Good morning and happy new year, friends! The old has gone, the new has come – hooray! Is there anything more exciting than a fresh start, a slate wiped clean, empty pages of a year just waiting to be filled? I think not! So today on the blog, as I’ve done in years past on this platform, I’m embracing this new year fully and sharing my 2017 Goal Setting process with all of you! Let’s dive in!
If you’ve been following along with me here for any length of time, you know that 2015 was the year of FREEDOM for me. God spoke and worked out freedom in my life in HUGE ways – even unexpected ways – over the past year. I learned so much about myself, others, my relationships, and God Himself in the past twelve months. And as the year was coming to a close, I began to feel the tide of a new theme sweeping in:
Everyday Abundance: living every single day in the fullness of the abundant, rich, overflowing life He came to give me.
And so I decided my word for 2017 is ABUNDANCE because I have been SET FREE to live a FULL LIFE in Him. The reality I was faced with this past year is that, in Him, I have all that I could ever need, hope for, want, dream, or desire. And what’s even sweeter, is that in my most imperfect, messy, human state of being, He tells me I am enough – that I can come just as I am, wherever I am, and He will meet me there. He even goes so far as to call me “good” and “holy” and “chosen” to be His very own. There is no need for striving, hustling, and trying to meet the world’s impossible standards. He has done all of the work and it’s time for me to LIVE LIKE IT. Amen!
So what does cultivating everyday abundance in the new year look like for me? Let’s explore …
Things I’m saying “YES” to:
Embracing fullness and abundance in my days; pursuing healing in any broken areas of my life; growing as a leader, influencer, and minister of God’s love, grace, and truth; trusting God and believing His plans and purposes will be accomplished; time in His Word; prayer; encouragement and inspiration; spending time with my people; creativity; exercise; adventure; travel; boldness, confidence, and fearlessness.
Things I’m saying “NO” to:
Feelings of “not enough” and “lack;” comparison; envy; negativity; hopelessness; tension; frustration; fear; worry; doubt; too much time on social media (and the phone / iPad in general); the Enemy’s schemes and lies; multitasking to the point of exhaustion; gossip; and getting worked up about things out of my control (it’s all out of my control anyway, right? LET. IT. GO.)
The things that will “FIRE ME UP” to make what matters most happen:
Coffee and Jesus; dates with my hubby; long runs; traveling; adventure; taking pictures; being outside; reading; writing; blogging; decorating; creating; cleaning; organizing; baking; listening to music; spending time with my family and friends; going to conferences; exploring new places; sunshine; being at the lake; good food and drink; inspirational media; prayer, praise, and worship.
And so with that, I set my GOOD GOALS for the coming year:
- To grow in my love of God’s Word and the application of His truth to my life.
Be in my bible everyday; intentional time of bible study; reading books focused on Christ and His truth; attending conferences / events centered on Him; speaking truth and life to others and myself (preach the Word); memorize scripture.
2. Cultivate a full, loving, and satisfying marriage.
Make this year the best year yet! Plan regular dates and getaways (near or far) together, express love and devotion to each other in big and small ways everyday; have undistracted time together; plan for “unplanned days” to spend together, just the two of us; celebrate 10 years of marriage!
3. Make time, space, and room for our people.
Visit, call, text, FaceTime and Skype with our people (near and far); host some fun events / girl time at the ranch; travel to see our people.
4. Cultivate emotional, mental, and physical health / well-being.
Eat healthy and powerful foods; drink at least 64 oz of water everyday; run, stretch, and strength-train; get at least 8 hours of sleep every night; practice sabbath rest once/week; use essential oils and find new ways to incorporate them into my lifestyle.
5. Practice regular self-care and do more of what fires me up.
Read good, uplifting books; enjoy art / bible journaling time; listen to worship music; take social media breaks; be good to my skin; get manicures and massages.
6. Cultivate a fulfilling and meaningful career.
Engage in regular professional development activities (work on getting my CEUs); be a supportive leader and supervisor; encourage and empower staff (my team and those staff out in the field) to do and be their very best; pray over my work; use leadership, ministry, and influence for the good of the staff, clients, communities, and states we serve.
7. Be a light and encouragement on my various platforms.
Develop and post meaningful content on the blog; post with intention and purpose; speak life and truth (be honest and vulnerable and real); take Influence Network classes; learn ways to develop and expand upon my brand.
8. Cultivate financial peace and simplicity on all fronts.
Stick to our budget and continue to save money; declutter our places and spaces; create whitespace in our schedules; don’t purchase unnecessary items (I really don’t need anything).
So, what about you, friends? Do you have a theme / word for this coming year? What goals are you hoping to accomplish in the new year? If you’re not sure where to start, I can’t recommend Lara Casey’s 2017 Goal Setting process enough (there’s an awesome Ultimate New Years Giveaway included if you participate in this too). I also use Lara Casey’s PowerSheets to do my best planning for each month of the year (it seriously has made all of the difference in my goal-setting and vision-casting process)!
If you would like to see additional inspiration, check out my Pinterest board: Making Things Happen in 2017.
I wish all of you the very best in this new year! Here’s to all of us living our best lives today and every day! Make it abundant, friends!
Terri Shaver says
Hannah, you always make me smile. You have wisdom beyond your years. I can attest to the fact that Sabbath days have revolutionized our lives. Thursday is our protected Sabbath day. We study, read, pray together and rest. It’s been a Godsend… we just completed a full year now. Also, I would challenge you to take a class (even online- Craftsy, for instance) and learn something totally new. Bread making, Chinese cooking… step out if your comfort zone. And I’ve personally strapped on the challenge of scripture memorization. One verse a week. That will be 52 at the end of the year! Come with me on that journey! Love you sweet girl!
hgottschalk12 says
Thank you, Mom S! Glad I can bring a smile your way! I am so enjoying our Sabbath time each week. It has become my favorite part of the week now. I accept your challenge too – bread making sounds up my alley, and painting is something I’ve been interested in doing more of too. I will join you on the journey of scripture memorization. I did this a few years ago and it was amazing! I’m ready to grasp all that God has for me this year! Love you too! Thanks for the encouragement!