My 40th Birthday is coming. Not for another 665 days, but still, it’s WELL on its way. I’m 38 and a few months now, and so far, the thought of turning 40 doesn’t really bother me. But I think milestone birthdays do have a way of making you evaluate your life and how everything is going. I already fully appreciate that I’m living an incredibly blessed life. But I decided that I wanted to come up with a few goals to accomplish before I turn 40. Which is how this “40 by 40: My Goals Before I Turn 40 Years Old” list was born.
Ambition – What Have I done?!
I’ll tell you right away, this list may be a little ambitious. A lot ambitious actually. But I LOVE this list and I’m so excited to get to work on it. I’ve got about 1.67 years to work on it, and I believe it’s all totally doable.
And by putting it all out here for you guys to see, I’m building in accountability partners in you! I plan to give a quarterly update on how everything is going and keep you all posted.
Now, on to the goals! February 12, 2021… here I come!
Structure
Rather than a list of 40 things that jumps around all over every subject, I’ve grouped the goals into different categories including health, personal development, blogging, travel, projects, purchases
Health
#1 – Lose weight and get a healthy BMI
100 pounds to be exact. That’s the number of pounds I am currently overweight according to my doctor. And that aligns with medical with BMI charts and graphs. I’ve been chunky all my life and it’s gotten worse since I’ve had our kids. I’ve always carried it relatively well, but it’s really beginning to affect my health. Not to mention my energy levels and overall stamina.
And hey – I’ve got two crazy active little boys – I’ve got to get my act together. Not only for
So, the goal is that I’ll be losing weight to get to a healthy BMI with healthy blood work, high energy and to overall be a size that I’m comfortable with.
#2 – Complete the body boss 16-week program
I purchased this fitness program a while back thinking I could do it easy peasy with no problem. WHEW was I wrong. This program is no joke. But, to be able to do it you would have to be in good shape, and at the end of it you’d certainly be in excellent shape. This will come later on after some weight comes off, but I am stoked to complete it!
#3 – Give up artificial sweeteners
They are just flat out terrible for you. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not preaching. I’m drinking a Diet Coke as I type this. I have enough risky factors going on my own. Adding liquid “poison” to my system doesn’t need to be one!
#4 – Try 2 new types of workout classes
I love a good gym workout class. With Little Guy starting preschool in the fall and the fact that our sweet GG has now retired, I may have a chance to try out a few new workout classes. I’ve always wanted to try yoga class. And lately I’m seeing these Barre Classes popping up (You know, the ones with the ballet bars!). I’m so excited to try out some new classes!
#5 – Be Able to Jog/Run for 30 Minutes
This feels like a far away goal at the moment, as I’m so out of shape. But I’ve always wanted to run, and I will get to the point where I can at least jog for 30 minutes. Truth be told, I’ve got some crazy goals in my head of stuff I’d like to do running (like races and marathons!) but that’s so far away from where I am, I don’t’ want to make the goal so scary and big that I’m paralyzed by it. So, for now, I want to be able to jog for 30 minutes. We’ll see how my body responds to that and I’ll unpack those extra goals when I have a better idea of how my smaller body will adapt to running.
Personal Development & Self Care
#6 – Take a photography class
We have a crazy nice camera that we bought when we had our first child. And also the cameras on iPhones now a days are INSANE! And I just don’t understand how everything works, but I’ve always wanted to. I had always envisioned taking a class in person, but there are so many amazing photography classes online too! I’ll sift through and see which classes best meet my goals and decide from there what kind of class to take.
#7 – Watch the 100 Best Movies of All time
There’s a caveat to this goal. This list is my OWN list of 100 Best/Most Need to Be Watched Movies of All Time. I looked at a bunch of lists and some of the movies were scary (think “Silence of the Lambs”) or really heavy (like, “Schindler’s List”). Scary and heavy just aren’t for me. So, instead, I’ve pulled from several movie websites plus added in movies of my own to do list that I’ve never seen, but should have by now. Also, I’m the mom of two little boys. I best get my act together on all these superhero movies. It just won’t do if I don’t get why Captain America is awesome…
#8 – Get a Will and Power of Attorney
Everyone should have a will and Power of Attorney. Especially if you have kids. There’s no excuse. We’ve been lazy and it’s stressed me out. No more. Time to take care of business!
#9 – Call In To A Radio Show
I’ve always wanted to call in to a radio show, but I’ve always been too much of a scaredy cat. I have no idea why. I’ve listened to the same radio morning show for 14 years now (The Taylor Strecker Show). I’ll pick a morning when I can listen in live and call in.
#10 – Start and Keep a Daily Journal
I love writing. And there are so many daily life details that I think I’ll remember that I really don’t. This will be a kind of digital scrapbook for me to remember the tiny things along the way, and a general outlet for stress as well. I’m going to keep it on the computer. My mind works way faster than my hand does anymore!
