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12 Goals for the New Year

My 14 Goals for 2020 Week 52 of 52

By Mavis Butterfield on - 31 Comments

My 14 Goals for 2020


Goal #1 – Take Full Advantage of Having My Husband Home 24/7 Done!

I could not have accomplished all this things I had wanted to in 2020 if it wasn’t for my handy husband. From running all the errands I didn’t want to do, to digging up the yard, laying tile, packing up {and unloading} moving trucks to chauffeuring me around everywhere I wanted to go this past year and basically going along with all my crazy ideas.

He’s such a great sidekick and I think we make a great team. 

Goal #2 – Take Better Care of Myself.  Done!

I had 9 solid months of walking on the beach practically daily either with the HH, The Girl or Miss Lucy and while I miss that, I am SOOOO looking forward to being out on the water again next summer and all the adventures we are going to have. 

Goal #3 – Get Organized Done!

I finally got all my crafts organized. And then we decided to sell our house. Luckily though, this past week I was able to get our new basement organized {and the kiln set up} and so I’m ready to begin crafting again. 🙂 

Goal #4 – Get Proper Window Coverings on All Our Windows. Done!

While making roman shades wasn’t exactly the most exciting sewing project I’ve ever taken on, I really think they helped open up the downstairs and made the room look bigger in our last house. {I just LOVE before and after photos.}

Goal #5 – Master Bedroom Make Over Done!

White walls and sheer curtains, plus removing the old carpet also helped open up our bedroom in the last house and give it sense of calm. 

Goal #6 – Kitchen Update Done!

Although we hadn’t planned on moving so soon, I am so glad we took advantage of the winter months and got the majority of our home improvement projects completed before the housing market went nuts this past summer and we decided to sell. I truly believe giving the house a more neutral look not only got us multiple offers, but top dollar as well.

Goal #7 – Install Vegetable Garden Done!

We packed a ton of garden projects in this year, from adding 4 raised garden boxes to creating numerous flower borders to lining the driveway with hosta plants at the old place. It was exhausting work, but also very satisfying. 

Goal #8 – Explore More of Maine Done!

And very much looking forward to exploring more next year. 

Goal #9 – Host Some Sort of Get Together Done!

While we didn’t have any of the neighbors over for BBQ this summer, we did hang out with them a bunch and held a garage sale, so I am calling this goal a success. 

Goal #10 – Read/Listen to 12 Books Done!

Hands down my favorite book of the year was The Dutch House. I liked it so much I listened to it twice. 

A few of the books I enjoyed this year: {I didn’t bother listing the duds}

Goal #11 – Learn A New Skill or Craft Done

I learned how to make swizzle sticks with my former neighbor and I think they turned out great for my first try {you can see the kiln pictures here}. Kiln guy has promised to give me a few more lessons and I am looking forward to taking him up on his offer next year. 

Goal #12 – Visit 12  Museums, Historical Homes or Botanical Gardens {and bakeries too!} Done!

Goal # 13 – Reach 5,000 Etsy Sales by the End of The Year DONE!

I smashed my goal this year and so far have made 5813 sales on Etsy. That’s up from 2804 on January 1st! Wowza. Now I just have to figure out what number I want to reach for in 2021. 

Goal #14 – Once a Month Menu Planning {for 2} {Did not accomplish}

Hands down the best meal we ate in 2020 was the hot lunch special at the Island Market on Islesboro. 

And while I started off strong with menu planning at the beginning of the year, it quickly went downhill in April and I think I just threw in the towel early. But hey, 13 out of 14 goals… that’s still something to be proud of. I like to think of it as an A grade if this were a test. So I’m pretty happy about that. 🙂 

*********

Even though New Year’s Day falls on a Friday this year, I think I’m going to wait until next Sunday to post my goals for 2021. I’ve come to really enjoy waking up early on Sunday mornings to update the progress I’ve made on my goals each week. It’s been a great way to get ready and focus for the week ahead. 

So how did you do with YOUR goals this year? Have you started making plans for what you want to accomplish next year yet? We all want to know. 

Have a great Sunday everyone, stay warm. 

~Mavis

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Comments

  1. Jeanie H says

    I accomplished more of my goals than ever before so thanks for that at least pandemic. Already working on listing my 2021 goals. Trying to keep in mind we may have a move in the middle so they need to be kind of twofold.

