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I’m a little earlier than last year, but thought I would check in on my 2023 goals as we enter into the fourth quarter. This should be interesting…
#1. START A BULLET JOURNAL AND USE ALL OF THE PAGES.
My original intentions: Instead of purchasing an expensive planner, I’m creating my own in a bullet journal style and I’m determined to fill up the entire thing! I am notorious for abandoning half-filled notebooks.
How it’s going: Done! I finished the last page in my journal at the end of September and quickly purchased a second one to keep going. It’s quickly become a prized possession – I have everything from reading notes to garden plans to inflation trackers inside.
My plan for the rest of 2023: I’ll be continuing on in journal #2 and definitely can see myself using it through 2024.
#2. WRITE DOWN MY GRATITUDE EVERYDAY.
My original intentions: There is so much to be thankful for, if only I seek it.
How it’s going: Giving myself half credit on this one. I have started and stopped with daily documentation all year; clearly, consistency has been a struggle for me in lots of areas! In September, I created a specific gratitude page in my journal and that seemed to help encourage the habit.
My plan for the rest of 2023: I just made another gratitude page for October and hope to continue in this way through the rest of the year.
#3. SUPPORT THE MAN BEFORE THE COMPANY.
My original intentions: So many of us are starting little side hustles as a way to further our goals or just make ends meet. I want to look toward the farmer, the reseller, and the artist first before heading to the big box stores.
How it’s going: Yes! I’m really happy to have created a habit where I look at the small businesses first before going to the big box stores. It’s not always possible to find what I’m looking for (I just made an Amazon order last week!), but a quick search through Ebay, Poshmark, or Etsy is always my first stop. We also love supporting our fellow farmers, especially the smaller hobby-sized ones like ours.
My plan for the rest of 2023: Keep on, keepin’ on. I want to do some browsing to see if I can find some unique things for Christmas.
#4. WORK ON HOMESTEAD SYSTEMS.
My original intentions: 2022 was a big building year. 2023 will be the year where we think smarter, not harder: tweaking our systems for better efficiency.
How it’s going: Hmm. This was an interesting season at the farm and so many things did not go according to plan. I thought about creating better systems (ha!), but I’m not sure those things actually came to fruition this year.
My plan for the rest of 2023: We are in the process of building multiple permanent pig paddocks, which will be very helpful long term. Considering that enough for this goal and one small project checked off of the homestead system list!
#5. READ FROM MY BOOKSHELVES.
My original intentions: I have a lot of unread books. While this doesn’t stress me out (I see them as a plethora of possibilities!), I do want to prioritize these options over any new ones. The money saved will be an added bonus.
How it’s going: I started the year with 207 unread books. As of this writing, I’ve read 74 books and my unread shelf holds 201. Obviously, I’ve been replenishing my shelves just as fast as I read them! I blame our amazing used bookstore where you can find like new hardcovers for $2. Oh well, a good problem to have.
My plan for the rest of 2023: I’ll still be reading from my shelves, but there may be birthday and Christmas gifts in my future!
#6. CULTIVATE A WARM, WELCOMING HOME.
My original intentions: More decluttering of the extras and figuring out how to make a cozy home with the rest.
How it’s going: I have spent very little intentional time on my home this year. I have missed puttering around and making my home cozy and welcoming! But things are looking up – I created my decluttering schedule and have been slowly checking off the list.
My plan for the rest of 2023: Fall is here and winter is right around the corner. I’m looking forward to pulling out all the warm blankets, candles and records for the player. We’re ready for fires in the fireplace and books everywhere!
#7. KEEP WORKING ON THE MORTGAGE REDUCTION.
My original intentions: We’re making progress on this huge goal, little by little. Since there’s only so much you can cut from an already lean budget, we’ll be executing a few side hustles for some added cash. (Shameless plug to buy me a “coffee”! Just kidding.) I’m excited to see what kind of a dent we can make in 2023.
How it’s going: This goal is another one that has been inconsistent. As the year has progressed, we’ve had to lessen our extra payments to pay for the farm and just everyday life. Thankfully, I’ve been able to continually sell our unneeded items on ebay/Poshmark/Pango and all of that money goes straight to the mortgage. We started the year at 15.4% paid and as of this writing are at 18.9% paid off. Not spectacular, but moving in the right direction.
My plan for the rest of 2023: With birthdays and Christmas on the horizon, I don’t think there will be any big lump sums significantly moving the needle. We just keeping moving forward, little by little.
Congratulations! It is difficult to stay consistent after the initial excitment wears off but you have done it. Especially for the mortgage reduction, things might not seem like they e¿are moving but every bit helps.