It’s late April, and we are a little over a quarter into 2020. Um, what? SO MUCH has already happened this year, and I’m sure, as with every year, there is so much left to come. One of my plans this year was to do quarterly reviews of myself in relation to my goals, so here’s the first one! I’m basing this off my New Year’s Resolution post, so I can see how far I’ve come from there.
One of my biggest takeaways from this quarter has been allowing myself grace. Whether I’m feeling overwhelmed because things aren’t going the way I want them to or I’m falling short in my career or creativity, I know that I need to remember to be flexible and give myself a little grace. I’m doing the best I can.
Health
This is the area where I constantly feel like I need the most improvement. I’m not a huge fan of exercising or drinking water, and those two categories make up a lot in determining one’s health. I have been doing a lot better at water consumption, but with gyms closed and races cancelled, I’ve fallen short on going to the gym twice a week and running a 5k every quarter.
As for my other goals, I think I’ve been doing a little better. My diet is pretty healthy and I’m working on incorporating more veggies. Even though vegan days haven’t fully been implemented, I’m on the right track.
Finally, in the sleep category, I totally forgot I wanted to start tracking my sleep schedule which is why it’s great that I’m checking in! I’ll start doing that for this quarter (if you have any app
- Increase Water Intake MOSTLY ON TRACK
- First Quarter: 16 oz/day
- Exercise More BEHIND
- First Half: Gym two times a week
- Run a 5k each quarter: March, June, September, November/December
- Eat healthier ON TRACK
- Lower sugar intake – sugar-free month
- Incorporate more vegetables into diet
- Have one vegan day each week
- Maintain a good sleep schedule MOSTLY ON TRACK
- Begin tracking sleep
- Get at least 7.5 hours a night
Wealth
This is the category I think I’m doing the best in! I’ve been working aggressively to pay down debt, and I see it paying off! At the beginning of the year, my Net Worth was -13,301, and by the end of March it was -8,203. That already feels like such a significant reduction. I’m on track to fund the first level of my emergency fund by August rather than December and I’m chugging away researching and writing to open my IRA. I feel very happy about this progress.
- Pay off credit card debt by end of school year = $??? each month ON TRACK
- Pay off CUofGA Loan by end of summer = $??? each month MOSTLY ON TRACK
- Create a $1,000 Emergency Fund VERY CLOSE
- Invest for Retirement MISSED BUT ON TRACK TO FINISH BY APRIL
- Research different investment brokers in January
- Begin investing in Roth by end of January ($???/month)
- First Quarter: None
- Second Quarter: Apr $____ May $____ June $____
- Make $500/month teaching English online. DOING WELL
- (redacted for now) IN PROGRESS
Craft
Another one where I’ve kind of been slacking. I’ve been working on taking courses and prepping myself, but really, I just have to do it. I think a fear of failing or not making something “good” is stopping me from making something at all.
- Make a new video each week Nope
- Learn editing techniques on After Effects (1 hr a week)
- Complete a 52 weeks movie challenge 4/12 weeks
- Write every day Barely
- Carry around a mini-journal like David Sedaris
- Write down something you’re thankful for each month
- Do stand up at an open mic Nope
- Dedicate 30 mins to writing jokes each week
- Perform for friends first
- Don’t chicken out!
Acuity
I’ve been reading a TON which I love. I want to read more, and faster! I’m even in a virtual book club. I’ve been reading some genres that are out of the ordinary for me, so all in all I feel like this section is going well. I started my Masterclass but haven’t finished. As for the news articles, I feel like I keep up generally well, but I know I’m not reading every other day. I’ll work on developing a morning routine that includes that.
- Take a new Masterclass class each quarter MOSTLY ON TRACK
- Read 30 books this year – 2.5/month ON TRACK
- Keep up with news by reading articles every other day SEMI
Free Time
Besides wealth, this is the other domain that I feel like I’ve been doing my best. I’ve been making a lot of new things, and it’s been fun to experiment in the kitchen and eat the fruits (but usually breads and cookies) of my labor. Before coronavirus made us practice social distancing, my roommate and I were doing a great job of hosting events and spending quality time with those around us. Even though I haven’t been able to travel as much as I’d like (RIP my spring break trip), I’m still really lucky to have been able to go to Portland, so I have technically traveled almost every two months.
- Bake a new recipe each month ON TRACK
- Cook a new meal every two weeks ON TRACK
- Create Community YUP
- Host an event for friends at least once a month
- Make it a point to reach out to others.
- Travel somewhere every two months YUP
Monthly Goals
Jan: Make a 5/10 Year plan oops will do
Feb: Send Valentine’s Cards Check-ish
Mar: Have a fun spring break oops
This is where I am so far. Falling short in some places, thriving in others. Hopefully by my next check in, I’ll see some more progress. I think as I get in the swing of certain habits, I’ll be better able to focus on others. Until then!
