8 Ways to Effectively Communicate with New Members

'Tis the season to fill your organization with volunteers! I want to share a few tips on how to better communicate with the new folks you hope to recruit.

Reintroduce yourself - You should introduce and reintroduce yourself regularly. While part of your members know you, new people have no history with you. Think about how to reintroduce yourself in person and digitally. There are great opportunities to do both things, for example, set aside a few moments in the beginning of each meeting to tell the story of your organization. What is the history? What are the objectives? What do you hope to accomplish together with all of that in mind? New eyeballs are running into your social media content every day. Think about scheduling content that will appeal to new people and don't forget to close with an ask such as "apply today" or "join us at our next meeting."  

Remember the first-time member experience - When was the last time you joined a group for the first time? It can be either a good or bad experience. The choice is up to you. I invite you to think about a new member's journey from typing your address in their phone to parking all the way to leaving. Are there any helpful things you could do to be sure the person comes back to your organization?

Go the extra mile to be sure new members feel included - You might be thinking "Cintia, I just took all of that time thinking about the new member experience. Why would you want me to make sure they feel included? Isn't it the same thing?" My answer would be no it isn't. It is possible to have an exemplary new member welcome just to feel left out. Sometimes, the other members do not speak with a new person. I've been in multiple places where a new person tells me after being in a meeting for a long time and passing multiple people "You are the first person who spoke to me." Make looking for newbies and making them feel welcome part of your organization's culture. And yes, that particular place had a committee responsible for making people feel welcome yet this group of people escaped them. Hospitality is everyone's responsibility. It needs to be modeled, taught, and encouraged. Regular reminders are also needed. Lastly, an organization where only a committee is responsible for welcoming new members while the older members are aloof to the new member experience is not a place most people want to belong. I know we can all make sure our organizations are warm and welcome to new members. It takes intentionality.

Ask new members for feedback - This will show openness and humility from you and your team. I am here to tell you most organizations miss the fact that new members have fresh eyes and fresh ideas to offer. Instead of asking a consultant or a sister organization for feedback, try asking a new member. Most of the time, the person will give you honest, timely, and real feedback about your systems. The information used as data can help your organization improve, continue or stop current practices.

Revisit your communication protocols and be ready to improve and simplify - Recently, I had to join a dynamic local organization. They are good at what they do. They have prestige attached to their name. I noticed their communication protocols are poor. As of today, there are 5 different ways to receive communication from this organization. Each communication portal seems to be critical to run this operation. A simple revision of how an organization communicates with members can be helpful. Ask:

What are the ways our members can receive communication from us?

How many communication platforms do we have? Do we adopt every App and website that exists out there? Are our communication efforts giving us the results we are looking for?

When it comes to communicating with members, clarity and simplicity win the day.

Consider signage - When my son was diagnosed with scoliosis, we took him to Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas, TX. The campus is enormous, yet the signage is very effective. I never really got lost there, even with the construction they had at the time. My guess is that someone planned the signage and trained the volunteers to be sure that parents and children knew exactly where they were supposed to go. Consider the signage your new members will see when they join you for the first time. You want to be sure it is easy to find you.

Consider tone - Leaders and their teams sometimes do not consider their tone. I am not speaking about the North and South thing as in "Oh, we are from up North so it seems like we are rude." Your tone comes from your heart, not from your place or birth. There are organizations out there who want new members but they want to obtain and maintain those members while having a rude tone. My least favorite excuse is "I just tell it like it is." I don't like it because if you say your organization wants to meet to do good, the words that come out of your mouth should reflect that. Let me tell you a secret: people "quiet quit" organizations that have a rude tone. If they don't quite, look for a documentary in the future with people saying how unappealing your language was. Considering your tone is not a way to put you in a box. It is a way to free you to communicate in a way that uplifts the people you want to join you. You can be honest and straight to the point without belittling your new members. The source of your tone is your heart.

Beware of acronyms - Most organizations have acronyms. Be mindful to explain them to your new members. Assimilation and adaptation become easier when new members don't feel like they have to spend 75% of their mental capacity decoding acronyms.

My hope is that your organization communicates better than before. Let me know which one of these tips you will apply first. 

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How to Face Frustration

This past week I was extremely frustrated.

I had a difficult time sleeping and I experienced heartburn. I'm not too fond of frustration. The "why" of frustration is not as important as "how" I face frustration. I'm not sure if you have been frustrated lately.
 
