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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / blog & handmade advice / {will you welcome 2012 with *NEW* goals, or old goals?}

{will you welcome 2012 with *NEW* goals, or old goals?}

December 12, 2011 · 35 Comments
Filed Under: blog & handmade advice, inspiration

mini-notebook via etsy

As the end of the year nears it’s easy to think about the new goals I want to accomplish for 2012, and the old goals I wish I accomplished in 2011. But, I stop myself before I have both feet on that “What If” road. Really, it doesn’t matter what I didn’t accomplish for 2011 ~ but more so that I know how I can accomplish these things for 2012. Do you want to know what I discovered…? Don’t look back. Making little mistakes and forgetting certain tasks is normal. We all do it. Looking back seems to make the mistakes hurt more, though — and really, we don’t need to do that to ourselves. And the good news is I can totally do these things before the year ends :]

As the end of the year nears I don’t want my focus to be on what could/should/would had I done X, Y, or Z. Instead I want my focus to be positive ~ inspirational ~ moving forward. And to get to there I need to do just a few things: make a list, get serious, believe in myself.

Goals need to be specific, measurable, assigned a time limit, written down and yours, otherwise they’re simply a dream. {Thanks to the book EntreLeadership for pointing this out to me.}

Actually, just the other day I shared with Zack, I know I say I’m going to do {blank} and I rarely do, but I want to forget about that. I’m going to make some serious changes. I believe in myself and I *will* make these changes.

I believe in myself and I’m moving forward, but…

…knowing I’ve failed before used to hold me back. This time I want that feeling to push me forward.

Do you ever feel the same way?

To push forward I made a list of three things that are current “issues” with my business. Things that really need to be revised before we should work on anything new {this is a personal choice to do it this way}. This is so exciting + empowering! Instead of feeling like I’ve added {again} something to my list of what didn’t get accomplished ~ I’m shortening the list by actually accomplishing it. Yeow! And, I’m making a difference.

paper flowers

SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT…
1. there is still time THIS YEAR to accomplish [some of] your goals
2. change your focus so it’s positive and inspirational {if it already isn’t}
3. turn dreams into goals by making them measurable & assigning a time limit
4. want to take this a step further? make an Inspiration Board to house your goals

* * *

SHARE WITH US: If you could end the 2011 year with any one thing accomplished ~ for your home, your family, your business, your social life, your {blank} — what would that one thing be?

xoxo.

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35 Comments
Filed Under: blog & handmade advice, inspiration

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Comments

  1. Cindy says

    December 12, 2011 at 7:19 am

    Couldn’t have said it better myself :-) I accomplished my goal of 2011 by telling myself I WAS going to start my own business and made a “gameplan” on how I was going to do it. The hardest part for me was just getting the wheels churning after being a SAHM for the past 10 years. Now for 2012 my goals are to open my store, perfect my techniques and skills….. and sew handbags like crazy :) (now that my youngest will start Kindergarten in the Fall!) So for now I am experimenting and playing around with ideas. Life is good. Have a great week and thanks for the inspiration and thoughts! Cindy

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      December 13, 2011 at 2:43 pm

      ::throws confetti in the air::

      yay – you started a business! how it is going? what do you think you did well this year? what do you need to work on? write it down and assign a deadline, you can do it! xo

      Reply
    • katy reitz (lil' alice) says

      December 14, 2011 at 2:46 pm

      Congrats Cindy…. we are walking down the same road! Starting a new business (sewing) with the blessing of my husband in early fall. It was just a hobby but it’s been blown out of the water and can’t stay just a hobby!

      Reply
  2. Tara says

    December 12, 2011 at 7:31 am

    I never thought about making my goals inspirational! Love that!! I am currently trying to finish up my 2012 goals for my business! I am so excited for 2012! I know it will bring awesome things!

