As we are nearing the end of October - we are fast approaching our next big holiday - Thanksgiving. November will always be the month with many fond and happy memories attached. Not only is it my mother's birthday month - but it is also my oldest son and daughter's birthday as well. We celebrate both birthdays - as they are so close to Thanksgiving- then we turn around and gather with family members for the feast. And it is a feast. Not just a feast - for the actual Thanksgiving dinner - it is a feast of things to do, to be done, and to get done. There will be mere days left - before Christmas - and who has time for - anything? So, it is about right now - that I will set quick goals to do on an every day basis - until the end of the year or until Christmas. I like to call this: SPRINT TO THE FINISH. 

My daughter Ella who ran in the San Francisco Half Marathon - as she was nearing the finish line -  sprinted to cross the finish line. Completely elated from the experience - she worked hard and knew as she was coming to the end - she needed to sprint.

So, it works like this: every day Monday through Friday - along with my usual "things that need to get done to maintain home and family" - I tack on small goals to keep me moving forward - and to keep life not so completely out of control. Clean something, Read something uplifting (one chapter), write in journal (could be 3 things I'm grateful for), drink my water, exercise at least 30 minutes, eat my fruits/veggies - and sometimes I will throw in a wild card - no sugar for a couple of days. This of course, is not easy - its a Sprint. Why do this and why care? Because this is what helps me focus on my home and husband/kid needs but I am also focused on trying to keep me "in check" as well. Every one has different needs and wants - and to be able to move forward with your needs/wants - small goals or baby steps need to happen. 

So, I am getting new carpet and really need to over- haul my home - I need to clean it. People who know me - know that I am a pack - rat. This is (in my head) the most unattainable goal to accomplish. However, I know - that every day - until I get that carpet - I can clean something for 15, 20, 30 minutes - and get a little closer to my goal. I don't need to look at my entire house and think I will clean it in a day - that's not going to happen. Some things are a marathon and take months of small goals - to get to be able to cross off the bigger goal. I like this idea - to me it helps me not feel so overwhelmed with life. Small attainable goals set for every day - to be able to accomplish larger future goals - with a deadline. If you are not already doing this - try it! You might just surprise yourself.