Category: Goals

Too Much Stuff, Too Little Energy: The Rule of 5

Too Much Stuff, Too Little Energy: The Rule of 5

There are seasons when motivation is high and energy feels abundant. And then there are seasons when everything feels heavy—when feeling overwhelmed at home creeps in and even the smallest tasks feel bigger than they should.

This post is for those seasons.

After Christmas this year, I noticed something shift in me. While I was (and still am) genuinely thankful and grateful for the gifts I received, I also felt more overwhelmed in my home than usual. More items. More things to find space for. More decisions.

It wasn’t that the gifts were unwanted—it was that they were more. And that feeling became a signal.

A signal that it might be time to reassess how manageable my home felt. A signal that some organizing and simplifying was needed to decrease the overwhelm. And maybe, down the road, it’s also a signal that our family may need to rethink how we approach Christmas and gift-giving altogether—but that’s a reflection for another blog post and another time.

What I knew for certain was this: I needed a gentle way to move forward.

Several years ago, I had faced a similar feeling while staring at the pile of mail on my kitchen island. You know the one—bills, junk mail, notes, random papers that don’t have an immediate home. It had quietly become the catch-all, and every time I looked at it, I felt behind.

I wanted it gone—but I didn’t have the energy for a full overhaul.

So I made a rule.

I call it The Rule of 5.

The rule is simple: remove five items.

That’s it.

Five pieces of mail. Five decisions. Five small actions. They could be thrown away, filed, or placed where they actually belonged. No sorting marathon. No perfection required. Just five.

At most, it took about five minutes.

feeling overwhelmed at home

There was one important addition to the rule, though. Since mail comes daily, I also had to make sure new mail didn’t undo the progress. That meant immediately throwing away junk mail or filing important pieces instead of letting them land back on the pile.

What surprised me was how quickly the stack disappeared.

Not because I tackled it all at once—but because small, consistent steps quietly did their work. Before long, the pile wasn’t an issue anymore.

That experience taught me something important:
small steps don’t just create progress—they create momentum.

Now, I use the Rule of 5 in other areas of my home.

Recently, I opened a bathroom drawer that had slowly become overwhelming. You know the kind—the one you open carefully because you’re not sure what might spill out. Instead of shutting it and walking away, I applied the same rule.

I removed five things.

A couple of items—nice hair ties—went into a box for an upcoming garage sale. The remaining three items were either thrown away or put somewhere else in the bathroom where they made more sense.

That’s it. Five things.

The drawer isn’t perfect yet. But it’s more manageable. And more importantly, I started.

That’s the beauty of the Rule of 5. It lowers the barrier to entry. It doesn’t demand motivation—it creates it. Once you see progress, five can turn into ten. Ten into fifteen. Momentum builds not because you forced it, but because progress feels good. And feeling overwhelmed at home decreases.

Over time, this rule helps:

  • bring order to small pockets of your home
  • reduce overwhelm
  • create a sense of capability and follow-through

And maybe most importantly, it reminds us that progress doesn’t have to be loud or dramatic to be real.

If you’re feeling stuck today—overwhelmed by clutter, tasks, or life in general—consider this your permission to start small.

Five items.
Five minutes.
One small win.

Because small steps, repeated over time, really do add up.

What is quietly asking for your attention—not to be fixed all at once, but to be tended to in small, faithful steps?

2026 Goals

2026 Goals

As we are upon the beginning edges of the new year, there’s often pressure to make big declarations. Goals. Plans. Resolutions. 

But instead of asking “What are my goals for this year?” I want to ask a gentler, more grounding question: 

Where do you want to be six months from now? 

Not just in what you’ve accomplished — but in how you feel. 

More rooted? 
Less hurried? 
More attuned to God’s presence in your everyday life? 

Sometimes clarity doesn’t come from striving harder, but from slowing down long enough to listen. 

Writing to Your Future Self 

One reflective practice I’ve found meaningful is writing a letter to my future self. 

There’s a free website called futureme.org that allows you to write an email now and schedule it to be delivered to you at a date you choose — six months from now, one year from now, or further into the future. 

This practice shifts the focus from pressure to presence. It invites you to speak to the person you are becoming with compassion instead of expectation. 

When the Letter Comes from a Deeper Place 

During last year’s Awaken Silent Retreat, Danielle, the host, handed out index cards at the end of that last day and asked us to write a letter to ourselves as if our Heavenly Father were writing it to us.  

