Looking back on 2018, I think life was running me more than I was running my life. Many days, I felt overwhelmed with how much needed to get done. My inbox dictated how much time remained in the day to do other things. Can you relate? This year, I’m going to be more intentional with my days, and my “9 for 2019” New Years goals will help me stay focused.

Inspiration for “9 for 2019” New Years Goals

I’ve started listening to podcasts in the last few months. I used to say, “When in the world would I have time to listen to a podcast?” But now I find the time. A few times a week, I like to listen with earbuds in while I cook dinner and the kids watch a show. And I can really get through some podcasts on a drive out of town while the kids watch movies in the backseat.

One podcast I’m really enjoying is “Happier with Gretchen Rubin,” who wrote “The Happiness Project” book ten years ago. Her podcast focuses on small and tangible ways to increase our daily happiness. I highly recommend the January 9 episode, “19 for 2019 Lists.” Instead of setting a large and overwhelming New Years resolution, she instead makes a list of 19 smaller things she wants to accomplish in the coming year. I agree with her sister who co-hosts, though, that 9 sounds like a more feasible number than 19!

My “9 for 2019” New Years Goals

I’ve never been one to set a New Years resolution. But making smaller and more attainable goals has me excited! So without further ado, here’s my list for the coming year.

1. Clean out 5 items from my closet each month.
2. Finish reading the Bible.
3. Be more intentional about staying in touch with friends & family who aren’t nearby, whether that’s a phone call or meeting for dinner.
4. Kiss my husband when he gets home every day and hug more often.
5. Allow myself 30 minutes of “me time” (nothing productive!) each day.
6. Participate in a Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
7. Complete one photography lesson each week.
8. Automate my bill paying and stop being so thorough with receipts.
9. Stop mindlessly scrolling through my Facebook feed.

Reading through my list, I realized that my overall theme for 2019 is “be intentional.” I want to be more intentional about getting my closet back under control, having quiet time to read the Bible, and fostering the relationships that are meaningful in my life. I want to kiss my husband even when the kids are melting down and dinner is boiling over. I want to let my Type A brain off the hook and take some downtime to relax each day. I want to pay tribute to my stepfather in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and help fund research to cure the disease. I want to finish the photography course I signed up for one year ago (yikes!). And I want to reclaim some of my most precious commodity – my time!

It’s a bit scary publishing this list for everyone to read, since I’m truly accountable to these goals now. So hold me to them, please!

Goal Setting and Tracking Printables

If you’re anything like me, seeing your list in a beautiful format can be half the motivation you need! Check out the printables below for inspiration!

• Pretty and basic “Goals” and “Resolutions” bullet printables from GlitterAndCaffeine.com
• Gorgeous monthly watercolor floral printables with lines for monthly goals as well as daily habit tracking from SixCleverSisters.com
• Goal tracker printable with monthly, weekly, and daily checkboxes from MalenaHaas.com
• Or just grab a beautiful journal and get started!

What are your New Years goals? I’d love to hear other ideas and get inspired for 2020!

P.S. Have you made a bucket list? It’s a great way to set larger life goals. Use my gorgeous printable and be inspired to get started!