I have been avoiding the topic of goals for some reason over the past few weeks. Well, not so much avoiding, but just unable to make any sort of real commitments in this area. I’m not sure why, because I always love goals. I love planning out what I want to accomplish and figuring out a strategy to get there. I started my blog in August of 2013 and shared goals at the beginning of both 2014 and 2015.
Over the course of 2015 I shared monthly updates on the progress of my goals. (See my most recent post here with links to all other months). It helped to keep me focused and motivated, even though I knew that I would need to adjust my goals for the year. However, I said from the start that my goals for last year would be a work in progress; if I didn’t achieve them in 2015, that would be ok. The point was to work towards them, and to do what I needed to do to make them happen eventually.
I don’t want to get too much into how my 2015 goals played out because I am planning on posting about that tomorrow, but today I will talk about my 2016 goals.
5 Fitness Goals
1. Continue to work on staying strong and healthy: I believe that there are always ways to improve in this area. I want to keep doing strength work but learn to incorporate different things.
2. Run/Walk 2016 miles: I am planning to sign up for Run The Year 2016, but not to focus on running mileage. I want to start wearing my Vivofit again and include my daily steps towards that 2016 mile total. I should be walking enough each day to reach that goal when combined with my running mileage. The real goal will be to walk a little more during each day while I am at work or on the weekends (rest days from running).
3. Work towards a BQ (sub 3:35): I don’t even know if I will run a marathon in 2016, but I am carrying over this goal from last year.
4. Work towards a sub-1:40 half-marathon: I would like to train for a half-marathon this year and see what kind of a time I can get, but the goal is 1:40 (my PR from October is 1:41:58).
5. Do at least 10 push-ups 3 days per week: Last year I challenged myself to plank 5 days a week, so this year I thought I would switch it up and focus on push-ups. Ideally I would like to be doing more than 10 each time I do them, but 10 seemed like a good starting point.
5 Other Goals
1. Improve posture: As I have been sitting at a desk more at work, I am realizing that my posture is awful. I feel so tight at the end of the workday and I can tell that I am slouching and pushing my head forward with my neck. I need to figure out a way to sit better (and less) during the work day and I would like to improve my posture in general.
2. Move more: Are you noticing a trend here? I spend hours on end staring at the computer at work, and I am noticing the effects. I need to get into the habit of taking breaks to move around. I also think it would be good to go for a walk or do some really easy yoga after work just to loosen up my muscles and get everything moving.
3. Focus on saving money: There are still a lot of things we want to do in our house (we have lots of empty unfinished rooms) so I would like to be more careful about my spending and put some more effort into saving.
4. Get back in the habit of weekly meal prep: I’ve still been doing some meal prep, but nothing like what I used to do. I blamed marathon training but now that’s over and my weekends are a little more open. I know that it helps a ton when I get home from work and dinner is almost ready to go. Maybe this would even allow me to have time for some yoga or a walk (see above).
5. Make time to unplug: I was going to make a blogging-related goal, but I haven’t figured out what that would be. I really want to get to a place where I am in a routine of posting 2-3 days per week but also spending time reading other blogs, replying to comments, and working on social media stuff. However, I want to make sure I am also making time to get away from the computer. Now that I sit at a computer at work all day I can’t really handle coming home and using my laptop for hours. I need to figure out a routine that will allow me to stay engaged with the blogging community but also have time to step away from the screen.
So that’s it! I guess that wasn’t as bad as I thought. I am not sure if I will continue with the monthly updates this year, but I do feel like they really helped me to stay focused on my goals last year, so it might be worth trying. My last monthly check-in will be up tomorrow, along with an overall review of 2015 goals!
Do you like setting goals?
What are some of your goals for 2016?
Linking up with CourtneyOpens in a new window, MarOpens in a new window, and CynthiaOpens in a new window for the Friday Five!
Also linking up with Tuesdays on the Run with Patty, Erika, and Marcia!
I am not a big goal setter. Maybe I should be, after all. I just hate setting metrics for my life–especially with as many curveballs as it seems intent on throwing at me. I think my goal for my life right now is to get healthy. So that is a goal that is solid, right? Happy New Year, Lisa!
I think that is certainly a fair goal! I feel like I need goals to stay focused, but I have gotten better about adjusting them as I go, because yes, there are always curveballs. Have a happy new year!
Great goals for 2016! Our running goals are very similar and I’m excited to follow as you achieve them! I really like your goal to unplug—it’s so hard to do so with blogging and in our modern culture.
I’m such a goal setter and love supporting others in their goals. There’s something about goals that just portray so much of the human desire for happiness and achievement.