She prompted us with these questions: 

  • What does He want to share with you? 
  • What does He want you to remember from this silent retreat? 

There’s something profoundly grounding about imagining God’s voice not as demanding or disappointed, but as loving, steady, and near. 

After we wrote those letters, we sealed them into an envelope, addressed them to our home addresses, and handed them into Danielle. About 6 weeks later, the letter I wrote was delivered to my mailbox.  

When I opened it, I knew what it was but could not remember what I had written. Here’s an excerpt: 

(You may want to read this slowly.) 

Dear Carlynn, 

Remember me in the awakening in the silence weekend. In the hurry and in the noise, remember me. Hold me close and tight. That’s the way I hold you. I am never far. I walk beside you. Quiet your mind. Quiet the falsehoods the enemy throws at you. Come to me for truth. Look up. Keep seeking my face when lies creep in. I am your source of truth.  

Love, 

Your Heavenly Father 

Prompts for Your Own Letter 

If you decide to email to your future self at futureme.org — or write a letter as if God were speaking to you — here are a few prompts to guide you: 

  • What do you want your future self to remember that you know will get lost in the chaos of the year? 
  • What’s important to you right now? Why? 
  • What are your goals? Where do you see yourself 6 months from now? How does it feel? 
  • If you were having a conversation with God, how does He see you? What does He want you to remember? 
  • What does He want you to release? 
  • What does He want you to trust? 
  • How does He invite you to walk into the next season? 

You don’t need perfect words. You just need honesty and openness. 

A Gentle Invitation 

This kind of reflection — slowing down, listening, and responding — is at the heart of the work I care most about. It’s the kind of space I hope to continue creating here through writing, and eventually through coaching: a place to reflect, discern, and move forward with intention rather than urgency. 

You don’t have to rush your growth. You don’t have to have everything figured out. 

Six months from now — or one year from now — you may be surprised by what has quietly taken root simply because you chose to pause, listen, and take one faithful step at a time. 

How We Are Shaped Along the Way 

How We Are Shaped Along The Way

The turn of a new year invites reflection. 

Before we rush into goals, plans, and resolutions, let’s pause…look back with gratitude and look ahead with humility. For me, this past year has been full of learning, both personally and professionally. It’s been a gift to walk alongside friends, family, co-workers, and even acquaintances who are willing to show up honestly through challenges, in celebrating growth, and staying curious about who they’re becoming. 

There’s a Bible verse written that’s been a constant on my whiteboard for the past couple of years: 

“Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” 

Proverbs 27:17

I love this image, and I also think it’s easy to romanticize it. 

Scripture reminds us that transformation often begins in the renewing of our minds. When familiar patterns keep surfacing, it may be God’s invitation to see differently. I shared a reflection on that kind of perspective here. 

Because iron sharpening iron isn’t gentle. It’s metal against metal. There’s friction. Pressure. Resistance. Sometimes even sparks. Sharpening happens through contact, not comfort—and that means growth can feel uncomfortable, even painful at times. 

And yet, that’s how we grow. 

Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. We are shaped in relationship—through conversation, shared experience, and the willingness to be known. When we allow others to walk alongside us, to challenge us, to speak truth with care, we are sharpened. In turn, we sharpen them. Each of us becoming more refined, more aware, more grounded because we didn’t choose the easy path of staying the same. 

As we step into a new year, none of us really know what lies ahead. We don’t know the challenges or the joys that lie ahead of us in the coming months. What we do know is that we’ll walk through it one day at a time. One conversation. One decision. One foot in front of the other. 

There’s something freeing about remembering that we don’t need the whole year figured out. We only need to be present for today.  To take each day as it comes. To stay open to learning—even when that learning stretches us. To extend grace—to ourselves and to others—especially in the places where growth feels tender. 

Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” 

My hope for this new year is simple: that we would continue to grow together. That we would stay grounded. That we would be willing to sharpen and be sharpened—even when it’s uncomfortable. And that we would move forward—steady, intentional, and hopeful—one step at a time. 

Here’s to a new year.  May it be marked not by hurry, but by presence. 
Not by perfection, but by progress. And not by doing it all alone—but together. 

When you look back on 2025, what moments shaped you more than you expected—and what might those moments be quietly teaching you about where you’re headed next? 

