2024 is my year to do all the tasks I’ve wanted to accomplish but deemed too difficult, or too time-consuming, and sent them to the back burner.

• Become a stronger swimmer

• Read at least two books this year

• Fix that ‘84 Datsun sitting in my driveway

• Run a half marathon

• Go to doctor and dentist regularly

• Work out at least 3x a week

• Learn to golf

• Give myself grace and let life happen as it may

As you can see, I’ve gotten pretty good at procrastination with my major life goals. As of March, I’ve read maybe a quarter of one 300-page book in about two months and managed to work out once or twice a week for the past month or so. I signed up for a half marathon in November but haven’t done a ton of running since. I stare at that antique car sitting there every time I leave and come home.

One reason most fall short of their major goals for the year, or in life, is because they feel if they don’t complete their entire list by the next day they’ve already failed. That’s kind of how I’m feeling right now as well. A constant feeling of running out of time. When in reality, I still have nine whole months to work on these accomplishments!

This is why “giving myself grace and letting life happen as it may” is my most critical goal to ensure the success of the entire list. In order for me to succeed, for anyone to succeed, we have to give ourselves grace. Grace is your reminder that everything is okay. Your reminder that you have plenty of time left. Not everything has to be done immediately or perfectly.

Take your time and allow yourself to accomplish your goals in a way that makes them memorable. Accomplish them in a way that makes you proud of yourself. Accomplishments should be something you’re proud of finishing after all the hard work and dedication you’ve put in. Not just an item on a checklist.

At the end of the day, step one will always be getting started. Take that first step. Take another step. Take it day by day. You’ll get there! I believe in you!