2013-2014 Goals.

I'm very fortunate to have a great Fine Arts director who has recently been chosen to be president-elect of TETA (the Texas theatre teacher's organization). During our summer conference, he gave the keynote address and spoke on the importance of setting goals and having them posted visibly. After the 5th or 6th time he mentioned (read: emphatically stated) this, the lady sitting next to me leaned over and said, "He's your Fine Arts director, right?" I nodded, and she laughed a little. "Better get those goals posted in your room FAST."

And so I did. Sort of. Right now, on a huge bulletin board on my classroom wall in silver glitter letters is "2013-2014 Goals". I know what mine are, but for right now it's blank. Tomorrow, first period when my Theatre Production class meets, I'm going to make the students choose their goals. I'm pretty sure that having them create the goals will make them more connected to them. Basically, my one rule in that class is going to be that if it doesn't help us get to one of those goals, you shouldn't be doing it. Winning.

But...I've got some personal goals this year. And so I've decided...somewhat begrudgingly...that I'm going to post them here. Visibly. So that you can all help hold me accountable. And--with a few exceptions--I've decided that if it doesn't help me get toward one of these goals...you guessed it. I shouldn't be doing it.

So here ya go.

1) Make my relationship with Christ THE priority in my life. I'm not in some place where I've wandered away and need to get back on track, but I'm definitely guilty of not putting growing in Christ at the top of my list.
2) Get outta debt. I'm not swimming in it, but God has MAJORLY blessed me with a great paycheck and low expenses, so I need to be working toward financial freedom. I'd also love to be able to start putting money aside for things in the future.
3) Get healthy. This is the hardest for me. Not because I don't think I can do it....but because I know I can. I've done it. And then let myself get not just back to where I was...but worse off than I was. And that kills me. It's embarrassing, discouraging, and disheartening. And it's time for it to be over.
4) Be a better teacher.  I think I do ok as a director, but my actual classes often end up getting pushed to the back burner. I want to make a pointed effort to be a good teacher this year--to give every class the attention it deserves.
5) Cook more. Last year, I ate out WAY too much. Laziness, lack of preparation, and just plain being busy got the best of me and I spent too much money and too many calories in the drive thru. Bonus: this goal helps with #2 and #3, too!
6) Focus on the now. I'm always overly concerned with the future. It leads to anxiety, discontent, frustration, and worry....and most of the time, for no good reason. This year, I'm going to be more present in the moment, grateful for my circumstances, and aware that there is a plan for me and worrying about the future won't change that.

So there ya go. My goals. I'm going to post them somewhere in my house and make a point to work toward them this year. If you've got suggestions on how to accomplish any of them, pass those tips along. Lord knows this sister needs 'em.

(BTW, I'm already using Dave Ramsey, Weight Watchers, and Fighter Verse. :-) )