Progress Doesn’t Always Equal More 

Progress Doesn't Always Equal More

Earlier this week, Jeff and I set out on a road trip to Iuka, Mississippi, to spend Christmas with my family. As we navigated out of Houston, Texas, we took the 99 East toll road to reach I-59—a route we don’t travel often. Along that stretch of toll road, we were struck by how much construction and how many new buildings were going up. 

What once were open fields and trees are now being cleared to make room for “progress.” Seeing this makes both Jeff and me feel sad. We think about the deer and other wildlife that once lived there, now pushed into smaller and smaller spaces. We also find ourselves wondering: does Houston really need more strip malls, more stores, more retail? It feels unnecessary. Like too much. 

You can feel the stress in the constant push for more. More growth. More expansion. More productivity. It never seems to be enough. That steady chaos creates a life with little room for rest, and over time, it becomes exhausting. 

As we get further away from Houston and closer to Iuka in the 12 hour drive, the landscape begins to change. The land opens up. Houses sit farther back from the road. Fences stretch across fields holding horses or cows. And beyond what I can see, something else shifts—my body begins to relax. My breathing slows. Without realizing it, I’ve been holding tension. 

Jason Shepperd, pastor at Church Project often says, “life is the balance of holding the tension between blessings and burdens.” This may sum up what I’ve been tangibly feeling, holding the tension between blessings and burdens and the big city can often feel tipped toward burdensome for me. 

It’s important to acknowledge that living in a small town doesn’t eliminate stress. People in places like Iuka still work hard, carry responsibilities, and worry about the same things we all do. Life in the United States often feels hurried and demanding, regardless of where you live. 

What feels different is the environment. A slower pace doesn’t demand the same urgency. There are fewer reminders to rush, consume, or compete. Even when life feels overwhelming, the surroundings don’t add another layer of noise. 

I’m not saying one place is better than the other. Cities like Houston offer opportunity and energy. Small towns offer quiet and space. But they ask different things of us, and our bodies seem to know the difference. 

As we near Iuka, my shoulders drop and my breath deepens. The noise fades. Maybe progress doesn’t always mean adding more. Maybe sometimes it looks like slowing down—and remembering that enough really is enough. 

As 2025 comes to a close this week, I encourage you to take a few moments and take inventory of your life. Where can you eliminate hurry and stress for the new year? 

Is it clearing out physical stress in your home, like re-organizing a closet or garage? 

Is it eliminating financial stress by choosing to buy less in the new year? 

Is it taking stock of your relationships? Choosing to spend more time with those that bring you energy versus those that may drain your energy? 

Is it creating a new or improved habit of going to the well of your Heavenly Father, John 4:14? Spending quiet time with Him? Praying more? Reading scripture? 

Is it decluttering your electronic life? Deleting apps? Turning off notifications? Cleaning up your inbox and unsubscribing? 

Or is it something else? 

This is an opportunity to say in 2026, “less is more”. 

For more ideas on creating margin in your life, Finding 1 Hour of Silence Each Week. 

The Quiet Faithfulness of Showing Up

The Quiet Faithfulness of Showing Up

Another goal I set this year: Write and publish one blog post per week.

And with one week left in the year, I can say—I did it.

The days I published weren’t always the same. Some weeks were carefully planned, others were written in pockets of time I had to fight for. But each week, a post went live. Today’s post makes 51 blog posts for the year.

That number still surprises me.

I’m proud of this commitment—not because it was perfect, but because it was faithful.

Writing Without a Map

If I’m honest, there were plenty of weeks when I didn’t know what I was going to write about. That uncertainty brought anxiety at times. I like plans. I like clarity. I like knowing what’s ahead.

But week after week, a topic surfaced. A thought. A reflection. A nudge.

Each post evolved into what it needed to be. Looking back, I don’t think that was accidental. I believe those ideas were promptings—quiet ones—from the Holy Spirit. The words came just in time, not all at once.

And that’s a reminder for me to create space for the Holy Spirit. To listen and discern His voice. And remember that even with all my plans, His plans are greater and much better than mine.

Writing Through a Busy Year

Keeping this commitment wasn’t easy.

Starting a new job in July added stress and pulled my attention in new directions. Life didn’t slow down to accommodate my writing schedule. If anything, it sped up.

But keeping this promise to myself mattered. Writing has always been a place where I process, reflect, and make sense of the world. Choosing to keep showing up—especially when it would’ve been easier not to—was an act of intention.

And it wasn’t just writing for Perspective Confessions.