If yes, this text is for you. I want to share a few things I learned so we can improve and grow in character. 

1. Discover the root cause of your frustration. Mine was unforgiveness. I battled my frustration for many days. One night, as I struggled to sleep, God reminded me that with forgiveness, comes healing. I had a clear choice to make. I chose to forgive. I immediately forgot that I forgave. I chose forgiveness again and again. Knowing the true source of frustration gives us the power to do something about it. You are not powerless in your frustration my friend. 

2. Stop Apologizing for your hardship. I was struggling to keep up with friends during a run. It was dark. We were socially distant but we didn't want anyone to be too far away. "Cintia, are you okay?" someone asked me. I said, "I'm sorry, I'm just slow today." "Please, don't apologize. You can have a bad run, you know?" My friend proceeded to tell me to stop apologizing for the hardship I was experiencing. Instead, she said, talk about it, pray and grow. Misplaced apologies will not solve frustration. Experiencing our feelings, talking about them and growing are better options. 

3. Buy your own flowers. This was the strangest advice I heard in college. A mentor told me that a woman should buy her own flowers. I was so confused by those words that I failed to listen to her explanation. I finally understood my mentor a few years ago when I decided to buy flowers on a regular basis. Flowers are a visual reminder of unconditional love. When I am frustrated, sad, disappointed, I buy flowers. When my eyes meet the flowers in the middle of a room, my heart is immediately filled with relief. Flowers are unapologetically beautiful. They are only given as a sign of love. Flowers improve any environment. When I buy fresh flowers I am reminded that love is real and someway, my frustration will end. 

If you are not into flowers, choose a beloved item and put it in a place of high traffic. It may be a photo of loved ones. This method helped me thrive in a very toxic work environment in the past. The key is to have a visual reminder that you are loved unconditionally. 

It is easy to point outward as we seek to be free from frustration. When God is involved in the process, He will encourage you to look at your own heart. I'm not saying it is all your fault. I am saying you are only responsible for the condition of your heart. 

God can help you change from the inside out. Only He can provide you with a continual heart feast given by His true love.

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Resolve

"Life doesn't care that you set a goal. 

Life will give you obstacles. 

How you handle these obstacles 

is the key to making progress towards your goals." 

from my post "Don't give up"

The sound of a baby crying announces the arrival of a new life. Each time I heard my children use their vocal cords for the first time, I knew life was brand new for all of us. 

The sound of fireworks always announce the arrival of a new year. No matter if I'm in the States or in Brazil, that sound reminds me of the new opportunity ahead. Life can be brand new. 

We make preparations for this new year. Some choose a word for the year. Others, like myself, set goals. Many follow new year rituals that will hopefully bring them luck and riches. 

I wish life cared about all these things I just mentioned. Life doesn't care that you set a goal. Life simply gives you obstacles. How you handle these obstacles is the key to making progress towards reaching your goals. 

You need more than a goal in hand this year. You need to have resolve. Resolve is the result you get when your courage is tested. If you pass this test, you will gain wisdom. 

I have been setting goals for many years. Each time, my courage has been tested. It seems as if life tells me "oh you have a goal? How cute. Let's see how bad you want to accomplish your goal." As I face each barrier, I become a student of myself. 

I don't take my defeats as final but as grounds for growth. I tell myself, "if you can learn, you can grow." 

Resolve is the result you get when your courage is tested. If you pass the test, you gain wisdom. 

This year, you will face obstacles. I don't want you to be surprised by them. I have learned to list obstacles that will most likely stop me from reaching my goals. Once I list those obstacles, I write down  a list of ways to overcome those obstacles. 

What about the unexpected obstacles that come our way? We trust God to infuse us with grace to face each one. He is a very present help in times of trouble. God is for us, no matter what we face. 

As you enjoy this new year God is giving you, remember there are new opportunities ahead. Only those with resolve will be able to face difficulties and reach their goals. 

Resolve is the result you get when your courage is tested. You will pass your test. You will gain wisdom.