#11 – Have an Entire Day at the Spa
I’ve never spent a whole day at the spa, but I’d love to give it a go. Facial, manicure, pedicure, the works. I’m guessing a whole day is probably 6-8 hour package.
#12 – Read the Bible cover to cover
I grew up going to church every Sunday, but I’m embarrassed to say that I know shockingly little about the actual Scripture of the Bible. I’m going to purchase a guide on reading the bible and then get going. I’ve always wanted to understand a little more what’s in the bible and what it really means. We don’t go to church every week, but I think we will when the kids get a little bigger. And I’d like to be able to answer a lot of the questions that they will have.
#13 – Take a Cooking Class
I’ve always wanted to take a cooking class! I think it’d be so much fun! Our local university has class offerings regularly. I’ll pick one that meets with my interests.
#14 – Plan a Monthly Date Night
We are doing a terrible job of making sure we get in date nights. Like, super terrible job. I need to make sure it is a priority for us and that we don’t keep putting it off and putting it off. Sometimes the kids can go to GG’s and sometimes we may need to hire a sitter. But either way, we have to be way more diligent about this! Plus, how fun! A date night each month!
#15 – Do a DNA Portfolio
I am fascinated by these commercials for companies like 23 & Me. I would love to do one of the portfolios for health screening, genetics
#16 – Try a New Recipe Each Week
I have tons of cookbooks and all these pinned recipes and printed out recipes to try… and I make the same stuff over and over again. Trying new recipes can be so fun and you never know when you’ll find a new family favorite. I’ll keep a running tally of the recipes tried with reviews and report back each quarter
#17 – Read 3 Books Per Calendar Quarter
I’d like to read at least three books per calendar quarter. One for business, one for self-help and one for just plain fun. I love to read, and buy books (especially business and self help books) and then never take the time to read them! I’ve got a pile that’s embarrassingly huge of self help books! I’ll report in on each chosen book in my quarterly update.
Blogging Goals
#18 – Learn Adobe: Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
I’m in awe of all that the Adobe software can do. I’m slowly learning Photoshop and will add in Illustrator and InDesign as I get better with each. My husband has a graphic design background, so he is my ultimate walking textbook!
#19 – Run a Successful Blog
I’ve got a separate list of the metrics I want to hit that I’d consider making my blog successful. But unless you are a blogger, it’s like readying another language. I’ve got my list of goals and metrics here if it’s of any interest to you.
#20 – Create a Product to Sell via my Blog
I am not at all sure what it will be yet. I’m currently thinking some type of e-book or planner. Perhaps a class. I’m all ears if there is any subject anyone would like for me to elaborate on!
#21 – Have an Outline for A Book Manuscript
I would definitely like to turn a lot of my ideas into a book one day. But if you keep saying one day, you won’t get around to it. Therefore, I’d like to have a solid outline for a manuscript ready to go by the end of 2020. This will take some time and will require so much work. But I would LOVE to have my own book. NY Times Bestseller List… HERE I COME. :o)
#22 – Learn to do Video for my Blog
Whether it’s Facebook Live, Instagram or just a video on my blog, it’s the way of the future, and it must be done. I best get on board. Which means getting comfortable in front of the camera and behind the camera as well. There are a ton of classes out there, and I’m sure I’ll find one that helps. And it will take a ton of practice as well.
#23 – Attend a Blog Conference
I can’t wait until I can do this! It will be so awesome to put faces with names and see all the rock star bloggers that are my mentors every day! Plus, I’ve never gotten to go to a professional conference for myself. This will be great. There are lots to choose from. This will happen some time in 2020.
Travel
#24 – Ice Skate Under the NYC Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
I love New York City. I love Christmas. And for my whole life so far I’ve wanted to see the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center. And ice skate in front of it. I’m going to plan this trip for Christmas 2020 for me and my husband. We will need time to save up the money, get reservations and get in shape enough to ice skate!
#25 – Visit Pawhuska, Oklahoma and The Pioneer Woman Empire
I love Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. She’s my most favorite person on TV. I love her show, her writing, her parenting, her life philosophy and all that she does as an entrepreneur. I want to go to Pawhuska and stay in her bed and breakfast, see her store, tour the lodge and (gasp!!) maybe even get to meet her! This has been a dream for a few years now. And my husband is happy to oblige going with me! I think we will plan on the Spring of 2020 OR MAYBE even go for my actual 40th birthday weekend in February 2021. Her hotel is booked solid through 2020 already, so I better get on finding a reservation. If we want to stay at her Boarding House, we may have to go whenever we can go!
