It’s been a few months since my last 101 post, so I figured we were all due for an update and check in! Close observers of my original list will notice that I’ve modified a few goals since January 1, 2011. Some purists might consider that “cheating,” but to me, the point of a 101 in 1001 project is not slogging through a set of outdated goals that are no longer relevant or meaningful, but pushing and challenging yourself to live a better, more full life everyday.

With that, here are my goals for February:

— Finish the biography of John Adams I’m reading (for no. 61)
— Print out a favorite poem and commit to reading it every night as I brush my teeth (for no. 56)
— Design and print Em for Marvelous return address labels for Etsy store (for no. 76)
— Order my Warby Parker glasses now that I’ve returned my try on pairs (for no. 95)

Theurel & Thomas branding via Black*Eiffel (photos from Anagrama)

I also wanted to give you a quick update on my 2012 goal of establishing certain daily habits. (Here’s the original post if you missed it!) In a word, it’s going fantastic! I ended up ordering the goal log, and it’s been so helpful in keeping me on point.

If you’ve posted about February goals, feel free to leave a comment below — I’d love to come take a peek!

The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is one of my favorite weeks of the year. I like setting goals, and this quiet time is perfect for looking back at what I’ve accomplished (or not) throughout the past year, and looking forward to what I hope to do and be in the coming year.

I’m entering the second year of my 101 in 1001, and am continuing to check things off that list (so far, I’ve completed 14 goals, and have another 35 in progress!). Those are my more experiential, overarching, life-enriching goals.

In 2012, however, I feel moved to make a second set of goals that are more quotidian. These are basic things that should already be a part of my life, but aren’t for a variety of reasons (and yes, that reason is most often laziness). That being said, I think it’s unproductive to set a goal of doing something every day when trying to establish a new habit, because if you miss one day, or even a few days in a row, it might seem like there’s no point in getting back on the train.

SO. Here’s what I’m going to do instead. I’ve made a list of twelve daily practices that I want to become habits by the end of 2012. They include: wake up at or before 8am, go to sleep by 11pm, go for a walk, floss, read the Bible, eat breakfast, do the dinner dishes before I go to bed, make the bed in the morning, and a few others.

In January, February, and March, I’m going to do at least four of these practices every day. In April, May, and June, I’m going to do six. In July, August, and September, eight. In October, November, and December, ten. I’m not sure what 2013 will hold yet, but the goal is that all of these practices will have become habits by then, and perhaps I can start over with a new set! The thing I love most about this system, is that it doesn’t expect me to do everything every day — and especially because there are so many things I’d like to start doing, that is a very good thing. As my friend Emily likes to say, grace, not perfection.

To keep track of everything and make this system as easy as possible for myself, I’m planning to purchase this goal log, which I spotted on my other friend Emily’s blog.

What do you think, friends? And what are your 2012 goals? If you’ve posted about them, feel free to leave a link so I can come encourage you! :)

Mother Teresa print by CreatebyRET

Happy November! At the beginning of every month, I write a short post covering what I accomplished in the previous month and what I hope to accomplish in the next one for my 101 in 1001 challenge. I’ll also introduce you to one of my 101 buddies (see them all in the sidebar!). Here we go!

October 1, 2011: 12/101 goals complete, 30/101 goals in progress

Did I begin…
— No. 34. Camp at least once a year? Yes! Post here.
— No. 47. Increase giving/tithing by 10% every year? Yes! Commitment Sunday at our church was this past Sunday :)
— No. 56. Photograph and post 30 separate outfits for the world to see? Yes! See flickr set here.

Did I complete…
— No. 19. Buy or install new shelving for books? Yes! See my new rainbow bookshelf here.
— No. 71. Get Peach & Pearl a spiffy new look? Not yet, but we are very close! P&P’s new look will definitely be unveiled in November :)
— No. 75. Switch blog platform from Blogger to WordPress? Same as above!

Abby Jiu

November 1, 2011: 14 goals complete/34 goals in progress

I plan to begin:
No. 55: Add one piece to the Willow Tree nativity each year

I plan to complete:
No. 3: Send a care package to someone I don’t know

Sweet and simple this month, because November is going to be cray-zay for our household!

Sanderson Images

November Spotlight:

Kelly of Hello Seester is our November Spotlight, and you can check out all of her goals right here! My five favorite goals of hers:

— No. 15: Join the Junior League (Considering this myself… thought?)
— No. 17: Start a retirement fund (YES.)
— No. 55: Make headboard for my apartment bedroom
— No. 73: Have a dinner by candlelight
— No. 77: Wear only dresses for two weeks (This one cracks me up! I’d totally do this.)

In the meantime, you can see the details on all of my goals right here. Here’s to a great month!

Friends! In the hubbub of August/September, I completely forgot to do a 101 in 1001 update! Forgive me. Since I had no stated goals for September, I’m just going to pick up with October goals. Here we go!

October 1, 2011: 12/101 goals complete, 30/101 goals in progress

Plan to begin:
34. Backpack and camp at least once a year
47. Increase giving/tithing by 10% every year
56. Photograph and post 30 separate outfits for the world to see

Plan to complete:
19. Buy or install new shelving for books
71. Get Peach & Pearl a spiffy new look
75. Switch blog platform from Blogger to WordPress

Exciting stuff!

via Me Oh My

October Spotlight: Kate

Kate is my wonderful older sister! She does not have a blog, but you can view her goal progress right here on a Google Doc. She’s doing great — 1/4 of the way there, with 25 goals complete! My five favorite goals:

— No. 12: Go on an overnight hike
— No. 20: Put change in someone’s expired parking meter
— No. 48: Make macarons (this seems SO hard — anyone??)
— No. 58: Memorize three hymns on the piano
— No. 63: Embroider something

In the meantime, you can see the details on all of my goals right here. Here’s to a great month!