Related Podcasts:
• New Year New Goals
• Ten Ideas to navigate a difficult year
• How to discern your priorities for the new year (includes a free handout)
• Reach your goals with these 3 questions

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Now that Christmas is over

Now that Christmas is over, we can talk about 2020 goals.
Everything I read is encouraging me to start now.
Even when we start being who you want to be immediately, it is important to remember the following:

Navigate your barriers • there will be barriers on your way. You can become an expert in navigating around them and arriving at your determined destination.
Own your life •  when you work on your goals, you are owning your life. You will change as a result. People might wonder why. Let them wonder. Keep owning the life you are building for yourself through your good habits.
Wait patiently for results • results will come. Wait patiently for them. Don't give up. Don't surrender. Be patient and enjoy the results of your hard work.

Now that Christmas is over, it is time to think about your goals. Write them down and start working on them immediately. Small steps will lead you there. 

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My Morning Routine

I love mornings.
They represent new beginnings.
As a teenager, I would wake up and think, "I have a new chance to succeed." My habits made those chances worth pursuing.
As a wife and mother, I am productive in the morning.
I accomplish a lot in the early hours. My morning routine is not about a list of things I do but specific habits that lead to success.

Instead of thinking of routine as a series of robotic activities, I think of the habits that propel me towards a happier day. Here they are:

Habit 1 • Phone Downtime. The digital age has given us quite a bit of control of our uncontrolled urge to check our phones all the time. A great solution to this problem is to utilize the "downtime" setting of my iPhone. This setting locks almost all my Apps from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. The only things not clocked are my Bible App and my camera. The act of not checking my phone when I wake up helps me to be more purposeful, peaceful and productive.

Habit 2 • Rest. The fuel to the best morning routines is resting well the night A good morning requires a restful night. Rest is the most underutilized productivity tool. After a night of rest, I feel refreshed and ready to be productive.

Habit 3 • Prepare. It's been said that "by failing to prepare you are preparing to fail." I prepare everything I need the night before. I set aside my running clothes, shoes and I make sure the coffee maker is ready to go. I also pack any lunches the kids need the night before. Preparation makes my morning routine easier. I can simply sit with my Bible and coffee knowing that everything I need to do later is already ready to go.

Habit 4 • Focus. Distraction is the chief thief of productivity. I've had days when I wake up early and I waste precious minutes by browsing the internet mindlessly. Focusing on my actual routine is very important. When I wake up, I get dressed, I wash my face, brush my teeth and I get the coffee maker started. I get on my knees and pray for a while. Then I read my Bible. After that, it's time to go for a run. I only have a set amount of time to do all of that, so focusing on starting and finishing each activity on time is very important. Decide what you want to do and focus on each activity.

Please know that these suggestions might not work for you. I also need to tell you that I'm very much a work in progress. Every now and then I need to recalibrate and do these very things anew.

Other tips:

• Keep your phone out of reach. Put it in a room adjacent to yours. You will sleep better, and if you need to hear the alarm, you'll get up to turn it off. I always remind myself that I am not an E.R. doctor on call. I can live without my phone if need be. Remember, technology is a great servant but a terrible master.

• Plan for Downtime - When my phone is about to shut down, it gives me a 5-minute warning. It is a mental reminder that I need to go to bed. My phone is not part of my bedtime routine, so I need a plan for my own downtime. Will I read a book? Will I join my husband and watch a show? Will I prep for the next morning? Planning ahead is a great way to succeed.

I would love to hear about some ways you keep your morning routine popping.

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Long Distance Running

running friends who are reaching their goals!

Long distance running deserves respect. Whether training for one of my 5 marathons or 4 half marathons (and let's not forget about countless races from 5K to 30K), I have learned to approach the process with respect.

This year, it will be my first time running the Aramco Houston Half-Marathon. I made this decision after a lot of soul (and finish time) searching. The reality was, I needed a break from the long miles. My body could use a break and especially my mind. I called it my race Sabbatical. Last winter I didn't race at all. I never abandoned running, I simply made the decision to cut down the miles and focus on my health.

It was tough at first. Seeing my friends sign up for Fall marathons and ultras almost convinced me I should put in the miles with them. I learned that the best I could do was to stick with what I knew was right for me. Less turned out to be more.

In the summer, I started a 6-week mid-week running group. It was the craziest experiment ever. First of all, most people are not going to sign up to get up at dark o’clock to run. It was hot and humid when we started. It was the Texas summer. Still, we had a great group who wanted to reach their goals. That 6-week experiment is now in week 31. I am grateful to the great folks who show up week after week to run. Seeing them reach their goal has been an incredible joy.

