For Just One Week

To learn more about For Just One Week click here.

Great googly moogily, people, I think I've stumbled upon something brilliant. I'm not talking about this For Just One Week Thing (though I do love it), I'm talking about an amazing new way to set goals. I've tried writing this several times and each time delete it because it gets too wordy and confusing so I'm going to lay it out bullet point style.

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There are usually two types of goals. There are the things you want to do more of, and the things you want to do less of. The trick is to combine these goals in such a way that they self motivate each other and give you a little flexibility while still attaining success.

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For example: I wanted to do more homeschooling with Monster Man and I want to spend less time on the computer. I combined them by saying, "I will not turn on my computer until after I've done a good homeschooling day with Monster Man."

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Monday came and I was still dreading the homeschooling (I was so out of practice I didn't even know where to begin) so I completely avoided it. Normally this would mean I had failed my goal... but not so. I had a loop hole. As long as I didn't turn on my computer I was still meeting my goal.

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I didn't get the homeschooling done on Monday, but as a result of not turning on my computer I did many wonderful things like cleaning, cooking, playing with the kids, etc. It was a beautiful day and I felt happy.

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Tuesday morning came and I reeeeeeeaaaalllly wanted my computer fix (total addict). I still put off the homeschooling but by 11am I couldn't take it anymore and pulled out the materials and went to work. Monster Man and I had a wonderful time together and even Sweet Terror came away from Dora the Explorer to "Play school" with us. And then I was free to plug myself into my computer and melt my brain for a few hours.

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The rest of the week continued like this. Anytime I put off doing what I wanted to do more of I did less of what I was trying to do less of, and vice versa so everyday I accomplished one part of my goal, or a little of both, and always felt successful.

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Here are some example goal combos you could make:

I won't eat any sugar until I've exercised for 1/2 hour (I'd be exercising every day for this one)

I won't read any novels until I've read a chapter in my scriptures/school book.

I won't turn on the TV until I've cleaned my room and done one load of laundry.

I won't read any blogs until I've put a handwritten letter in the mailbox.

I won't eat until I've showered and dressed (I'd be either skinny or socially acceptable again)

Get the idea? Good. Now, back to me.

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This week I kept up on my laundry every day which resulted in some pretty amazing things. My room was clean everyday because there was no laundry piling up everywhere making me want to shut the door and ignore it. I also did something I haven't done in years. I mended... clothing... with needle and thread. Amazing! And there was not one single argument about clothing or socks with the kids before school and that was absolutely wonderful.

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I had a great time schooling MM and love that we are doing this again. And, as I said, being on the computer less led to wonderful things getting done.

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Ok, I totally bombed the 10 minute project work in the office/junk room. There is a long, lame excuse for not doing it, but really I just didn't make it work. So I have to rethink this one. But I know I'm going to be spending most of my day today in that room instead of doing more enjoyable things. *sigh*

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Now, onto the fun part. The new goals. Don't you just love new goals? They are so shiny and have that lovely "New Goal" smell.

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For Just One Week I will make fun Valentines Day crafts with my kids every day. And here come my combo goals... I will not turn on my computer unless I am showered, dressed, wearing makeup, and styled my hair. And I will not watch any internet TV or movies unless I have read my scriptures and written in my journal (yikes, this is a biggy).

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Now, I challenge you. I dare you. What brilliant combo goal will you make?

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What will you do? Write a post about your weekly goals and share them here. Please make sure to link to your individual post and not just your regular blog url. Thanks!