    Reply
  3. Bethany says

    December 12, 2011 at 9:13 am

    Sometimes I think that simply attempting resolutions on Jan. 1st jinxes them, but last year I made my resolutions on February 1st; and that didn’t seem to help. I suppose the problem is with me. :) I love the feeling of inspiration that comes with New Year’s.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      December 13, 2011 at 2:44 pm

      i think not assigning a deadline is why many of us fail at making resolutions. when something seems too ambiguous it’s super easy for me to set it aside until i finally forget about it. ooops! thanks for your comment bethany :) XO

      Reply
  4. Erin says

    December 12, 2011 at 9:40 am

    Love this! :) I am so excited for the new year…there are TONS of things I didn’t do this year that I would have loved to do, but I try to take that as motivation — what can I change for the better in my life to make an environment for success next time?? :) Also, I also heard some great advice recently to motivate us to not think of what we *didn’t* do and get discouraged…before making a “to do” list, make a 2011 “I DID” list. It will help you to realize all you’ve accomplished and motivate you to move forward with your new goals!! :)

    Thanks for the encouraging post, friend!! :)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      December 13, 2011 at 2:44 pm

      oh i love that — a DID list! done :)

      Reply
  5. barbie says

    December 12, 2011 at 10:46 am

    if i could accomplish one goal by 2012, it is to organize the spare bedroom for my stash of crafting/fabrics so i can begin my goal of opening an etsy shop! :)

    Reply
  6. Jennifer says

    December 12, 2011 at 11:08 am

    My goal before the end of 2011 is to organize my house. Especially the kids rooms and toys. A place for everything and everything in its place. I am so excited!

    Reply
  7. Zack says

    December 12, 2011 at 11:12 am

    Love you kiddo. Good post today :)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      December 13, 2011 at 2:44 pm

      thanks hubby ♥

      Reply
  8. Earl-Leigh Designs says

    December 12, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    My goal for the end of the year is to organize my life. I have a “real job” that takes up at least 40hrs a week and I’m married, so I’ve been a little frazzled/burnt out the last few months with starting my small biz. I’m going to use my Christmas vacay (yay for working in education) to organize my sewing area, make a more reasonable plan of action for 2012 and sew.

    Reply
  9. Stephanie says

    December 12, 2011 at 2:22 pm

    def loving this post!!

    http://infinitelifefintess.com

    http://mscomposure.blogspot.com

    Reply
  10. Ashley says

    December 12, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    Fantastic post!!!!!!! Very inspirational!! We CAN reach our goals!!! Getting out my pen and paper now.
    And p.s. How sweet is your guy:) lOve that he loves you!!

    Reply
  11. Sarah-Anne says

    December 12, 2011 at 7:30 pm

    AMEN.
    love ya friend <3

    Reply
  12. Jill says

    December 12, 2011 at 9:00 pm

    If there was one thing I could accomplish with my business before 2011 ends, I would like teach myself to work better and more efficiently with an almost non-existent budget. There are so many things I want to do but I always find myself saying, “when I’ve got more money.” Instead, I’d like to find myself saying, “ok, I may not be able to do it that way yet, but how can I do something similar with the resources I DO have available?”

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      December 13, 2011 at 2:47 pm

      yes yes — this is totally achievable! there is so much power in “trying”, rarely has it let me down. i also think it’s really pushed me to be creative, so that’s like a double bonus ;)

      good for you jill! one of my favorite quotes, “inspiration is all around you”

      XO

      Reply
      • Jill says

        December 16, 2011 at 8:18 pm

        Thanks so much for the vote of confidence! And also for this post. It really got me thinking about where I want my handmade business to go and what I want it to be.

        Reply
  13. Emily says

    December 13, 2011 at 7:33 am

    Great insights! Agreed. You won’t always achieve your goals by the deadline you originally write down, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep moving forward.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      December 13, 2011 at 2:48 pm

      yep! i think there is a lot of insight into “forgotten” goals — either they are things we really need to work on (which is why it’s hard to finish them) or they aren’t that important. either way, so good to know :)

      Reply
  14. jami nato says

    December 13, 2011 at 11:47 am

    goals. i need these this year.

    Reply
  15. Cindy says

    December 14, 2011 at 2:59 pm

    Thank you Katy! I am blessed as well to have such a supportive husband. He was the one who actually got rid of my old sewing machine, went online and ordered me a “business one” :) Best wishes to you!