If you’d told me on January 1, 2025, that I would write over 38,000 words this year, I probably would’ve laughed. It sounds overwhelming. Impossible, even.

But it didn’t happen all at once.
It happened one week at a time.

The Beauty of Day-In, Day-Out Work

This year has reminded me of something simple and profound: progress is made quietly.

There’s nothing glamorous about sitting down week after week to write. There’s no applause. No instant payoff. Most of the work happens unseen.

No matter the goal, progress is built in quiet faithfulness—the daily or weekly decision to keep going.

This is the same theme I’ve been writing about in my other goal reflections this year.

  • With fitness, progress didn’t come from dramatic results overnight, but from consistent movement and honoring commitments.
  • With Bible reading, success didn’t mean perfection—it meant showing up more than I ever had before, learning from what didn’t work, and adjusting.

And now, with writing, the lesson holds true again.

If It Feels Too Big

Maybe you’re staring at a goal that feels overwhelming right now. Too big. Too far away. Too much.

Here’s what this year has taught me:
You don’t have to finish it today. You just have to start—and then keep showing up.

Fifty-two weeks from now, you’ll be much further along than if you never began.

As the saying goes, if you aim for the moon and miss, you’ll still land among the stars.

That’s what this year has been for me—a quiet landing among the stars, built through ordinary, faithful work.

And that kind of progress?
It’s more powerful than it looks.

Progress Still Counts: When the Goal Teaches You More Than the Outcome

Progress Still Counts: When the Goal Teaches You More Than the Outcome

Last week, I wrote about a goal I met: working out consistently for over a year.

It felt good to reflect on that win…not because of aesthetics or numbers, but because it reminded me how much small habits, repeated over time, really do matter. Motivation came and went, but the habit stayed. The consistency carried me on days when I didn’t feel like showing up.

This week, I want to talk about a different kind of goal.
One I didn’t hit the way I planned.
And yet, I don’t consider it a failure.

The Goal I Didn’t “Finish”

At the beginning of the year, I set a goal to read my Bible daily using The Bible Recap reading plan.

As of today, I’m on day 148.

That number needs some context.

It doesn’t mean I’ve only read 148 days this year. On many days, I simply didn’t have the capacity to complete the full reading. Some days I read one chapter instead of several, which meant a single “day” in the plan stretched across multiple nights. And yes, there were days I didn’t read at all.

Even so, I’ve read 12 full books of the Old Testament this year.

That matters more than I think we often allow it to.

What Wasn’t Working

My plan was to read at bedtime — a quiet, reflective way to end the day. In theory, it sounded great. In reality, many nights I was exhausted and falling asleep mid-reading.

That doesn’t mean I lack discipline.
It means I need a better system.

Just like with physical fitness, when something isn’t working, the answer isn’t shame — it’s adjustment.

Reading at bedtime gave me feedback: this time of day isn’t setting me up for success.

The Old Testament Was Hard — And Holy

I’ll be honest: parts of the Old Testament were difficult to read.

  • The sacrifices.
  • The battles.
  • The violence.
  • The endless rules and laws.
  • The genealogies.
  • The censuses.

There were moments I felt overwhelmed, confused, and even resistant.

Slowly — chapter by chapter — something deeper emerged.

I saw a God who rescued His people out of slavery.
A God who parted the waters of the Red Sea and made a way where there was none. A God who wasn’t being restrictive with rules, but teaching a newly freed people how to live as a civilization after generations of bondage.

These laws weren’t cruelty — they were formation.

And the people? They were far from perfect.

Moses.
Abraham.
Isaac.
Jacob.
David.

They had moments of extraordinary faith — and moments of deep failure. They played small roles in a much bigger story. And somehow, God used them anyway.

I see myself in their stories.
Believing… and struggling.
Trusting… and doubting.

A prayer I often pray: “Lord, I believe and help me in my unbelief.”

Why This Still Counts as a Win

Here’s what I know for sure:

I have read my Bible more consistently this year than I ever have before.

If I hadn’t set this goal, I wouldn’t be on day 148. I wouldn’t have wrestled with Scripture. I wouldn’t have learned what time of day works best for me. I wouldn’t have encountered God in scripture the way I have.

This goal gave me progress.
It gave me insight.
It gave me feedback.

And that is not failure.

The Same Lesson, Two Different Goals

When I look at my workout goal and my Bible-reading goal side by side, I see the same truth:

Success isn’t about perfection.
It’s about continuation.

