In 2020, I set 10 values-based goals, and in the process, I’m working hard to see the value of the “in-between.” I believe everyone’s a work in progress, after all. A monthly review comes at an excellent time because one of my creative role models, Alexandra Franzen, is running a checklist contest. This is thanks to her latest, THE CHECKLIST BOOK. Get the book at your local bookstore, local public library, or order it online: http://bit.ly/the-checklist-book. So to honor both internal and external motivation, here’s a monthly review!
GOALS to create more
GOAL 1: Publish articles on multiple channels.
VALUE: My work matters more than titles.
a. As a full-time marketer, the founder of this website, and a social media admin for many for and non-profit organizations, I sometimes find it difficult to straddle personal and professional use of social media. So, in these last few weeks, I’ve been careful where I post. I shared my annual review on Facebook, and this list will go on Instagram. A strategic content calendar, for both internal (this site) and external placements, is in order.
b. I want to dive into re-purposing my content onto other websites. I write a lot about balancing minimalism and creativity, so I need to start pitching my work! I understand there isn’t much payment (if any), but throwing my name into the ring is important to me, if the site matches my brand.
GOAL 2: Help 10 young professionals with their creative life goals.
VALUE: I have people, and people have me.
a. On the site, I’m fleshing out who my core audience is: creatives who are trying to figure out the business/marketing side of things (questions like, “how am I different” and “is balance a thing”) and health providers who see the value in promoting their services.
b. After months of review, I’m finally creating packages, based on what I know I can do AND boundaries, so I am not hurting myself over products/services outside my realm. Yes, that means I can’t help everyone. And yes, the helper in me is terrified to type that.
c. I started developing my portfolio based on services, instead of titles (see goal 1). It’s really helping me see the depth of my cross-channel marketing knowledge!
d. Once I finalize the packages, I’ll need to purchase a membership for processing such as Paypal and then publish the portfolio and packages.
e. Start reaching out to more creatives who I know need help! Admittedly, I am still stuck in the “free” mindset for friends and colleagues, especially.
GOALS TO EXPLORE MORE
GOAL 3: Visit Ohio, Ireland, Grand Rapids, and Portland.
VALUE: Say yes to travel. Always.
a. I visited Chicago with my gal pal, Marissa. She lives in Grand Rapids, and we now are on a mission to see each other every other month, including her hometown for our next in-person hangout and then Ohio!
b. I will be meeting with my best friend, of whom we are planning an Irish excursion together, next week. Only a few years of obsessing over castles, language, and lore led to this!
GOAL 4: Find and create safe spaces.
VALUE: My home is my sanctuary.
a. Memories > stuff. I am finally decluttering all. The. Papers. And that means, I have newspapers representing bylines, memory books from many summers of camp counseling, dusty old photos, health records, and so many receipts. It’s time to choose what matters, scrapbook and store, and also throw away a lot. Thank goodness this place has recycling. Every week, I give myself an hour to pile, sort, and shred.
b. Just last week, my friend Andrea of Field Day Nature and I took a Monday(!) to create at my place, and it was wonderful: mellow background music from a video game, homemade pretzels in the oven, and her sketching, and me collaging on the carpet. I need more extended weekends!
GOALS TO LEARN MORE
GOAL 5: Try slam, writing lyrics, and book writing.
VALUE: My curiosity and creativity belong outside my head.
a. LOL this is so important, but also terrifying. Marissa of Grand Rapids shared some of her writing process with me, and honestly it looks like I need to just do the thing by giving myself a goal of writing X every day. But I recognize each person is different. Do I need a writing circle? Or perhaps create arbitrary deadlines? I think I’m intimidated by this Big Life Goal (getting my name on a book’s spine), so using the word “try” helps me see that the small steps help!
GOAL 6: Learn to make veggie-friendly meals.
VALUE: Eating well is self-care.
a. I loooooove this goal! I have adjusted it to eating a salad every day, and when I’m out and somehow haven’t hit the goal, it forces me to see how restaurants create salads, reminiscent of when I was a vegetarian and didn’t want yet another grilled cheese. But, I’ve found a system for day-to-day: making salads in bulk, a la mason jars. This week’s combines a base of mixed greens with feta, vinaigrette, pecans, and blueberries. My energy and focus are up!
b. I am also meal-prepping with my family more, and it’s a great way to bring unity. Each person brings something to the table, and it’s a shared comfort, knowing our budget and hunger will be met. So, I hope to meal prep every Sunday.
GOALS TO MOVE MORE
GOAL 7: Habit stack work, working out, and service work.
VALUE: I am what I repeatedly do.
a. I add these actions to my day because they are what I do and what I care about. However, I cannot STAND going to the gym right after work. There is no parking, and my introvert self needs a break. So, even with headphones on, it’s too much. As a result, I’ve been going at 9pm.
b. I have an option to get a trainer for a low commitment price: 9 workouts for a month for about $100. I am considering breaking my sleep flow/morning creativity and working out then. My mornings are important to me, and I ideally follow my morning EDCBA system. So, we shall see!
GOAL 8: Learn who and what matter in 2020.
VALUE: I have a choice to start, stop, or keep going.
a. It’s only January, and what’s worked is choosing positivity and rebranding each day to better match my goals (see more below). Honestly, it’s only been a month, and I am constantly learning about giving: when to give in, when to give to others, and when to give up. Dear Reader, please let me know if I’m not alone in this struggle. I associate myself with all my past identities (reader, counselor, even student… How do you possibly let go of all the time, energy, and love spent on and with these past lives?)
GOALS TO SERVE MORE
GOAL 9: Schedule a day for each value.
VALUE: I can only save myself.
a. My core values are create, explore, learn, move, and serve. But it wouldn’t be possible without the people who influence these values, my friends and family. Ideally, each day of the week explores each of these values and includes time with lovely people, but I know that’s difficult to do. I can’t explore a new place every day, for example. But I can try to learn every day. To keep working on myself, I try to automate behaviors every day, so I am more productive. For example, as soon as I’m home, I immediate pack lunch, gym clothes, journals, and electronics for the next day.
b. I am still learning what the heck boundaries are, and sometimes going away from them. I am noticing I am most calm when I am by myself, and that usually leads to working on projects. I am working on giving space and time for friends by weekly check-ins. But I need to consider Kaylie Day, too.
GOAL 10: Debunk aspects of homelessness in my town.
VALUE: My obsessions create progress.
a. I helped plan the marketing for the pantry’s first ever Big Event, so it’s more engagement (and hopefully financial gain) than what’s inside their 4 walls.
b. I am working at the pantry on Saturday, and I will talk about aforementioned Big Event. I will not be nervous (okay, maybe a little) to talk about it. But: knowledge is power, for both volunteers and clients, so I will share. I will use my voice to communicate, even when it’s challenging.
c. One of my big ideas for sustainably helping those without homes is to re-purpose malls, and one of my city’s downtown malls is in talks to reuse stores. So, get in touch with these entrepreneurs, the food pantry director, community members, and people like them.
So, I’m not perfect, and there is so much work to do! But, I see progress in my goal to help 10 young professionals, as well as my aspirations to help people via the food pantry and my home. Not too bad for January! How has the first month of 2020 treated you? Want to write your own “work in progress” list? Write your ideas in the comments or even try Franzen’s contest!