ups)
• Zumba, climb, or hike once a month
• Compete in a race

Serving

• Coach 19 people for free with their projects so they can take next steps for their careers or creations. Want to be one of the lucky 19 folks in 2019? Click here to submit your application
• Assist my local food pantry once a month to prepare breakfast or help clients with their grocery shopping
• Join a feminist or human rights group and advocate for change
• Choose 1 nonprofit and support them this year

What goals do you want to accomplish this year? Curious about my goals? Leave a comment and let’s chat!