New years are always a way for people to focus on things they have not been able to master in the past and 2013 is a great way to get a fresh start.  Goal setting is important when it comes to being successful in pretty much any area of your life.  Whether your goal is to get fit, save more money, or spend more time with your family you can make it happen if you focus on what you can do everyday to reach or become closer to your goal.

An awesome tool to try would be to use the SMART goals criteria.  The SMART goals model allows you to be specific, measure your goal, make sure it is attainable, realistic, and time sensitive.

Some of the things I hope to achieve in 2013:

1.  Read at least one new book a month until my paralegal classes start.  The one I am reading now is called Set Free to Live Free and so far is truly exactly what I need.

2.  Be more diligent about my quiet time with GOD.



3.  Focus on Bible Study with my sweetie and make that more of an emphasis in our relationship.  We will be starting to read 5 Love Languages book together and there is even a free study guide on the website.

4.  No technology one night a week.  My boyfriend and I have agreed that Wednesday will be a night when we read and do other things non-technology related.



5.  Workout at least 4x a week for 45 minutes a session.  Last year I trained and ran a half marathon (13.1 miles) and this year I want to possibly run another one and continue to focus on myself and my fitness.

6.  Start and finish my paralegal certification program and make a successful career change as a paralegal.



7.  Get rid of my debt and adhere to the terms of the Spending Freeze.  This means slashing debt, saving those pennies, and planning large purchases without financing.



8.  Go on a fun vacation with my boyfriend.  You may think this goes against the Spending Freeze, but once the debt is paid off we want to be able to go on a little vacation at the very end of 2013 maybe even the holidays.  Planning how much to save per pay period between now and then will help us make that happen.



9.  Focus more on simple living.  When you live in a large city it can be difficult to focus on the things that matter and limit distractions.  This is something I hope to tame in 2013.  Basically less materialism and more whole living through body, spirit, and mind.  For us this means enjoying the spring and summer months with a garden and spending warm weekends at the park with Chloe instead of going out and spending too much money on dinner and drinks.

10.  Have fun and enjoy every precious moment!

I hope this has inspired you to set some goals for 2013!  It's never too late to take charge of your life or enhance something you are longing for.