The half marathon is 11 days away. I'm grateful to God for this season of training. I'm looking forward to running a strong race and enjoying the course with thanksgiving in my heart. 

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Working on my Inner Dialogue

I never really paid attention to the things I said to myself until I read a book called “Me and my big mouth.” At that time, I was a newlywed woman going through a big transition in life. My health was not the best and I decided it was time for a change. The book helped me to take control of my thought life and to say things on purpose.

One of the things I said back then was that I exercised as a habit and I actually enjoy it. I am now living this reality. 

I find that times of transition (such as early January) can paralyze us or propel us to change. I also took the time to dream about what the next season of my life could be. 

I learned back then to think things on purpose. I learned not to let thoughts freely come and go to my brain. I get to choose which thoughts I keep. The only solid way to guarantee that my inner dialogue was positive was to fill my mind with God’s Word. 

I started to pay close attention to other content I was feeding my mind. I couldn’t expect a healthy thought life if I was feeding my mind with fear 85% of the time. 

I learned to limit the sounds, songs, and words that go into my mind. I learned to take control of the content I feed my mind. 

2018 was the year I saw this routine pay off. I was not ruled by fear. I was walking in the freedom and peace that Jesus purchased for me. Others could tell a difference too. The person who could tell the most difference was me. 

The end of 2017 was difficult. I was doing all I could to keep working to reach my goals. Pockets of my life were stressful. Some people were out to damage me. I was in touch with God through prayer and Bible reading. When I closed my Bible, I was left alone with my thoughts. 

The prevailing thought at that time was “do not give up.” 

How in the world a thought like this comes up over and over to me when I need it the most? Here is what I think:

• I learned to pay attention to what goes in my mind. I am very particular about the words I listen to and read. 

• I learned to pay attention to the thoughts that come to my mind. I learned that I can’t entertain a thought that God does not have about me. 

• I learned to give God room to speak to me, whenever He wishes. Most people miss this because their minds are filled with clutter. I free up space so that God can speak to me and I have the ability to listen. 

I have come to God in times of trouble and desperation. I also have come to Him in ordinary times, when nothing major is going on. I find that freeing up space so that He can speak to me Whenever He wishes is brilliant. 

I hope that your inner dialogue improves this year. Pay close attention to what goes into your time. Observe the thoughts that are coming out of your mind. Give access to God so He can freely speak to you, whenever He wishes.

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2018 in Review

1. What did you do in 2018 that you’d never done before?
We welcomed between 4 and 5 family members in our home for the summer. It was an adventure! I also cooked a full Brazilian holiday meal one day and a full American holiday meal the next day. Epic two days for me.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
It was challenging but I did. I already wrote down my 2019 goals.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes, my sister-in-law.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes. Two extended family members.

5. What countries did you visit?
Texas. Ha!

6. What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?
I would love more courage to carry out my current assignment.

7. What dates from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The date I started my new job. The journey there was tough but God was so faithful. There are other dates I will remember. I hold everything in my heart with thanksgiving.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I'd say to see my family thriving through transition has been a joy.

9. What was your biggest failure?
I recognize I could have been slow to speak and quick to listen this year.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, God blessed us with good health and strength.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
We made good investments this year.

12. Where did most of your money go?
Giving and debt reduction.

13. What did you get really excited about?
My new job and running.

14. What song will always remind you of 2018?
Zeke's song "Faithful."

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:

• happier or sadder? Happier!
• thinner or fatter? Thinner (thank God!)
• richer or poorer? Richer, by God's grace.

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I can also unplug more and rest.

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Thinking about 'what was.'

18. How did you spend Christmas?
At home with the family. We have a new baby in the family, which made this extra sweet and giggly.

19. What was your favorite TV program?
I really enjoyed The Jeffersons.

20. What were your favorite books of the year?
I listened to great audiobooks this year. I don't have a favorite, I'm just glad for finding time to read on the go.

21. What was your favorite music from this year?

My husband’s music.

22. What were your favorite films of the year?
Black Panther.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
My cousin and a good friend joined our family for a middle eastern dinner. It was lovely to celebrate my 38th birthday that way.

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Finding contentment quickly.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2018?
I'd say I dressed very comfortably and I kept it on the younger looking side if it makes sense. I also wore a lot of black for some reason.