With fitness, I learned that habits carry me when motivation fades.
With Scripture, I’m learning that adjustment keeps me engaged instead of quitting.

Both are teaching me how to be honest and rooted in grace.

So no, I didn’t read my Bible perfectly this year.

Yet I read it more.
I learned more.
And I’m still going.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what success looks like.

What 200+ Workouts Taught Me About Trust, Discipline, and Real Change

What 200+ Workouts Taught Me About Trust, Discipline, and Real Change

This past June, I wrote a post called Halfway Through 2025: New Year’s Goals Revisited. In it, I shared how real transformation doesn’t come from motivation — it comes from strategy, structure, tiny habits, and realistic checkpoints.

Now, after more than a year of consistent workouts, I can say: those small habits have reshaped my health and my mindset.

Fitness Has Been Part of My Life for Decades

Physical fitness has been part of my life since middle school.

Back then, our bonus room in my childhood home was the place I’d pop in a VCR workout tape of:

  • Sweatin’ to the Oldies with Richard Simmons
  • MTV Grind dance workouts
  • Tony Little ab routines

Those videos were my introduction to movement — joyful, sweaty, simple movement.

Through college, I kept working out, and eventually in my mid-to-late twenties, I became a fitness instructor. So yes, fitness has always mattered to me.

Fitness is about overall health, strength, and taking care of the one body God gave me. He gave us a body to steward and to steward well.

This past year reminded me deeply why that commitment still matters — especially now, being in my forties.

In an “On-Demand” World, Slow Progress Feels Invisible

We live in a world where everything is instant — answers, shipping, entertainment, solutions. And in that kind of culture, it’s easy to forget that:

  • Hard work still matters.
  • Progress is often invisible before it becomes undeniable.
  • And results aren’t limited to the number on a scale.

This past year reminded me of that again and again.

There were days where nothing seemed to change… but internally things were shifting.
My clothes fit better.
I felt better in my own skin.
Muscles started to show that weren’t there before.
My lab work improved.
And the way I carried myself changed — confidence grows from keeping your word to yourself.

Muscle takes time. Health takes time. Trust takes time.
And it all starts with the habits no one sees.

What My Health Coach Told Me That I’ll Never Forget

I’ve been working with a health coach, Taylor Lockwood, since 2022 and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made. She said something to me several months back that stopped me in my tracks:

“If you’re breaking promises to yourself, that ripples through your whole life. It creates the inner belief that you can’t trust yourself.”

Whew! That one hit me hard! I’ve reflected on that statement a lot. What seems like a missed workout really is breaking a promise to yourself.

Because every broken commitment is a vote against the person you want to become. But every kept promise — even small ones like showing up for a workout — rebuilds trust in yourself brick by brick.

This year has been about rebuilding that trust.

Health in My Mid-Forties: Why Consistency Matters Even More Now

I’m approaching my mid-forties, and honestly, this season of life has given me an entirely new perspective on why movement matters.

Consistency isn’t just about aesthetics (though those changes are fun, too).
It’s about long-term strength, longevity, and quality of life.

Here’s what working out consistently has taught me about aging well:

  • Aches and pains are often invitations, not obstacles.
    Strengthening the muscles around our joints relieves pressure and reduces discomfort.
  • Blood sugar regulation improves with movement.
    Especially important as hormones shift and metabolism changes.
  • Consistency protects against muscle loss.
    And preserving muscle is one of the most critical factors in aging well.
  • Strength improves balance and stability.
    Which means fewer falls — one of the biggest health risks as people age.
  • Exercise supports hormone health.
    And as a woman in my forties, that matters more than ever.

In short: Consistency today becomes freedom later.

Adjusting, Not Quitting

This year wasn’t flawless. In fact, I faced plenty of obstacles.

I dealt with health changes, started two medications, and struggled with shin splints that forced me to shift from running to other forms of cardio. And honestly? I wish I’d agreed to medication sooner — it helped areas of my health I’d been fighting through for far too long.

But this year wasn’t about perfection.

It was about continuing to show up — even when I had to modify the plan.

Consistency with flexibility beats perfection every time.

Motivation Wanes. Habits Carry You.

People tend to assume consistency is about willpower, discipline, or sheer grit.
But the truth?

It’s about habits.

The tiny, repeatable, predictable actions that don’t rely on how I feel that day.

