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Simplify in 2014

I've chosen a word for 2014 that I'm going to focus on. I prayed about it for a while and honestly didn't have to do as much soul searching as I thought I would because it was pretty apparent to me what word I needed to focus on.

Simplify

I'm going to try to simplify in all areas of my life: physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, relational and financial. I'm trying to give myself a goal with each area to help myself simplify. Some may not seem like simplifying to you, but to me they are.

Physical: Work out at least 3 times a week
This strangely adds more to my week, but I want to make sure my time is spent on things I should be prioritizing and not on things I shouldn't.

Mental: Read 50 books this year
Again, this adds more time in this area, but it means I have to take time away from other areas. I'm going to stop watching some TV shows and stop surfing around on my iPad and focus on reading.

Spiritual: Spend time daily reading the Bible
This is something I strive to do anyway, but it just can get pushed aside in the day to day and it should be the first thing I focus on. I'm going to try to wake up earlier and do this really intentionally.

Emotional: Blog more
I know this is a weird place to put blogging - as an emotional goal - but for me, blogging has always made me slow down and stop and think for a little bit. And the reason why I haven't done it much in the last year is because I haven't allowed myself time to slow down and stop long enough to do it. So setting aside time to stop and reflect through blogging is helpful for me emotionally.

Relational: Monthly dates outside the house with Lewis (& friends)
Lewis and I have regular time throughout the week that we hang out and watch a movie or something, but we need to focus on getting out of the house for some dates. It requires us to stop and talk and it's just exciting. I also need to do the same with some of my girlfriends. We will fit time in here and there but it's never really consistent and I want some intentional time with people I love.

Financial: Do not purchase clothing in 2014
This is the hardest one for me. It really is going to be a huge challenge, but I've been thinking a lot about it and I didn't think a month or even 2 months was enough time to set this goal. I want to cut it out for the entire year and see what kind of a difference it makes.


Honorable mention thoughts:
I have signed up for an account with mint.com to try to track our finances. I would love to pay off some student loans this year.

I'm also going to try to not bring school stuff home unless it's absolutely necessary. I've gotten into this habit of working a lot at home and I just won't have time honestly.

I will finish my Masters in June and I want to start my Rank 1 in August. These are huge steps for me and I'm excited about them!
 
I would also like to save up the majority of our money for Christmas gifts before December. I have a few ways I'm going to try doing that and I'll post later about how that goes.
 
 
What are your 2014 goals?

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