26. What kept you sane?
Zeke, our kids, and running.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018.

Helping someone else reach their goals is exhilarating. It becomes about providing the space and the encouraging atmosphere to see someone work and reach their goals. I found immense joy in seeing my running buddies reach their goals this year. We still have a  little bit of training time but so far, I have found great joy in seeing other people reach their goals. I feel the same way about business clients and my own job.

Previously in this Series
• 2017
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014 
• 2013
• 2012
• 2011
• 2010

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What my Neighborhood Coffee Shop Taught me about Goals

We've been eagerly waiting on a super famous coffee shop to open in our neighborhood. We were curious about what the facility was going to be once construction started.  

There were many wild guesses so I decided to ask the people who worked in the pharmacy next to it what the building was going to be. Everyone was so excited about a future coffee shop! So excited, we thought the place was going to have two floors! The more the construction advanced, the more we realized our sources were wrong. Still, the excitement continues. 

Once the construction phase is over, we will enjoy our favorite cup of coffee in the closeness of our neighborhood. I wish that my new year's goals were as predictable as this coffee shop's construction process. 

Just because I set out to do something, it doesn't mean it will happen as predicted. In real life, we experience delays and detours. The fact is that we can't give up, we must persist. 

I'm stepping into the second week of this shiny new year knowing that I have resolve to accomplish my goals. I am also aware that every goal worth pursuing will require persistence because... delays and detours. 

If I expect detours, I won't be surprised that it will take me a bit longer to arrive at my destination. The important thing is to arrive and to enjoy the result of my goals in the closeness of a thankful heart.

Most of my goals this year have the purpose of building in what I accomplished in the past few years. I want to continue the habit of organization. I want to continue to read and study the Bible. I want to write for print. I want to get back to living with a body who has a normal BMI. I want to run long distance for fun. I know what it is to experience delays when it comes to goals. I have to believe that I have what it takes to reach my goals. 

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Goals: going minimalist

While it is not to late to accomplish my 2017 goals (oh the hopeful soul I am), it is time to start thinking about our 2018 goals. 

I'm the person who causes a great laugh because she writes down big goals with the belief that she can somehow accomplish them. I'm not the person who makes a vision board. I don't like to get glue on my fingers and I don't want to clean up after cutting little images from a magazine. I'm not a craft person but I am a words person, so I've been sticking with writing down my goals for the year. 

I have followed a pretty precise goal setting formula for the past 5 years or so. I have decided I'm going minimalist for 2018. 

My reason? Less is more. While I believe in the power of my detailed vision, I also know by experience that it is hard to accomplish e-very-thing I want to accomplish in one year. I am focusing on what's important. 

My God is important. I'm slowing learning that it is smart to make room for Him in my life. I can give more time so I can know Him big time. 

My health is important. I can't give what I don't have. Health guarantees that I can do all that God has called me to do more efficiently. I had a talk with a mentor a few years ago and I have been convicted to make some adjustments in life so that my health can increase thus my efficiency through Christ. Rusting out for the Lord is really what I want to do.

My family is important. I'm getting used to the fact that if I have to choose between an activity and my family, the choice has already been made. Family always comes first. 

My dreams are important. I have been down long enough to know that every time my soul or body has been bruised, my dreams remain intact. Dreams are God-given. Dreams are God-enabled and I appreciate this part of my existence. 

My words are important. My words are not for everyone. Let's be honest: there's a writer out there for every eye. I also know God has assigned many pairs of eyes to my words. I want to focus on my words. I want to make them flow out of the much that God has given me. I will lift them above criticism and discouragement. My words are not for everyone but they are for someone. 

Friend, I don't know if you are a words person or an images person. Maybe you are both. I want to encourage you to put your vision for 2018 down before the clock strikes midnight on January 1. Writing your goals (or gluing your images on  a vision board) signifies that you are open for the growth and opportunities of the approaching new year. Remember that less is more if the less is going to make a big impact in your life. Remember that God gave you everything you need or He's about to do it on the go. 

Let's think about our goals for we all can grow. 

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5 Time Saving Habits

You and I, Oprah and the Facebook guy all have 24 hours in our day. The difference between us is not the number of assistants we have (ha!) but how we personally use those 24 hours. I want to encourage you with 5 time saving habits I use in order to be more productive.