The same strategies I described in my mid-year goals post carried me through:

  • Implementation intentions (“If it’s Monday at 5 pm, I work out.”)
  • Habit stacking (cardio + listening to a podcast or music)
  • Mini goals to make progress measurable
  • Feedback loops to evaluate without self-criticism

These weren’t just helpful — they were life-changing.

What I Know After a Year of Consistent Workouts

Consistency isn’t glamorous.
It’s not loud.
It doesn’t get applause.

But it is transformational.

This year has taught me:

  • Slow progress is still progress.
  • Change is happening even when you don’t see it yet.
  • Motivation comes and goes, but habits and discipline stay.
  • Keeping promises to yourself builds confidence.
  • You are capable of more than you think — one small decision at a time.

And the biggest transformation of all?

I trust myself more today than I did a year ago.

That’s the kind of change you can’t buy, shortcut, or manufacture.

It’s earned — one workout, one habit, one promise kept at a time.

Stay tuned! I’ll be sharing a cookbook soon of all of my go-to recipes that are fast, easy, and oh so good too!

Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss when it launches!

Halfway Through 2025: New Year’s Goals Revisited

Halfway Through 2025: New Year's Goals Revisited

Did you blink? Yep — it’s June already!

Maybe your New Year’s Goals are thriving. Or, maybe they’re MIA?

Either way, you’re halfway through the year.

Most of us set ambitious goals in January and then quietly abandon them month by month. Not because we’re lazy, but because we focus on what we want… not how we’ll get there.

Let’s explore a better way to achieve our goals.

Start With the Goal

What goal (or goals) did you set?

Defining your goal is a great start. What makes the difference between goal setting and accomplishing your goals is strategy. Strategy is how you will accomplish your goals. This year, I’ve been studying for the Psychology of Leadership certificate program with Cornell University. Part of this program includes diving into the psychology of getting things done.

What I’ve learned has helped me approach goals differently. It’s less about pressure and stress, and not about relying on motivation and momentum. It’s about progress, not perfection.

1. Make Your Goals Stretch…Just Enough

Goals should feel like a challenge. They need to stretch you beyond your comfort zone. Far enough to spark focus, but not so far they leave you overwhelmed.

For example, my workout routine already consists of 4 days of workouts each week. One of my goals is to add a 5th cardio day to my weekly workouts. It’s not a total overhaul — just enough to push me physically without burning me out.

2. Stack New Habits Onto Old Ones

One of my favorite strategies? Habit stacking. It’s the idea of anchoring a new habit to something you already do.

If you already make coffee every morning, you could pair that moment with a review of your top three tasks. Or if you already set your phone on the charger at night, use that moment to write down one thing you’re grateful for.

This takes effort out of your system, and lets routine do the work.

It’s important to note that often we think we should push ourselves into accomplishing a goal. This will lead to burnout! You can’t rely on motivation because life happens and our motivation muscles get fatigued. Use your routine to add on or tweak here and there. This strategy is so much more sustainable long term.

3. Use If-Then Planning (a.k.a. Implementation Intentions)

Want to follow through on your goals more consistently? Implementation intentions can help. It’s about creating a trigger-based plan: *”If X happens, then I will do Y.”

For example: “If it’s Monday between 5-6 pm, then I will workout.” Or “If it’s bedtime, I will read my daily Bible reading through Bible Recap.”

These small, specific cues reduce the need for motivation, and increase follow-through.

4. Break It Down with Mini Goals

Big goals can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s helpful to break them down into weekly or monthly mini-goals. These smaller wins build momentum and give you natural check-in points to see what’s working or what needs to shift.

For example, instead of “Payoff $10,000 in debt this year,” maybe I track:

  • Pay $833.33 toward debt each month
  • Earn an extra $208.33 each week

Now the goal isn’t a vague aspiration — it’s a system with checkpoints.

5. Build in Feedback Loops

The best goals aren’t fixed — they evolve. Ask: “Is this working?” “Is this still meaningful?” “What’s getting in the way?”

Goals should talk back. If they’re not moving you forward, it’s not a failure — it’s feedback in the form of data points. Use that data to refine the process.

Evaluation of My 2025 Goals

These are goals I set in January of this year. I’ll give you an evaluation of how it’s going below. I will also show how I can tweak the goals to make them more attainable if they are lagging behind. Alternatively, I may decide to remove a goal altogether.

Here are the categories of my goals.

