2017… you’re going down. *cracks knuckles*
Okay, so using “crush” in the title makes my goals sound a little more badass than they actually are, but I kinda want them to sound a little badass. It makes me want to put on my battle song and kick butt with these goals, like my childhood (and adult) hero Jane Blue. (It might help to know a little about the movie, since I only know one person outside of my family who’s actually watched it.)
[Tweet “Goals for the end of 2017… you’re going down. [cracks knuckles]”]
As I’ve given myself room to breathe this summer, I’ve also given myself room to reflect. In addition to leaving a workplace that wasn’t good for me anymore–but one I had also devoted a lot of time to–some other things have gone on behind-the-scenes this summer, and all of it left me wondering: what’s the point? When I ask myself that question, I always come back to one thing: writing.
So with these goals, I’m going back to my roots.
1 // I’m going to get back into a habit of writing fiction. Throughout the last three years I’ve worked on a little bit here, and a little bit there. I’m done with that. I don’t want to write “a little bit.” I want to get back into a solid writing habit, because when I can get lost in my own little world–even when writing is hard (because it is!)–that’s when I’m happiest.
Not only that, but yes, I would like to share my stories with the world someday. I have stories that I’ve told and I have stories yet to tell. I believe in the power of words; I believe in the power of stories. They teach us. They can give us the friends that we’re looking for, and an escape during tough times. Whenever I think of that I always think, “My stories can’t do that!” But then I think of all the authors whose worked has touched my life and I wonder, “What if they had believed that too?” And, most importantly, what if that had stopped them from even trying to share their stories with others?
I don’t know what will happen with my writing in the future, but what I do know is that when I share my writing with people I always receive great feedback on it. (And I’m not just talkin’ friends and family here. I’ve taken classes and signed up for critiques with published authors.) It’s the kind of feedback that makes me think I might actually see my words in print one day. So I know that, at the very least, I need to try.
2 // I’m going to get back into a consistent blogging schedule. Fiction (and poetry) are my passion and will always be number one for me, but this blog has really captured a place in my heart.
True story: I almost gave it up this summer. When the renewal notice came in, I seriously considered being done. It was my friend Heather (who took the mermaid makeup photos) who convinced me to renew it. And as much as I hate to admit that I was wrong and someone else was right, she really was. I probably would have regretted it if I had. One of my goals for September was to blog consistently, and so far I have. I’d like to keep it up for the rest of the year.
3 // Finish my reading goal. Or at least come close to it, because let’s be real: I’m 14 books behind schedule right now. Reading has always been one of the top forms of self-care for me. I’m less stressed when I make sure reading is part of my daily schedule, I love getting lost in a story (especially during the not-so-great times in life–hello 2017!), and it’s fuel. You know what Stephen King says: “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” So, reading. It’s going to happen.
There are some other goals I have for the rest of 2017, too, but these are the ones that mean the most to me. These are the ones I’ve been craving; because these are the ones that go back to my roots and what I love the most.
[Tweet “Sometimes life makes you wonder, “What’s the point?” That’s when it’s time to go back to your roots.”]
2017, we’re going to try to redeem you. Let’s kick butt with these goals! 👊🏼
What are some of your goals for the rest of 2017?
[Tweet “Top 3 Goals to Crush in 2017”]
Those are awesome goals! Good luck!
1. I am hoping to improve my pictures. 2. I also wan to blog more often. 3. Get back into the fitness and eating better.
So glad you renewed your blog! I love reading your posts. 🙂 I also love that quote from Stephen King, so true. I feel so much less inspired when I don’t make time to read. Here’s to crushing your goals, my friend! xo
Great goals! And they are badass 🙂 One of my goals is also to get into a consistent blogging schedule. It’s so hard, but I’m trying my best to make that happen. Another goal is to get into a good morning and evening routine to maximize how I feel when I wake up, during the day, and while I sleep. Again, hard to do, but trying my best! Best of luck to you while you go crush your goals!
Writing your goals down and sharing them with the world is such an amazing way to stick with them! I also need to finish my reading goal because it’s such therapy for me. I need to kick start my fitness again and give myself more “me” time.
I would love to get back into writing. I used write fiction myself but like you I would get out of the routine of writing. Same with reading. I got back into this year but it takes me so long so finish a book these days because I’m so busy but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t still try. That’s one of my goals, I don’t have a number but I just want to keep reading! You’re going to be awesome at crushing this list!
