I was inspired by Lisa Jacobs’ challenge to list goals to complete before 2016 – 16 before 2016. With all the planning and goal setting that I’ve been doing lately, I wanted to create my own list and finish off the year feeling like it was a success!
Here are my 16 before 2016:
1. Prep for EtsyNY Handmade Cavalcade
It’s the only holiday market I’ll be selling at and I want to be prepared. That means building up inventory of my bags and pouches, create a nice display for the merchandise and pack everything for the day of.
2. Finish up the two books I'm half way through
I have a list of books I want to read next year and I want to finish up the ones I’m half way through so I can start that list. They are Room by Emma Donoghue & Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham.
3. Declutter the kitchen cabinets
Simplifying and minimizing the “stuff” in our apartment is an ongoing project. We don’t have a lot of junk but we still feel the clutter, so the kitchen is next on my list.
4. Make a Dentist Appointment
I hate the dentist but it’s time for my annual cleaning and I just gotta do it.
5. Adopt one or two house plants
I want more plants for our apartment. Right now we have five that are holding strong. My mother has a green house full, so instead of buying new ones I’ll adopt a few from her.
6. Take a drive upstate
Take a little weekend road trip and getaway from the city to see the mountains.
7. Book a cabin in the woods for Spring
We always camp out in the woods because we decide to go at the last minute. It’s inexpensive and we like the ruggedness of camping. But for once, we’d like to splurge on a small cabin somewhere by a lake or river for a week or so.
8. Rearrange my studio space
They way I have things set up now is pretty good but I want to see if I can make it better. Maybe add wall shelves to get things off the work table.
9. Make and hang new coat rack
We’ve got some reclaimed wood and a handful of cast iron hooks that we need to assemble and somehow get it to hang on the wall. The wood pieces are almost 2 inches thick.
10. Notecards to go out with my shop shipments
Printed thank you note and care instructions for my bags to go along with the orders. Currently, I hand write everything and instruct them to visit the website for detailed instructions.
11. Research American made shops and businesses for clothing and basic accessories
I’ve grown more conscious to look at clothing labels when shopping. It’s a fact that 97% of all clothes sold in the US are imported. I hope one day to own only American made clothing.
12. Plan and set goals for my business and life for the next year
I’ve already started the planning. I just need to map out everything I want and how I’m going to do it. I will use two notebooks – a weekly planner and a lined notebook for all of my lists and soon to have – reviews. I want to keep everything in those two notebooks so I don’t have my notes scattered.
13. Go for a run or jog
I need to break the ice here. It’s been a long time since my last run and I just need to take that first step.
14. Start a monthly habit
My first habit was to stop scrolling on my phone after 8pm. It’s been pretty easy and simple to just put it away or turn it off. My next habit will be to look at phone after 8am. I’m an early riser so there are times I catch myself scrolling at 6:30/7am. That’s not a proper way to start the day.
15. Have an end of the month review for Nov & Dec then an annual review
It’ll be the first time I’m doing a review on myself. I wrote a bit on what inspired me here. It will allow me to learn from my mistakes and make changes in order to get things done.
16. Finish up any unfinished shop business by Dec 21st
I hope to have at least a week of no work, no hustling, no infinite scrolling on social media, spending time with family, eating good foods and simply enjoying life slowly and quietly.
Are there things you need to wrap up before the year ends? I challenge you now to make a list!