1 • Choose 2 Social Media Platforms - Instead of wasting time checking 10 social media accounts, log off 8 and stick with 2. Which ones? The ones that give you the best results. I learned this the hard way. I was super sad one day because no one was responding to my latest video on a certain platform and I remember that my friends were all on Facebook. Once I switched to doing videos there, I was able to get much better results. By choosing to stick with two, I immediately save time and my social media efforts have given me better results.

2 • Reset your Goals - September is the new January. It is time to plan how you will accomplish your goals. There are a lot of projects that can be accomplished by December 31 if you start now. The key is not to get depressed about your previous lack of action but to remember the possibilities you have to make progress towards your goals. Resetting your goals give you margin. Margin is basically boundaries. When you respect your boundaries you save lot of time.

3 • Finish what you start - No one enjoys the sight of a home (or office) full of unfinished projects. Get in the habit of finishing what you started. The other day I tried my best to avoid a laundry room full of unfinished projects. I decided to finished what I started and things improved drastically there. This week I started to draft the first 3 chapters of a book I plan to pitch to an agent. As I finish this project I started I will be free to pursue other goals. Friend, I find that tricking myself to complete tasks is the way to go. I time myself and basically convince my mind that it won't take that long. Knowing what motivates you is the key to finishing what you started.

4 • Renegotiate your Fall Schedule - Every major (and minor) TV Network has a Fall schedule full of shows we cannot miss. By committing to old and new shows you might be locking between 6-15 productive hours to advertisers. I'm not saying you shouldn't watch TV, I am saying, look at your Fall schedule and notice who has most of your off-work hours. Renegotiate your volunteering commitments. If its not Focused Volunteering, forget it. Focusing Volunteering is the act of using your skill set and time limitations to make the greatest impact in your organization of choice. Look at your Fall schedule now and decide how you can best use your off-work time. Also, remember that you are the only person who can change your schedule because you set it in the first place.

5 • Rest, the secret weapon - Rest is the most underutilized productivity hack. If you get enough rest, you will be more productive. If you need research on the topic, the internet can help you. If you need a real person's account, I'm your girl. Getting enough rest at night helped me overcome one of the most stressful years of my life. Because I chose to rest, my brain was able to have much needed clarity. I also felt more empathy for difficult people in my life. It was during that year that I created my 45-minute organization strategy. This strategy has helped stay organized for the last 2 years. Rest is important and it is a mandate by the God who created us. It is not a sign of weakness but a tool in order to live a more fulfilling life.

• What are your time saving habits?

Related Posts:
• September is the New January

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Goodbye 2016

Thank God for another year! Our pastor declared this would be a year of Victory and this is exactly what God has given us. It wasn't going to be a year without difficulties he said, but through it all, we are more than victorious through our God! 

I swam a lot this summer. I'm going to do that again. I found it to be a great way to get in my own head in a different way.

 My sweet family continues to be my priority and the reason why I do everything I do with passion. It's a blessing to be loved by them.

Zeke and I put in the work and we went on some fun dates. We plan on keeping that streak going as we make time for the two of us next year.

 God and Zeke made it possible for me to fly to California and run a half marathon there. I had a great time with friends and I came back with a personal record. What a blessing!

Last but not least, I'm thankful I have this amazing man in my life. We've been together for 13 years and we have a wedding anniversary right around the corner. I got to know him better this year and I can say I love him so much more than when we first met. He's a great husband and father and I find myself incredibly satisfied with the love we have. We're blessed and we're thankful to God for making us one. I pray that next year I will be even more instrumental in being everything he needs and wants.

I don't have photos of my low moments but let me tell you: there were many. Through it all, God was with me and I have the victory. When I was low, I was reminded of Who my Father is and how much love He has for me. I found those truths to be empowering enough to help me get up and face another day with hope for the future.

We move on towards 2017 filled with faith in God assurance of His presence, power and love. Goodbye 2016 and thank God for new beginnings!

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New Year Goals: a Template

The new year is not here quite yet, which means this is a great time to set your goals. I enjoy arriving at the new year with my goals in place, which gives me focus, margin and hope for the new year. Focus because priorities are great guides for every person. Margin because on the way to reaching my goals I need to breath and truly live the life God’s given me. Hope because I want to be a good steward of the gifts God has given me.

Today I thought I present you with a template for goals. This is the way I’ve been writing my goals for a few years:

Health goals

• List 3 ways you can improve your health.

