THINK ABOUT CHANGE

In a little over a year Kent and I will be putting in papers to serve a mission for our church. We have the option of going for 6 months, 12 months,  18 months or 23 months. Where and how long we serve will be impacted by how well we prepare. I don’t do New Year’s resolutions but I have set Mission Preparation Goals. So for the next 12 to 18 months I will be working on these goals. I chose to write in my blog what I'm doing so I have an accountability because is a public forum individuals are more likely to succeed.

The first goals I’m setting are more specific goals. The second goals will be less specific but just as important to me.

Lifestyle Goals

1.       Exercise 8 miles a day – at least 5 times a week (I'm currently at 2 miles a day)
2.       Eat clean, whole foods
3.       Eat out once or less a week
4.       No fried foods
5.       Plan a weekly menu based of foods that can be prepared ahead of time or in a crockpot
6.       Read 8 quality books written by general authorities
7.       Read Ensign and Smithsonian magazines each month
8.       Read “Preach My Gospel”
9.       Keep gratitude journal going
10.     Continue with daily scripture study
11.     Keep spiritual journal
12.     Find ways to give meaningful service especially in community
13.     Develop a healthy lifestyle

Relationship Goals

1.       Set up a retirement budget and try to live it now
2.       Send out more thank you and birthday cards
3.        Get a smart phone for Kent and have the children teach him how to use it so we can real time talk to grandchildren
4.        Convince one of the children that they want to be responsible for our finances and house while we serve a mission (use guilt if necessary)

Household goals

1.       Pay off house
2.       Set up how to unclutter and store our entire household so we can rent our house while we are gone
3.       Check all appliances and plumbing to make sure they are in good working condition
4.       Place all warrantees in folder that can be given to family member willing to care for our house while we are gone

Person goals

1.       Continue to encourage Kent in his photography
2.       Work on my art and scrapbooking
3.       Learn how to paint with water color

That is a good start. I’m sure I will find other things that I need to do that I’m not aware of. I'm glad I have given myself over a year to get this plan into action. Also I am already doing a number of these things I'm sure I will succeed.