Reduce Mental Stress
  • Simplify meal prep planning — Create monthly menus. Evaluation: This one progressed through February and now it’s no longer important to continue this year. I took on too many goals and this one will remain on the list for the future!
  • Boundaries on phone and distractions. Evaluation: This one has been hit and miss which tells me I need to define it more. I can make this one more robust by using an “if-then” strategy. If it’s 8:00 pm, my phone is put away until the next morning.
Physical
  • Continue 4 days/week workouts. Evaluation: This one has been a success. I attribute the success because I decided early on that my workout days are Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The time I workout on those days are between 5:00 and 6:00 pm. This is part of my routine and it’s a habit. (Hint: Success of this goal is due to implementation intentions)
  • Add 5th day of cardio (interval running). Evaluation: Due to shin splints, I have not been able to run. I’ve shifted to include additional interval cardio after weight training. I usually watch a fun or interesting YouTube video while I’m getting my cardio in. This is an example of Habit Stacking.
Spiritual
  • Attend Silent Retreat in April. Evaluation: This one has been completed.
  • Begin Bible Recap. Evaluation: This one is going well. I have begun reading through the Bible using the Bible Recap. I have consistently been reading for 100 days. (Hint: the success of this goal is due to breaking it down to mini-goals or a daily reading plan)
Social
  • Attend 1 Girls House Church event every other month. Evaluation: This one is going well.
Marriage
  • Monthly date night experiences. Evaluation: My hubby purchased a set of scratch off date cards. These cards tell you what to do for a date night. We followed through with this through March. This goal needs more definition using implementation intentions. If it’s the third Saturday of the month, we will go on a date night experience.
Professional
  • 1 blog post every Friday. Evaluation: Success! Posting a blog post every Friday!
  • 1 article submission to Tish Co News each month. Evaluation: I’ve submitted 5 articles so far and will turn in another article this week. Turning in articles monthly has built accountability. This habit has helped me write not only for Tish Co News, but also my blog. *Ahem* this is habit stacking!

Looking at this list, I know I won’t hit every target perfectly. And that’s not the point.

The point is to design goals that fit real life. To stretch, but not snap. To evolve, not obsess.

So if you’re halfway through the year and wondering if it’s too late to get back on track — it’s not.

You don’t need more motivation. You just need better methods and a strategy!

Here’s to a second half that’s more intentional, more grounded, and more aligned with who you’re becoming.

If you’re looking for someone to help you with your goals. Help you create implementation intentions, habit stack, define stretch goal, and/or hold accountability for those goals. I’m here for that! That’s what a coach does, after all. Use the submission form below and let’s get after those goals!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Pocket Money: What It Is and Why It Matters

In a recent post, I wrote about using “pocket money” for a special treat during the week. What is pocket money and why is it important? Pocket money is an amount of fun money set aside each month to use for special treats throughout the month. Pocket money can be in the form of cash you literally keep in your pocket or wallet to use for the month. Or it can be a line item in your money plan that you track to insure you spend the appropriate amount.

Do you enjoy a Starbucks coffee treat? Or maybe lunch with a friend? What about that pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing? Maybe there’s a gadget you’ve been thinking about that you’d like to try. Pocket money included in your monthly budget gives you permission to treat yourself to some fun during the month. Why is this important?

Utilizing intentional discipline with a money plan is hard. It’s intentionally flexing money muscles that may not be super strong yet. When you are working hard to save or pay off debt, it’s important to build in rewards along the way. Setting aside pocket money is a great reward system.

My husband and I set aside $100 for each of us every month. We get to spend $100 each on anything we want, no questions asked. Most of the time my $100 usually goes toward a Chick-fil-a run for an unsweetened tea with lemon. The Chick-fil-a run started during the pandemic as a way to intentionally get out of the house and see other humans. And it just kind of stuck. Here’s an example of what our pocket money looks like in our budget. We track ours electronically, however, there was a time where we used cash only for our fun money. The nice thing about cash, once it’s gone, it’s gone. You don’t have to question if you spent too much.

Pocket money has no strings attached with no guilt associated with however you choose to spend it. There are some guidelines to consider when figuring out how much pocket money you can afford.

1.     Do you have a money plan in place for the month? If you do, then you will know how much income you have minus all your expenses, bills, etc. When you know how much you are spending each month, you can determine what you can afford for pocket money.

2.     Pocket money is not a free for all spend category. It’s an intentional amount of fun money set aside determined by your money plan.