These are great goals. I am also trying to get back into writing. Love the quote. Have a great weekend.
Awesome goals – I really need to get back into my own, fiction writing too! i have so many ideas; I need to figure out which one I want to start or continue with. 🙂 I also really need to schedule ahead so I’m not doing things so last minute.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
These are some solid goals. 🙂 I also need to get on track with my reading goal – I’m only 3 books behind but still, lol. I also would like to write some fiction someday, but right now I’m actually in the middle of writing a nonfiction book so it’ll have to wait. Good luck with your goals! <3
These are three awesome goals!! That’s awesome that you are going to try to write more. Blogging is hard work for sure! So glad you didn’t give it up. I too want to read more but I feel I never have time. Good luck with these goals girl!
Consistency (in anything) is usually what I struggle with the most in life! Keep at it, those are great goals, glad you didn’t give your blog up…I’ve done that before and wish I hadn’t 🙂
I’m so happy to hear you had a friend in your life when you considered walking away from the blog. I get that, I’ve considered it too. You’d be sorely missed, my friend, and I have good feels that you’ll crush your goals with what’s left of 2017.
And yes!!! You are a badass!! Love that you’ll be writing more and looking forward to seeing more of you 🙂
Great goals, you can do it. I also plan to be more consistent in blogging.
I was just telling mu husband I need a posterboard to put my top 3 goals on so i can see them everyday.
These are such great – and fun – goals! I’d love to get into fiction writing one day, but I usually get too wrapped up in the characters and forget to create an actual plot, haha! Poetry was my number one love not long ago, but now my blog is. Perhaps I’ll pick it up again one day though!
Indya || http://www.thesmalladventurer.blogspot.com.au/
Yes girl! Blog consistently! Why not?! Once you begin being consistent, you get used to doing so…. So get back in the swing of things
You got this! I thought about writing too. I love words and i would love to write a book one day. I am glad you didn’t give up! I can’t wait to see some of your stories if you post them.
YAAAAS PLEASE PLEASE write fiction, girl!!!! I wanna read a BOOK by you!
YAY! Way to take charge of those goals! I used to write fiction (that I never really shared) too and I miss it sometimes. I should get back to it. And blogging consistently definitely helps fuel creative juices!
I have never heard that quote about reading and writing but that makes sense. I read about 3-4 books this whole year. When I have free time I just do other things (mainly blog), watch shows, or play a game. I’ve learned to not be so hard on myself about the reading but would definitely love to read more. Good luck with the reading and other goals! *thegoodthingscomin.wordpress.com
You should definitely get back into the routine of writing fiction, good luck on publishing your stories for the world!
Good for you for going back to your roots! If writing is what sets your soul on fire then go for it and make sure to share it with the world so we can enjoy what you enjoy. Blogging more consistently and sharing more consistently is on my list of goals this year. Also blogging with more heart, more real life and inspiration.
Good luck with your crushing it goals for 2017! xo jen http://abeautifulinspiration.com
I’m STILL trying to get on a consistent blogging schedule that WORKS! There’s still time to goal crush for sure!
Thank you for inspiring me to make a new goals list. I got to get back into a consistent blogging schedule!
These are all great goals! I love making goals also, I want to work on my writing more this year as well!
Hey Crystal,
Great goals to crush in 2017! I wish I could write fiction, but I’m more of a realist with my writing. But, for me getting on blogging schedule is KEY to staying consistent. Any time I fall off, it’s so hard to get back into the swing of things.
Thanks for the encouragement,
Nadalie, It’s All You Boo
NEW POST: 6 Simple Secrets to Setting Achievable Goals
I would like to get back into my journaling, yoga, and meditation. I have slacked super hard with that this year. I’ve been super into my blog lately and let my wind down activities sort of slip.
My goal is to get into a consistent blog writing schedule. I’ve been so all over the place forever and I want to produce regular content. Also, I decided to hone in my focus on social media to just IG and Pinterest so I’m not so scattered all the time!
First of all, I love your work nook 🙂
Good luck with your goals – those are some great goals. I wish you all the success.
My goal this year has been to grow my blog and spend more time with my son. Both going north 🙂
I was recently thinking about what I want to accomplish from now to the end of the year. Now I need to shorten the list.
Your reading goal is so good and so necessary. Life has managed to intrude upon my reading as well, but I love that you refer to it as a form of self-care. Something I also hope to improve upon!