So true. I feel like goals give me something to work towards and then I feel such a sense of pride when I achieve them. I can’t wait to see your reach your goals too! Happy New Year!
2016, congratulations! !
We will bless that visit your great year.
Those are all great goals! Best of luck to you in 2016! Happy New Year!
Thanks and Happy New Year to you too!
Great goals, Lisa! I like how you’ll incorporate daily walking into doing 2016 miles. I always forget to put my fitbit on so a goal like that would help me do it more!
I think it could help me stay accountable for walking around during the day because that is definitely something I need to work out. And even when I am not running I can still go for walks!
Those are some great goals. We have to get back in the saving money mode because we like to go on trips in the summer annnnnnd well you need money for that! I didn’t make any goals for 2016 yet but I plan to write about the topic tomorrow.
I felt like I was good about saving money before we bought our house and then I got more laid back. But now we have a mortgage and lots of other expenses so its time to get serious again! Looking forward to reading your goals!
See, I’m totally a goal-setter. I love anything to do with writing out lists and checking them off. I need to make a list of goals on my blog today. It really helps! Great post, great goals, and happy new year, Lisa!
Whether or not I post my goals I will still have them in my head, so I might as well make them public so I can be held accountable, right?
And Happy New Year to you too!
Oh, my gosh, Lisa! The posture goal is SO GREAT! I need to adopt this one, because your description of how you feel is so relatable; it’s gotten really bad for me, lately, and I need to take better care of myself. I love your idea to combine your daily walking with your running for Run 2,016 in 2016; that is fantastic! I have no doubt you’ll make it! Happy New Year!
Thanks Tara! I feel like I always say I need to work on my posture so maybe posting it as a 2016 goal will help me to actually work on it:) Happy New Year to you too!
These are all great goals, and I agree that setting goals and then adjusting is better than not working toward anything! My main running goal is to cross the finish line at the NYC Marathon. But my main “life” goal is to continue living with the really important stuff in mind, letting the small things roll away and trying to take good things as they come rather than attempting to plan out my entire life – which never works, because life happens while you’re making other plans 🙂
I think I am always trying to work on that! I probably didnt share it as a goal because I know its really, really hard for me to do…but so important!
These are great. I can relate to the posture one. I just read Chi Running by Danny Dreyer and was kind of inspired by his last chapter about putting “the focuses” into play in daily life. He said something like “make your work day like a moving meditation” and check your core and alignment. I thought that was good advice. I also like your idea of counting walking miles towards a goal. Running or not, moving is just better than not moving!
That does sound like good advice! I was actually just listening to a podcast featuring Danny Dreyer this morning! I read the Chi Running book a few years ago but have forgotten most of the principles since then. Maybe its time to look back into it!
Can’t agree more with unplugging. I love your goal of improving posture – that’s definitely something I need to work on. I try to drop down and do pushups whenever I remember but setting a more regimented goal will help me with that.
I need to figure out a way to remind myself to do the push-ups and then keep track. Otherwise I know I will forget!
Love the unplugging goal (and really, it’s a great list all around). I was terrible about blogging this month, but in a way it was nice to have a break from feeling like I needed to publish and post to Instagram all the time. In 2016, I want to run more miles, but I also want to have screen-free nights here and there. Cheers to moving more too – running, walking, whatever! And have a happy new year!
I can’t help but feel a little guilty when I slack on blogging but sometimes its so nice to take a break! Happy New Year to you too!
I am with you on the unplug. I loved it this week and need to do it more often! I have been good about it at night after dinner but would love to figure it out for even more unplugged time on the weekends as well. Happy New Year!
Lately I have felt like the only time I have to do blogging stuff is 30 minutes in the morning and the rest I do after dinner. I think I need to start setting a time limit for myself otherwise I could easily end up on the computer for hours!
Great goals for this year! I’ve transitioned to more of an office position now and I know I need to make more of an effort to move around more! And blogging is such a juggling act – I’m using a planner to really get organized and more strategic this year!
Thats smart to use a planner for that stuff! I am trying to decide between an electronic organization system vs the old fashioned kind. I think once we get our home office set up it will be easier to stay organized.
Definitely like the idea of setting goals but they are fluid and can and should be adjusted as necessary. Making a stark declaration is when they tend to fall by the wayside. Love your goals. Like the idea of improving posture and combing your run/walk miles!
Thanks! I did the same thing with adjustable goals last year and it worked out well.
I’m definitely a planner and goal setter. I want to visit family more especially those that live far away.
Thats a good goal for the year! Its so important to make time for stuff like that.