    Reply

  2. Faith says

    I have been following your annual goals post for over ten years now! This year was the first year I’ve accomplished any of my goals, so I’m quite pleased with myself! I lost 20 lbs, and hopefully will lose a few more in the coming months. We laid new flooring in 2/4 bedrooms, saving money by doing it ourselves. The remaining two rooms and painting are on the list for 2021. We took an actual vacation and enjoyed Cashiers and Highlands, NC. Next year travel will be centered around our son’s college baseball schedule. Got new appliances. While a washer and dryer were not the appliances I wanted, the pandemic deemed them necessary . A new stove, dishwasher, and microwave are still on the list. I recently read about the Libby app and have linked it to my library card. I hope to read/listen to 52 books this year, a lofty goal for me! Overall, 2020 was bearable, and I hope 2021 is the best year yet! Happy New Year, Mavis!

    Reply

  4. Glenna says

    Congratulations on your succcessful goals. I made 14 goals for 2020.

    I wish I could say I accomplished them all but unfortunately several were impacted by events in 2020. I did complete 9, so I’m calling it a success.

    I think I need a regular weekly review cycle like you mention. There was 1 I could have completed with regular reviews.

    Reply

  5. StephanieZ says

    2020 was a write off for me with the death of my mother during COVID lockdown but 2021 will make up for it as I will retire. I’m loosely planning our 10 week Southern European trip for October and the Southern Hemisphere for January 2022.

    Reply

  7. Mel says

    I did better than expected with my goals considering everything that happened this year.

    1. HEALTH: I accomplished all of these goals (running more, hydrating, eating better, catching up on doctors appointments, etc.). I recently had to take a break from running because I did something to my foot last week, but I think I’m almost set to get back to it.

    2. HOLIDAYS: I organized about 75% of our holiday stuff, but I can’t do the last of it until I pack up Christmas decor. Due to all the extra work and face mask sewing this year, I never got around to carving springerle molds. It wasn’t an original goal, but I did end up making several custom ornaments, and I made an advent calendar that I love.

    3. COOKING: I made sous vide yogurt and learned to make brioche. I never got around to mixing our own spice mixes, but I did start replacing spices we used up with bulk containers so that I can get around to that soon (very tired of mixing taco seasoning and whatnot each time I use it instead of mixing one big batch). They weren’t original goals, but I also made tons of homemade pasta and bread this year, discovered some awesome salad dressing recipes, and learned to use my air fryer.

    4. HOUSEWORK: I never reupholstered our ottoman, but I did better with cleaning (major deep clean over Spring Break and generally more on top of day to day stuff), but I might do more with this in 2021. It wasn’t an original goal, but I also did some major decluttering, added tons of storage, and upgraded some furniture that was not working for us.

    5. SEWING: I got through most of my original sewing goals (finished 1 out of 3 ongoing projects, sewed Valentine’s bags but not Easter ones, made 1 skirt instead of 2, made a bunch of zippered pouches, and made adjustable Velcro reusable gift wrap). I didn’t get around to making my own pajama pants pattern or a Christmas stocking for our cat, but I did make more than 150 face masks and cloth napkin sets for every season (after the first 100 masks or so, all I felt like sewing were simple squares, so napkins were it). And it wasn’t an original goal, but I also gave my sewing area a mini makeover.

    6. DIGITAL STUFF: I read the books I meant to, but I didn’t get around to organizing Pinterest boards (that was a summer project, and I ended up working 5 extra weeks this summer). I also didn’t organize digital photos either, but I did update our digital picture frame, got a canvas print of one of our wedding photos, hung a bunch of pictures on our walls, and installed a picture frame gallery wall on our stairs.

    I already have big plans for 2021.

    Reply

  8. Patty P says

    Of the goals I set this year, I super achieved one of the goals and many others are still in progress. I set out to read 30 books this year, but due to the pandemic and being home more and utilizing audio versions of books, I was able to read 102 books this year! I did this by listening to books while doing my animal chores and gardening chores. I did physically read some of those books too! I listened to and read so many awesome books this year…I can’t even pick “just a few” to recommend!

    One of my goals was to attend a conference for school in New Mexico in April, but that one was dashed for me! They rescheduled it for this coming April, but have already canceled it again…so not looking like that will be a reality.

    We did, due to the circumstances of this year, get a lot more “new” goals added to the list mid year, so I’m not at all upset that I didn’t complete my other goals, because I had so many new goals added! We put an addition on our animal barn (that we completed on our own so only had to purchase the materials), we raised meat birds with a neighboring family (I’ve had laying hens for years now, but never meat chickens, so that was a great new experience that I’m already planning for next year!), I added raised beds to our gardening program and really utilized our greenhouse this past spring (I have greens growing under row covers right now in my back yard–I live in Central NY State), we doubled our pig production plans this year and it’s going great (another reason for the addition on our barn), and I taught from home for six months this year (I was back in school as of November)! So after all is said and done, I’d say that we had a pretty good 2020!

