Everyday Baby Steps

The second part of my list of goals focuses on interpersonal issues and is a lot less concrete in nature than Part I.  Though I still incorporate specific and realistic objectives, they seem to be less measurable.  These goals are about overcoming longstanding tendencies and habits as well as looking at the ways in which I interact with others.

4.  I will be more productive in various areas of life (household obligations, writing, activities, etc.): 

• by taking a shower and getting dressed every day.  Also, I will do my makeup - after all, I am a Mary Kay lady!  Getting dressed as if I have a job to go to helps get me going.  Working in my pj's, though it sounds appealing, just doesn't work for me.  I know this.  So it just makes sense to dress as though I have things to do and people to see because I do!


• when I designate two to three days per week for specific tasks.  I know I'm not likely to spend every day cleaning (I hate cleaning!), but if I designate one day for laundry and one for vacuuming, I'm more likely to get them done and out of the way.


• by delegating certain tasks to the kids.  They're 7 and 9.  They can take on small household chores.  This will teach them responsiblity as well as aid in the saving of my sanity.  Win, win.  Yay!

I hate multitasking.  I hate it because I'm bad at it.  But I need to face the fact that today's world is multifaceted and fast-paced.  I think I spend more time feeling guilty about what I don't get done than anything else.  But I truly feel that if I start every day with a plan, I'm much more likely to get more done.  And feel better overall.  No, I don't think I have to accomplish everything on my list - remember, I'm being realistic.  But with a little planning and keeping my goals in mind, I think I can accomplish more.

5.  I will maintain and nurture my support networks:

• by talking to at least one friend on the phone each week.  I have lots of wonderful and supportive friends, but I find it gets so easy to forget that in the frenzy of everyday life.


• by utilizing technology such as email and social networking to keep up with close friends.  I just signed up for Facebook and MySpace.  I'm not very technologically inclined, but we have such fabulous means of communication, why wouldn't I want to use them to make my life easier?


• while visiting at least one friend each week.  Technology's great, but there's nothing like getting together face-to-face.  I have the best time with my friends, most of whom have kids.  So why not pack the little monsters up in the van and go spend some time with other moms?  Again, saving my sanity.  I'm beginning to see a theme here.

6.  I will work to spend quality time with my husband as well as with my kids:

• by taking time to sit with him on the couch at the end of the day three to four times a week.  It's so tempting to just sprawl out on the couch, exhausted, after the kids go to sleep.  We should at least be exhausted together. 


• by making an effort to discuss the occasional issue when it arises, or shortly thereafter, rather than letting it go and grow.  Things don't just go away because I choose not to deal with them.


• by encouraging him in his own interests and pursuits outside of the family.  Poor man never gets any time to himself.  I think that women inherently need more of this, but I suppose men are entitled as well.  So I'll remind him to do something he likes to do every now and again.

There.  I've made my goals public.  I'll also print them out and post them near my computer where I can revisit them throughout the summer.  Reviewing your goals not only helps to make them stick, but also lets you know when they may require a little tweaking or revision, should you find things aren't working.  I will revisit and revise my way to goal success!