Great goals!! I may steal your tactic of 10 pushups 3x a week. Also, I really like your wording of your marathon and half marathon time goals….”work towards”….I think that’s a great approach because we all know many things can impact your actual time on race day. Good luck working on these this year!
Exactly! I learned last year that some goals don’t need to be time-sensitive.
Happy New Year, Lisa! I was a little off the blogging grid with work, but just caught up on your posts. I know this is belated, but congrats on Route 66 and another good year. Next year, I hope to do a better job with meal prep. I really enjoyed your Whole30 posts from last year (or more? hehe). Enjoy your time in FL!
Happy New Year to you too! I have been very behind on blogging lately too. Finally getting caught up this week!
I can’t believe the Whole30 was a year ago already!
I think these are all great goals! I have yet to set any goals for myself for this year. I’ve always had something in mind right away over the last few years, but I really have no idea for this year. I need to spend a few weeks thinking about it and thinking about what I really want to accomplish this year!! Looking forward to seeing out how this all plays out for you this year! I know great things will happen with your running. You have worked so hard to come back strong and healthy and I’m sure that will help with your speed goals!! Happy New Year!
Thanks, and happy new year to you too! Looking forward to hearing more about your goals for this year:)
Awesome goals! I am definitely someone who is motivated by goals so I need to have them. With that said, I have one main goal for 2016 (BQ!) and I’m excited to see what comes from focusing most of my energy on that. I’m ready to give it my all and if it doesn’t happen this year…at least I’ll make progress and be closer 😀
Yes!! I just read your post about your BQ goal. I know you will get there, and I can’t wait to follow your training!
I like your non-running goals (your running ones too, but that goes without saying…)! I need to unplug more…
I’ve been trying to work on non-running goals over the last few years because I know I will focus on running regardless of if I set a goal or not!
One of the things I’ve started to do is spend some time standing up while reading blogs, FB, etc. Of course I don’t work and I’m at home, but I still sit way too much. Plus we ordered a stationary exercise bike with a desk (that should arrive today!), so I’m planning on adding in some biking for cross training, too.
I don’t bike in RL, but I’ve wanted a stationary bike for years. I actually used to have one, but we sold it when we got the treadmill — weird how things sort of come full circle (except you won’t pry my TM from my cold, dead feet, even if I’d much rather run outside).
I’m totally with you on the fact that it’s ok not to reach your goals — as long as you’ve tried!
That sounds so great that you will have a stationary bike with a desk! I created a standing desk for myself at home but I still sit all day at work, so I am trying to figure out ways to move more when I am there.
I need to get better at unplugging too. I need to put my phone out of sight (out of mind) and just leave the sound on in case someone calls.
Yes, I am constantly checking my phone and its such a bad habit!
These are fantastic goals, and very achievable. I love setting goals. Without them I feel like I’m working toward… well, nothing? Also, I hate push-ups. Maybe I’ll join you on those. 😉
Push-ups are so tough! But in general I don’t keep up with upper body strength training so I figure I can get it all in with one exercise:)
I haven’t made my “goals” for 2016 yet either but I do have a few “plans”..lol. I’d like to learn working on “unplugging” a little more!
Plans are great too! I just always feel like I need something to focus on. And I think most of us bloggers could benefit from unplugging a bit more:)
Happy New Year!!
A great set of attainable goals (I think)!
OMG the posture, why as I read that did I adjust myself at my desk and start rolling my neck. It is so easy to fall into the bad posture at the desk. I find myself really hunched over and also sliding down..it is awful!!
Time to unplug…YES!! I have set a goal to be more present at home and charging the phone and no computer until the kids are in bed.
I think I am going to do monthly and quarterly goal review…I totally need it to be more accountable and successful.
Good luck with your goals!!
I also have terrible posture when I sit down! I end up with back pain and just feeling all tight. I definitely think it helps to do regular goal updates…a year is a long time to try to stay focused and keep track of your progress!
Make time to unplug- that’s a good one. I feel it’s so easy to get sidetracked on social media! I’ll be online replying to comments or commenting on other runner blogs (hi! I just found yours!) and totally get sidetracked by Facebook notifications and such.
I never really thought of using my daily steps towards the 2016 mileage challenge! I specifically didn’t sign up for that because I knew I couldn’t get in 2016 running miles this year- but I walk between 5-8 miles a day at work so if I added those it wouldn’t be a problem! Good idea!!
Wow that is alot of walking at work! I recently started a new position that is a desk job and I hardly walk at all during the day, so it will still be tough for me to get a few miles of walking in each day unless I plan for it!
Thanks for visiting the blog!:)