Projects
#26 – Grow a Vegetable Garden
This will be a small garden. I’m not going to plow the South 40 or anything. I’ve wanted to have a vegetable garden for a while now, so next spring (Spring 2020) I’m going to do it! My grandpa, Pop, was an avid gardener. I don’t know that I have any bit of his green thumb, but I’d sure love to throw my hat in the ring and give it a try! I’d love to have tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, strawberries, bell peppers, jalapenos, herbs, and lettuce!
It should also be mentioned that I know squat about gardening. Guess I’ll be brushing up between now and Winter 2020!
#27 – Re-do Our Master Bedroom
We will have to save up for this project, but I’m so excited to do it. I’m not good with matching and decorating, but I have a wonderful friend that sure is! She’s already helped me with the downstairs of my house. I can’t wait to start upstairs! I’m aiming for Fall/Winter of 2020 for this project. We’ll have to save up!
#28 – Re-Do our Master Bathroom
This will go hand in hand with #27. But it’s a big enough project it gets it’s own number for sure.
#29 – Catch Up my Baby Books
My kids baby books are embarrassingly behind. I have all the details noted down, but I need to get it in their books. This is an excellent project for spare time here and there. (I’m laughing out loud at the spare time…)
#30 – Make My Europe Trip Scrapbook Album
My dad and stepmom and I took a three week trip to Europe that I have so many beautiful pictures from. I’d love to get them all into a scrapbook. I’ve been meaning to do that since we got back, and so far I’ve not gotten around to it. Oh… and by the way, we got back from that trip… 17 years ago. It’s time. Mercifully I kept a journal when we were gone, so I can still match up what we did, where we did it and when we did it. I have the scrapbook even! Just need to work on the project in the margins of time.
#31 – Get Photos In Order – Both Paper and Digital
I have all the paper photos in safe boxes. And I have all the digital photos backed up. But the organization of these photos — it’s an absolute hot mess. And that needs to be fixed.
This is another great project to work on a little here and a little there until the job is done!
#32 – Photo Project Up The Stairs and Down Upstairs Hallway
I’ve wanted to put a photocollage up the walls of our stairs and upstairs hallway for a good while now. I’ve already got some of the frames, and I have a ton of portraits of the kids, just waiting to be framed and hung. The hallway and stairway definitely needs painting. And to avoid major issue when it’s time to do that, and to not stand in the way of going ahead with my project, I plan to use Velcro command strips to hang all the pictures.
Purchases – High Dollar Items (to Me at least!)
#33 – Buy a Pair of Cowboy Boots
I’ve always, always, always wanted a pair of cowboy boots. I can’t meet The Pioneer Woman in standard footwear! No, No, that won’t do. I want to buy a pair of genuine cowboy boots on our Oklahoma trip.
#34 – Buy a Pair of Tieks flats
I love looking at these shoes. And they look like they would be comfy and great shoes. But they are $200 a pair. YIKES. But nonetheless, I want to see what it’s all about. They are so flipping cute!
#35 – Buy an Expensive Purse
I’ve never been one to buy expensive shoes or purses. However, I’d like to have one ridiculously expensive purse that I love. Now, I consider “ridiculously expensive” to be under the $400 mark. We should just keep that in mind. There are purses that you can spend thousands of dollars on. I could be a millionaire and I’m still not going to be able to get on board with that. But I’d like to have one nice purse that I adore.
Money
#36 – Save all the Money for a Disney Vacation for Spring 2021
It will surely take us until Spring 2021 to afford this trip. And by then our kids will be 8 and 6, which would be the perfect age to go to Disneyworld. But if we are going, I’m not going on a budget. I want a room at a nice resort, with an awesome pool for the kids and buses that pick me up and take me everywhere. I don’t want to worry about budgeting. So, we’ll save for a while for it. And let the kids get to the appropriate age too!
#37 – See a Financial Planner
We need to set up college funds, have an investment strategy, retirement plan and I’m sure many other things I’ve not even thought of. This is a very grown up and necessary item on the list, and we need to get it taken care of soon.
Open Items
I’m definitely not out of ideas, but I’m leaving the last 3 spots open. In case other goals come up that I’d like to add in. I don’t want to be too rigid. I have a few in mind, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to put them out into the universe yet. Let’s just see how everything develops!
- 38 – LEAVE OPEN FOR POSSIBILITIES!
- 39 – LEAVE OPEN FOR POSSIBILITIES!
- 40 – LEAVE OPEN FOR POSSIBILITIES!
Conclusion: Wrap Up
Well, if you are still reading at this point, thank you! This was a long post! But I’ve got a lot of goals to work on! I’ll update this quarterly for everyone (As a MUCH shorter update! LOL!) I’m so excited to get started on my list and I can’t wait to report back to you all! Maybe this inspires one or two of you to make a list of your own! This concludes my list of “40 by 40: My Goals Before I Turn 40 Years Old” ideas. For now at least. I’d love to see yours if you make one! Happy Shuffling as always!
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