We have lots of dreams and thoughts for 2016, but let’s be real: having a baby will throw a wrench in even our best-laid plans.
Instead of having super specific goals that just might not be realistic with a little one, these are some of the things I (and the hubby) would love to work on and see growth in for 2016. I might set more specific monthly goals for myself as we get adjusted to life with a baby, but for now, we’re thinking big picture!
The blogging goals are more specific to me and the personal goals involve our family as a whole. We will have to give ourselves lots of grace as we adjust to life as a family of four (I can’t leave Olive out!) so some of these might fall to the wayside in seasons. And you know what? I’d say that’s a-okay with us.
Blogging Goals
- Consistently Posting: This is something I think I did well on in 2015, but I know that having a baby will change things and I’ll have to find a new normal. After taking a maternity leave once Caleb’s born, I’d love to get back into a regular posting schedule of having 3-4 posts per week.
- Increased Pageviews: I’d like to average at least 15,000-17,000 pageviews per month. I reached that point from August-October 2015 but saw some dropoff to between 11k-13k/month over the holidays. I’d love to at least reach 15k every month and see consistent growth towards even higher numbers as the year progresses.
- Increase Facebook and Pinterest Engagement: In order to not go crazy with social media, I want to continue to focus on growing my following and engagement on these two platforms. I’m excited to continue experimenting with Pinterest strategies and keep working on networking and building community on the ever-changing world of Facebook.
- Blog Monetization: Once I’ve settled into more of a routine with Caleb, I’m hoping to really work on monetizing my blog and helping it be a source of income for our family this summer. My goal is to do lots of research this spring, lots of work growing and starting the monetization process this summer, and make some sort of steady income by next fall. I’ll be honest…this one is a little scary to share. But I feel God moving me in this direction and I am excited to see what He will do through this space!
Personal Goals
- Healthy Living: I want to start following some sort of consistent exercise plan. I already walk several times per week with our dog but want to expand that to include some form of strength and mobility workouts on a weekly basis.
- Financial: I have gotten really lazy with coupons and budgeting this last year. I’d like to make a monthly budget and use coupons, sales, and more intentional spending to stick with it in 2016.
- Marriage: Having a baby will make spontaneity in some things a lot more challenging. We’d like to find a way to make sure date nights (with or without baby) are consistently happening and that we are setting aside regular times to check in and have intentional honest conversations about our hearts, our marriage, and other parts of our lives.
- Home: We want to finish our basement to make it a functional hangout space, finish the guest room and guest bathroom, and work on redoing the back deck and backyard to make them more livable spaces.
- Community: My schedule will look pretty different with a baby, and I am excited to intentionally use my time to pour into relationships with other women and mamas. We want to keep pouring into the church small group that we currently lead and I’d like to be more active in the push to grow the woman’s ministry in our church.
Reading over this list makes me so excited to see what God will do in 2016. At the same time, I’m praying for rest and slow time with my growing family, for joy in the little moments that add up to be the beautiful whole of this life we’re building together.
And more than anything, I pray for grace. Because goals are great and can lead to so much growth, but grace is what fills me, what brings me joy and hope when I fall again and fail to meet the goals I set. I’m so, so grateful for that grace as we look ahead at this new year and all it will hold. Thanks for sharing in the journey with me!
You can do it, Lauren! I know some of these things are very new and very scary, but you really can achieve them! I am so excited to here you are monetizing! You will do great!
Kristin C recently posted…5 Reasons We Should Avoid Being Nosy
I love these! Parenting is a huge change in marriage and life, but I think you’ve set ones that are realistic. My fear is the maternity leave with the baby and getting back into it, though! I’m hoping to have a few set up ahead of time for that time frame too
Lauren Jane recently posted…Four Things my Church Does Right
These are such great goals! You seem very organized and focused, you’ll find your groove once the baby arrives!
I love reading your goals- for your blog and personally! Thank you so much for sharing!! So happy and excited for you in this new season! Can’t wait to continue to follow along- you are so inspiring lady!!
Rebecca recently posted…a drive to the von Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, Vermont
Your marriage will definitely change, he won’t be just your husband, but someone’s father. When I watch Kyle with Sophie it just makes me even more confident of the man I married and who I’m so excited to share the rest of my life with.
liz @ sundays with sophie
Liz Jo recently posted…chambray, jackets, cats, oh my
I’m so excited to read about life with baby once he comes! Creating goals like these are awesome to keep you in check for when the big change happens. I am so glad you are going to start monetizing! I have been thinking for a while about why you haven’t yet because I love your blog and know that you would definitely see a positive result in monetizing
Amanda recently posted…Easy Ways to Get Healthy This Year
Consistent date nights are huge, even if the baby has to come along! Bensen used to take a half hour nap right around dinner time, and if we timed it perfectly, he’d be asleep the entire time we ate our food and it was like we were out on our own without the baby in tow, even though he was in his carseat next to us. Now he’s a pill, but we still like to take him along sometimes! I have some resources coming out soon that I think you’ll LOVE! Lots of date night ideas with variations depending on your budget or whether or not you have a babysitter!
Amberly recently posted…The Secret to Successful Goal Setting as a Couple
I really enjoyed reading these goals, Lauren! I look forward to seeing how things go as the baby arrives, but I think your blog is definitely going to grow this year. Like you, I’m most excited to experience what God will do in our lives in 2016.
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished recently posted…The 5 Secrets of Powerful Speech
I really love your goals for the month! Having a new baby is going to be an exciting challenge. I can’t wait to see fun posts of the little one! Here’s to an amazing year for you guys! xo
These are great goals Lauren and some of our blogging goals are similar! You’ll definitely accomplish them, best of luck!
xoxo
May from The Mayliving Project
Mayara Moreira recently posted…8 Crucial Habits for Successful Living
Sounds like 2016 will be a busy year for you…good luck with all your goals.
These are awesome goals, Lauren!! 2016 is going to be such a great year!
I really love posts like these – I know it takes vulnerability to share these but God’s hand is in your prayerful plans!!
2016 is going to be such a great year for you!
Caleb is going to be just adorable.
xoxo, Jenny
Jenny recently posted…Engagement Party Recap
Great goals for 2016! I’m really focusing on my twitter engagement and pinterest!!!
Ashley Servis recently posted…Expert Bloggers Talk: Helene In Between
Great goals! You’re an amazing blogger. You two are an amazing couple. And I can already tell you’re going to be amazing parents. So I have no doubt that together, you’re going to accomplish all your goals for the new year!
Very Erin recently posted…7 Conversations for Couples to Have
I love how you are taking a flexible approach to goals even from the very start. This last December as I was doing a recap of our 2015 goals, I realized that even though we hadn’t technically completed half of them, I didn’t feel bad about it one bit. We’d had such a full, fulfilling year regardless… and we’d made more progress towards those goals than if we hadn’t identified them too! All in all, I think goal-setting is so beneficial, but you can’t get too caught up in it and miss out on life.