    Reply
  16. Melissa S., SoChick! says

    December 14, 2011 at 3:45 pm

    ~I totally love all of these women in the comments who are starting their own businesses, so empowering to see! YAY for you ladies!!!~
    I really am the one that holds myself back, I’m working on not just writing down my goals, but setting a ‘due date’/limit for them as well…. I’ve learned the past few months that i can’t do it all myself and need help, an employee most likely is in my future (so hard to admit that, a good scary feeling though).
    Something else I’m doing: i’m making a flow chart for myself as I revise my business plan from 2009 when I first wrote it… yikes, yeah, I really haven’t touched it since I wrote it, I am learning that I need to update it as my business grows… not just write all of my ideas down and then let them sit there. I think a ‘flow chart’ of sorts will help me break down the steps it’ll take to get to my BIG GOAL to make it more attainable and less overwhelming.

    Gosh, Gussy, you are an inspiring gal! Sorry for the uber long comment, too…

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      December 14, 2011 at 10:09 pm

      yep, yep — i agree with everything you’re saying! now, stand up tall + proud and make it happen, girl! xoxo

      Reply
  17. Cindy @ Creating at Home says

    December 16, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    I found this post so encouraging! I am guilty of letting previous failures in business hold me back from pursuing my dreams. I’ve gotta get past that!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      December 16, 2011 at 11:48 pm

      don’t put that kind of guilt on yourself — totally unnecessary, and it will only bring you down! give yourself permission to mess up. but then make sure you pinpoint WHY you are messing up so you can work past it.

      xoxo!

      Reply
      • Cindy @ Creating at Home says

        December 16, 2011 at 11:58 pm

        thanks for your kind words! I will write out my goals for 2012 and will try to get past the past and move forward.

        Reply
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    Reply
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Trackbacks

  1. {on sewing a pretty curtain :: turning a dream into an accomplished goal} says:
    December 14, 2011 at 8:24 am

    […] I talked about on Monday, I wanted to welcome 2012 with new goals — without the baggage of my old goals. Sewing this curtain has been on my wish list for […]

    Reply
  2. {my top 10 referrers from 2011 ~ thank you!} says:
    December 28, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    […] you for a fabulous 2011 ~ cheers to what 2012 will bring! […]

    Reply

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

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Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect o Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect on the moments I’ve felt my mind spinning, my emotions swirly, it’s almost always when I’m not feasting on the word of God. Not that reading scripture is the cure for anxiety —no! Rather, it’s hard to worry when we’re worshipping.
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#mothersofinstagram #tea #winterreading #hygge
I fought every internal comment I could think of a I fought every internal comment I could think of and took my kiddos for a looooong walk today before dinner. ❄️✨ There’s just so much work required to raise children! I’m feeling like a tired lady. But sunshine & fresh air are good companions to keep around. 

We came home and I made “the best dinner ever”. Max specifically announced, “it’s so great you’re launching new meals to the world”. LOL— kids! 🤣👏🏻💓
How about a little Wednesday night introduction? 😘Social media sure has changed over the years and we don’t always SEE who we’re following or remember WHY we’re following certain accounts. 

So, hello! As you can gather, my name is Maggie ;) 

I started writing online (almost 13 years ago) to share the handmade products I was sewing. My shop was called Gussy Sews. ✂️👛I love the community that has grown from sewing & sharing online.

Let’s FFW to today: Zack and I live in Michigan and have four young children (2 boys & 2 girls). I slowly left the handmade industry and walked right into homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging women through writing. 💕📝

Motherhood has been very hard on me. (And not just because of how close in age our four children are.) It’s been hard for me because I fought for years to accept that *it’s supposed to be hard*. 

I mean, how do you effectively teach another person to know and love the Lord? Bc that’s how I think of motherhood: a calling to nurture others by studying the One who nurtures me. So I gotta make the first move: study the Bible and seek Him first. As my friend Autumn reminded me, vulnerability births transformation. 

(I’ve had to be really vulnerable!)

So, yes motherhood has fully transformed me. But even more so, Christ has fully transformed me. My list of “all that He’s done for me” is off to a beautifully long start.

Something else I want you to know about me: I stalled for years before acknowledging I have anxiety and depression. It’s hard to talk about this because of course this isn’t forever “my hardship”, but rather because acknowledging this means to heal I have to work through some really difficult things. ✨

But my friend Jesus walks alongside me. He’s already done a mighty work in my heart, including helping me process my anger in healthier ways. I’ve also adopted a heart for sisterhood, mothering, and Titus 2 mentorship.

Sometimes our greatest losses are our greatest gains? That’s what I’m clinging to!

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Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
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