• It is important to have your doctor on board on this one.

Fitness goals

• I list these because as a runner I can list the things I want to accomplish.

Family/Marriage Goals

•  I list how I can improve my marriage and how our family can bond in the upcoming year.

Business Goals

• I started this category 6 years ago. I list things I want to accomplish with my business (writing, speaking, etc).

Faith Goals

• I list my spiritual discipline goals here. Two years ago my goal was to read the Bible in a year. It’s important to list goals and to work towards them.

Travel Goals

• This is a new category I added after being encouraged by the goals I accomplished this year. I love just to dream and write down the places I’d love to visit.

Last year I had a category called “Other” for the goals that really didn’t fit in any category listed. I was amazed to see that all of those goals were accomplished effortlessly. Write all of your goals down friends, it’s important and efficient.

I remember the years I really didn’t set any lofty goals for myself. The years I was expecting for example, were times when my goal was to give birth to my babies. Thanks to God we went through those years and the months after with grace. I have friends who set goals for themselves but suddenly, their health becomes a priority. I remember that 8 years ago my doctor told me to make my health a priority or my qualify of life would decrease. I worked diligently that year on lowering my blood pressure and that habit stayed with me through the years. Quality of health means quality of life. What I am trying to say is that your health and your peace need to be on top of your priorities for 2017. A healthy, peaceful person can accomplish so much more than the opposite. Maybe 2017 is the year you finally learn how to successfully manage stress. Maybe 2017 is the year you learn how to let go of the spirit of fear and you embrace the power, love and the sound mind available to you. There’s more available to you and I believe it starts with writing down your goals.

I pray this template is helpful. I want to finish by telling you that I know a lot of people choose one word for the year. If you rather do that, more power to you. Regardless of the approach you choose, remember to write it down before the clocks turn on January 31. Let’s arrive in 2017 with our goals in hand and with hope in our hearts. Happy new YOU!

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2016 in Review

1. What did you do in 2016 that you’d never done before? 
I sang the National Anthem before the Bel Inizio 10k 5K Giving Thanks race. Oh, I visited California for the first time. Epic stuff!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? 
I set goals and by the grace of God a lot of them were reached. I already wrote my goals for next year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
 
No but they're about to!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Not this year.

5. What countries did you visit? 
Zero (again) but I renewed my passport.

6. What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2017? 
A greater contentment with who I am where I am as in, I'm okay with cleaning the toilet and mopping the floors.

7. What dates from 2016 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? 
The end of two big assignments. They were difficult yet, I grew in character.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Seeing my family well and doing what God has called them to do.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not arriving at my peaceful place quicker. I don't see it as failure but the natural process of my life.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? 
I got dehydrated and went to the hospital for some IV fluids.

11. What was the best thing you bought? 
Tickets to a few December Christmas shows. My family really enjoyed that experience!

12. Where did most of your money go? 
Giving and debt reduction.

13. What did you get really excited about? 
My dreams and goals.

14. What song will always remind you of 2016? 
Every song Zeke composed.

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
 
• happier or sadder? Happier
• thinner or fatter? I'm not gonna be hard on myself.
• richer or poorer? Richer in grace!

16. What do you wish you’d done more of? 
Less worrying. I actually made progress in this area.

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
 
Suffering because of the unhappiness of others.

18. How did you spend Christmas? 
Our family had a laid back day at home. Super nice and Jesus focused.

19. What was your favorite TV program?
I'm sticking with the classics: The Waltons.

20. What were your favorite books of the year? 
Other than the Bible? I think the latest John and Lisa Bevere.

21. What was your favorite music from this year?
 
My husband’s music.

22. What were your favorite films of the year? 
I hardly ever go to the movies. It's been Netflix and Amazon Video driven around here.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 
Zeke and the kids always do a great job celebrating me. I love them with all my heart! I also had a birthday party with friends over, which I always love.

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? 
More application of the lessons I know now. Finding peace quicker makes life easier.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016? 
As close to my Pinterest board as I can for a steal.

26. What kept you sane?  
Jesus, Zeke, rest, running.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016.
 
There are different seasons in life. The quicker I agree with the season I'm in, the better it gets. No use in wearing summer closes in winter. Resting is everything because God moves through peace. 
Previously in this Series
• 2014 
• 2013
• 2012
• 2011
• 2010

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