    Reply

  9. Linda says

    I just put a hold on “The Dutch House”.
    I haven’t ever written a yearly goal list, and I’m not sure I will for 2021, I’m thinking about it though. I make daily lists and stick to them. I need to stay focused and they make a huge difference.
    Thank you Mavis for your faithful blog posts. They are entertaining, encouraging and always positive.

    Reply

  10. Elle says

    This was my first year of full retirement and after 39 demanding years in healthcare, goals, targets, appointments were not invited into my life. My goal was to thoroughly enjoy each day and live in the moment appreciating all I have. SUCCESS! Best goal EVER 🙂

    I did set a few goals for hobbies I enjoy:

    1. Make and donate 36 quilts in my community. DONE! I actually finished 46 as well as another 6 for gifts!
    2. Read 52 books. Nope. I did finish 33 and am currently working on 5 more. I am a paper in hand reader-audio books don’t hold my attention while I’m doing other things.
    3. Lose the weight. Nope. Right back where I was the end of March 🙁

    Reply

    • Mavis Butterfield says

      Getting to enjoy your retirement doing the things that you wanted to do is a wonderful goal to accomplish. Well done.

      Reply

  11. Christa H. says

    Week 52 of 52:
    1. Do things to support the local birds, butterflies, and my bees- DONE!- I installed a large pollinator garden, made toad swimming holes with plastic containers and rocks, made multiple water bath areas, created two water gardens, filled my large fountain with water and floating water lettuce for the bees to land on, and installed an orchard with over 80 varieties of fruit trees/bushes/vines
    2. Start seedlings with my grow lights and plant a pollinator garden- DONE!- I grew a ton of vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, and other plants
    3. Continue learning about beekeeping to support my hives- DONE! I took an online course and chatted with my local bee store, but I still have a lot to learn
    4. Start vermicomposting again to support my garden- DONE!- I ordered 1000 worms and have been vermicomposting most of the year
    5. Help my rescue cats live their best lives- DONE!- lots of love, treats, catnip on occasion, 2 of the 4 were on protocols with my naturopath and are now healed, they get to enjoy the screened porch, soak up some Vit D out there when the sun shines and they stay indoors where they are safe from coyotes. My severe PTSD cat has overcome so much and acts more and more normal
    6. Design or carve an address stamp for holiday mail- NOPE!
    7. Do something with the postage stamps I collect from our mail- NOPE!- I trimmed them up and have all American flags in one jar and all other designs in a separate jar. Never got around to making anything with them
    8. Practice wood burning crafting- DONE!- Made some ornaments
    9. Reframe old stitchery- NOPE!
    10. Make some holiday crafts/art to display- NOPE! Teaching middle school online during Covid took all my time and then some
    11. Complete or give away my ornament craft stash- NOPE! I looked at them but lack time due to teaching
    12. Beautifully wrap all and personalize all presents- NOPE!
    13. Try 20 new food items- DONE! Tried a ton of new things
    14. Clean out magazine stash and tear out recipes I want to keep- NOPE! Completed some, but not all
    15. Do something for my health and/or husband’s health- DONE!- He did Noom on and off most of the year. We both have been on protocols from my naturopath. Lots of healthy cooking

    Reply

  12. Lisa Lu...... says

    Dear Mavis,
    One of my goals in 2021 will be to pray for you every day until you are cancer free. As a cancer survivor myself, my only words of wisdom are “It will be icky for awhile, and you will be ok”
    You are loved, Mavis.

    Reply

  13. JJ says

    Hi Mavis, I love reading about your goals. I’m curious if you write them in a notebook or planner, put them on a calendar, post them around the house, or ??? I want to be more intentional in 2021, and I’d love to hear how you go about setting your goals. 🙂

    Reply

  14. Heidi P says

    I love keeping up with your goals on Sundays! I feel like your successes motivate me to keep reaching for my own goals.

    Although most of my 2020 goals went out the window once the crud hit, I did pay off our debt in January which was a big win. I’ll make more for 2021 and try to keep up on them. I pause often and look at our home at our family and am very happy with what we’ve been blessed with. Health (at the moment) and happiness. Doesn’t get much better than that if you ask me. So if I don’t meet goals all is not lost. All I need to do is look around.

    My main goal is to grow food and put up a stand at our driveway. I’m not great at knowing when the veggies I grow are ready to be picked so I will try to get better so I can share more with the community. I haven’t decided if I will put a donation box out or just offer them for free. I’ll figure that out later.

    I would also like to find a side income from home. Not sure what that will be?

    Thank you Mavis for years of inspiration and joy. I look forward everyday to reading what you’re up to. Many blessing to you and your lovely family. You’re in my heart and prayers.