3.     Maybe you can only afford $10 of fun money for the month. That’s ok. Get creative with how you will make that money stretch! Be intentional. Hello, thrift store!

If you have money goals to pay off debt or to save; your fun money amount might be small for a time until you pay off that debt or meet your savings goal. The key is to keep going! And rewarding yourself is absolutely necessary to help you continue moving forward. Savor the fun that you can afford for now and keep your dream in mind of what your fun, pocket money will be once you meet your money goals. Be intentional!

How to Protect Your Money

This week, I witnessed an intentional act to save money. On Monday around lunchtime, I was waiting in the Chick-fil-a (CFA) drive thru for an unsweetened iced tea and noticed a CenterPoint Energy truck. Side note: My husband and I set aside pocket money each month. Pocket money is intentional money set aside to spend on whatever we would like. Mine is usually spent on unsweetened tea with lemon from CFA as a treat. I make unsweetened tea at home but sometimes it’s nice to have someone else make it! Back to the story. As I was waiting in line, I noticed a young man get out of the passenger side of the work truck and walk around to the opposite side. These work trucks have so many different compartments that house all kinds of tools. I watched him as he opened one of the compartments, removed a large bag, place it on top of the truck, and then proceed to pull out a microwave! A microwave? Yes, a microwave. This certainly piqued my curiosity! What was he doing with a microwave in a work truck? I watched him as he carried it to the tailgate of the truck and place it there. Next, he brought out a portable power station bank that he used to plug in the microwave.

It’s not everyday you see a plugged-in microwave on the back of a truck. But It wasn’t just the sight of it. It was an intentional act to save money. Did I mention I was in a Chick-fil-a drive thru line? The driver of the CenterPoint Energy truck walked inside the Chick-fil-a to get his lunch while his workmate dragged out a microwave and portable power station to heat up his lunch.

I might also mention that the street the work truck was parked on was positioned by not only the CFA, but also a Burger King, a Chipotle, and a Taco Bell. He could have walked to so many options, but instead he chose to make the extra effort with his microwaved lunch.

These are EXACTLY the actions it takes to win with your money.

1.        Have a strategy, such as your budget or money plan for the month.

2.        Know where your gaps are, such as spending too much on eating out

3.        Enable your defenders, such as bringing your lunch to work.

This young man was intentional with his time, energy, and effort. It will all pay off for the young man, especially if he continues these actions each day.

Eating out can be one of our biggest money gaps. Let’s compare a prepared meal at home to take for lunch versus eating out.

Let’s use an example of a pot of chili made at home. I’ve used this recipe many times and it is so good! It makes 6 servings. Plus, I’m adding in Jiffy Cornbread. Each ingredient I’ve included in my breakdown are all organic. Please note that this meal could be more cost effective if you source non-organic ingredients.

4 strips bacon, sliced ½-inch thick – Aldi – $2.20

1 ½ pounds ground beef – Aldi – grass fed beef – $9.86

1 medium yellow onion, diced – $0.37

1 green bell pepper, diced – $1.81

3 garlic cloves, minced – $0.18

2 tablespoon chili powder – $1.00

1 tablespoon cumin powder – $0.85

2 teaspoon paprika – $0.25

1 teaspoon dried oregano – $0.10

1 teaspoon salt – $0.02

2 tablespoon tomato paste – $0.73

1 (28-ounce can) fire roasted diced tomatoes – $3.10

1 (15-ounce can) black beans – $1.55

1 (15-ounce can) red kidney beans – $1.55

2 cups chicken bone broth – $2.59

1 bay leaf – $0.40

Jiffy Cornbread mix – $0.64

1 Egg – $0.57

½ cup milk – $0.30

Grand total: $28.07

Divided by 6 servings = $28.07/6 =$4.67 per serving of chili and cornbread

Given the quality ingredients used in the above recipe, let’s cost compare to a Chicken Burrito Bowl from Chipotle with a drink. See screenshot order below. $15.20 total for one meal

$15.20 – $4.67 = $10.53 in savings by making your food at home

If you change your behavior to making your lunch at home versus buying, you could save $10.53 per day or more. Weekly, that would be a savings of $52.65. Monthly, that would be a savings of $210.60. Yearly, that’s a savings of $2,527.20.

What would $2,527.20 extra this year do for your household? What would it pay off? What goal would that help you save toward?

How are you being intentional today with your money?