Setting Goals

The last couple years I have decided not to come up with resolutions.  I rationalized this decision because "I don't need to set goals once a year just because someone else says I should."

This year I am breaking from my tradition of rebellion.  Today, I am going to let my readers know a few  goals I have decided to set recently.  I am not setting these goals because everyone sets goals for the new year.  I am merely sharing goals I've already come up with because I know myself and I know that if I don't put it on paper (and maybe more importantly let others know about it), that I'm less likely to achieve them.  So here goes:

• I am going to make a concerted effort to read my Bible every day.  I've actually been doing this for a couple months, but like I said, putting it out there for others to see makes me more likely to complete it.  In fact, I'm hoping to finish reading the Bible one year from when I started it.
• I am going to do a better job of facilitating my children's learning. 
• I am going to master the art of grocery shopping in such a way that I spend as little as possible.
• I am going to procrastinate less (especially as it relates to housework). 
• I am going to be more consistent enforcing the rules with my children. 
• I am going to exercise more.

Feel free to ask me how I'm doing with my goals on occasion.  Please help me achieve my goals.

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

If you've read my posts lately you know that I recently started using a system called Accountable Kids.  The first couple days went quite smoothly.  The last couple days were a bit more problematic.  Yesterday, I was continually reminding my 4 year old that she needs to do her chores.  I got up this morning and decided not to do that today.  I told her that I wasn't going to remind her today and if she didn't get things done she would not get her ticket.  So far, so good.  She's earned her first ticket for the day without any prodding from me, so that's progress.

My 7 year old, on the other hand, seems to be in the mood to hoard his tickets.  He's not sure what he wants to do with them so he's just "collecting" them.  That said, when I took a ticket away today because he was copping a 'tude with me (something that was instituted on day 2 of the program) he flipped out.  He also gave me grief about school today... going so far as to say I was a horrible teacher.  Come to find out he just didn't want to do school today; probably because he knew that once he finished school he'd get another ticket for his collection.

I can see the potential this program has, so I have no intention of giving up any time soon.  If anything, the reactions from the last few days have shown me that I need to be persistent so that the goal of responsible, respectful, and accountable children will be accomplished.  Wish me luck.