When I was a little girl, people used to say, "Time seems to go by much faster as you get older." At the time I didn't believe them. I mean, an hour is an hour, right?
Well, yes ... An hour is still 60 minutes. But they were right in saying that time seems to fly by with every passing year.
At the very end of 2014, I posted a list of my New Year's Resolutions for 2015. I initially wanted to post updates every 3 or 4 months, but, as you can probably guess from my earlier statements, time got away from me.
So I decided I'd kick the month of June off with an update of my progress. Since we're now halfway through the year, it seemed like as good a time as any to share my successes and failures thus far. I hope that by seeing what I need to work on, I'll be inspired to push myself a little harder. I knew when I made my list of resolutions that I probably wouldn't stick with all of them, but I think I've let a few too many things slide this year ... And I know I can do better.
Health/Fitness Goals and Updates:
1. Continue going to yoga classes at least 2-3 times per week.
For the most part, I've been doing this. I do feel like I need to make yoga more of a priority these days, though. I'm finding it much too easy to skip a class if I've had a really busy week or if I'm just not feeling it ... And that's probably when I need yoga the most.
2. Work out at least 3-4 times per week.
I started off strong, but I've steadily been slipping. (And I wonder why I'm not getting more toned or losing weight!) On average, I'm going to the gym twice a week and it's always for yoga. I really need to start doing cardio again and possibly going back to BodyPump class. I feel much better/healthier when I'm working out more consistently.
3. Lose weight.
Again, I started off strong but have steadily been slipping. I lost about 7 lbs or so (nothing major, but enough to notice that my clothes were less snug and I felt more confident), and I've since put on at least that much (or more ... I can't bring myself to get on the scale right now). I just need to get back into a regular schedule with my workouts and eat a little better. Obviously I won't be doing that this week since I'm spending the majority of my time in a hotel conference room in Philadelphia, but once I get back home I need to start focusing on this again.
4. Continue utilizing MyFitnessPal to track my exercise and caloric intake each day.
I haven't been consistent with this at all. I think I'd be more successful with my other health and fitness goals if I kept up with this. Sure, it's disheartening to see just how many calories are in some of my favorite meals, but it does at least make me consider what and how much I'm consuming.
Reading/Creative Writing Goals and Updates:
1. Read 50 books.
I'm still slightly behind schedule, but I've been tearing through books at record speed lately so I should (hopefully!) be able to finally meet this goal this year.
2. Write creatively at least once a week.
I've completely let this one slide. I've barely written anything (besides blog posts, of course) since the beginning of the year. I want to work on making this a priority, but I also know that I can't force myself to write creatively if I'm not inspired to do so. Hopefully I can find some inspiration soon ... I miss creative writing.
Financial Goals and Updates:
1. Continue putting money in savings every month.
I'm happy to say I've still been doing this!
2. Become (mostly) debt free.
I've paid off one card and am pretty close to paying off another, so I'd say I'm on the right track. Unfortunately, we've had a few unexpected expenses lately and I spent quite a bit on plane tickets in April so I haven't been able to throw as much money onto my cards as I initially anticipated. I'm still actively working toward this goal, though, so hopefully I can at least get my 2 remaining cards with balances paid off by the end of the year.
3. Use Swagbucks more often.
I was doing really well with this until last month. I think it will probably be pretty inconsistent over the next few months since I don't use it much when I'm away from home (and I'll be traveling probably about once a month from now through the end of the year), but I've been hitting my daily goals when I can.
Food Goals and Updates:
1. Create at least 3 original recipes.
I've only posted one so far, but I have a couple more to share eventually. I'm glad I was able to stick with this goal, especially since coming up with my own recipes isn't something that comes easily.
2. Bake a little more often.
I had a feeling this would be one of the goals I didn't stick with, and I was right. I haven't baked anything this year (unless you count brownies from a box ... And I don't). I might feel inspired to try making something once fall and winter approach, but I really don't have any desire to bake during the hot summer months.
3. Try at least 12 new (to us) restaurants.
I've shared our experiences so far here, here, and here. I'm obviously behind on this goal, but I haven't completely abandoned it. (And, if you're wondering, I've tried a few new restaurants with friends, but I didn't document them here. This goal is more about Eric and I trying new places together since we both love food so much.)
Blogging Goals and Updates:
1. Work on a blog schedule and really try to stick with it.
This was actually one of my most important blogging goals, and I have yet to sit down and come up with a schedule for my blog. I've been trying to post at least 3 times each week, but I often post less (or, on occasion, not at all). I doubt I'll ever force myself to do this (at least not this year), but I do need to be more consistent with my posts.
2. Participate in more link-ups.
I've been participating in both a monthly personal challenge link-up and the Show Us Your Books! link-up since the beginning of the year. I need to start getting involved in some other link-ups, though (especially since the monthly personal challenge link-up is coming to an end). I genuinely enjoy participating and seeing what others have shared, so this has been a pretty easy goal for me to meet.
3. Comment more often.
I've probably been most inconsistent with this goal. It's unfortunate because I read so many interesting, funny, insightful blog posts and then forget to comment on them. I need to make this a priority ... Not only would I be telling other bloggers that I really appreciate what they have to say, but I'd also be getting my own name out there a little more. It's a really great way to build a community (and one of the easiest ways to do it!), and that's something I'd love to achieve.
4. Invest in Divulge and Indulge.
I moved from Wordpress.com to Blogger and purchased a premade blogger template from Lisa's Menagerie. I haven't gotten into sponsoring any blogs (yet), and I think I'll eventually go the more custom route with my blog design, but I'm not ready for that just yet. I haven't invested a ton of money into my blog and I really don't want to, but I'm happy with what I've done so far.
5. Make a new "About Me" page.
Moving to Blogger and updating the look of my blog gave me the push I needed to create a new "About Me" page. I'm pretty happy with the result.
6. Work on my social media presence.
I made an Instagram account, but my posting is sporadic and I haven't bothered to build up a following (or to follow anyone else, for that matter). I'm still figuring it out (I only recently started using hashtags!), but I think I like it. I'll probably try to focus on it a little more in the upcoming months. I also made a Goodreads account (though I really only share what I'm reading and my overall rating for each book). Again, I haven't started following anyone there. (Seriously, what's wrong with me?) I still haven't done anything with my blog Pinterest account. I guess I need to spend more time on this goal.
I know this is a long update, but it's more for me than anyone else. I needed to get all of this out so I could take a step back and assess where I'm at and what I need to work on. Apparently I need to work on a lot of things, so here's to a more productive 6 months!
No comments:
Post a Comment