    Reply

  15. Angela Muller says

    Hi Mavis,
    Made your Frito Chili Casserole as part of a Christmas Eve buffet. First time making it because it seemed too simple and couldn’t possibly be that good!!!! Well, I will never doubt another recipe you share…not only was it a hit, it was the only thing completely devoured by the end of the evening! Thank you!

    Reply

  16. Rhonda R Relyea says

    I loved your before and after pics. I think we have the same bedspread I had painted my bedroom a lighter lavender than yours and when I saw the bedspread I knew how the walls and it would compliment each other.

    I used to have tons of energy and worked a 40 he or more work week while caring for a small petting zoo, doing all the yard work and running with my two girls to all their field trips and school functions. We did lots of crafts, home baking and cooking, sewing clothes for horse riding competitions when the girls were in 4-H. I made homemade candy for our mailman, paperman, teachers and others.

    At age 65 now, I look back and wonder how I ever did it all. I loved every minute. I am now disabled, have 2 brain tumors and wonder everyday if it will be my last.

    I love how you make the most if your life and keep busy with what’s not only enjoyable, but what’s necessary.

    I wish you a long life and know you’ll beat this scare. I think I will, too. I love Lucy and so enjoy your posts. Thank you for years of both.

    Reply

    • Mavis Butterfield says

      I think making the most out of our lives and moving forward with as much positivity as we can is the key to happiness. I really do. Stay busy, do something you love and keep fighting.

      Reply

  17. Patti says

    I started a goal journal this year after discovering your blog. While I did not reach all my goals, I did check in weekly to see how far I had come. The pandemic changed many of mine – some things I did more (read, declutter), others went out the window (travel). Checking in on your goals was amazing – you did so much this year! Looking forward to 2021 and what it has to teach us.

    Reply

  18. Debi says

    I met all of my goals. I did have a heart attack on Oct, and was hospitalized a few extra days,as my blood pressure was so low 74/46 and 74/41. I was released after 1.5 days of 106/65. So new year will have more to do with that. I walked daily 4 – 6 miles a day and will keep that. Also had lose 2 lbs/month, and will continue that. I mostly cooked all meals and as many as possible from scratch.

    I am adding more canning to what I canned this past year.

    Reply

    • Kris R says

      Debi – I am so sorry that happened to you. Sounds like you have a good plan of self care mapped out for the new year ahead.

      Reply

  19. Kris R says

    Hi Mavis and everyone –

    I loved reading all your goals and how you fared. This was the first year I was able to accomplish goals and I tried lots of new things such as, building raised beds, growing zinnias, new recipes and canning.

    My dh and I will be facing the Covid 19 challenge for the beginning of the new year. Dh tested positive on December 23 to a weekly test and then a rapid test a few days later. He is quarantined until January 3rd. I am quarantined for close proximity until January 15th. Thank goodness I have a lot of groceries on hand. The county health department calls every morning…..that creeps me out for some reason.

    Stay safe and well everyone.

    Reply

  20. DENISE says

    I was able to accomplish many of my goals now that I’m retired. Built some beautiful garden boxes, canned,dried, made sauerkraut and kimchee, sourdough starter, many new recipes from many cultures. Was in the process of finally using all the yarn I had saved, lots of presents. Then the night of December 20th my entire house burned down. I had my cell phone because I was on the line with 911 and the nightgown I was wearing were all I had left. Got my son’s girlfriend and the cat out of a small window and watched as our heroic firefighters put out the fire. We believe it started from a battery charger for a drill on the porch. Soooo, I am grateful to be alive and have so many loving family and friends. My goal for 2021 is to rebuild. I will be a Phoenix and rise from the ashes.

    Reply

  21. Rebecca says

    I so enjoy this blog! I not only enjoy Mavis, but also the amazing and inspiring comments.

    2020…my mom had been quite sick for a few years and passed in February right before COVID hit. It has been a whirlwind since. I am the youngest by 7 years and the executor of the estate to which my sisters did not take kindly. I have 2 sons in college and 1 in high school and COVID changed a lot for them like all other students. I’m still in the midst of settling moms estate as dad passed in 2016. I sold the house just this month that our family had been in since 1964 on land our family had owned for many generation so it was a tough year.

    2021…. No major goals. I haven’t had goals for several years due to moms illness. Just to doing my job each day, taking care of mom and my family was enough. One day…for now to just get the estate done would be a dream come true. One day at a time.

    I have learned a lot from this blog and seeing the kindness. It is my favorite daily check in! Praying for you Mavis and all others. My college roomie is having a biopsy this am. She is 51. She has had cancer 3 times and praying this is just a benign lump. Thanks to all of you for taking the time to write and comment! All of you inspire me greatly!

    Reply

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