At the beginning of the year, everyone talks about At the beginning of the year, everyone talks about setting goals. Honestly, setting goals is easy. You can set any goal you want to. You can write it in a journal, keep it to yourself, or even tell your friends.

But how often do we actually set a plan with smaller, short team goals to build upon while reaching our end-of-year goal? At the end of the year, we typically think back on whether or not we met the goal we set at the beginning, and the result just is what it is.

Instead, I want to help you learn how to make a plan to *realistically* reach the goals you set at the beginning of the year.

✍️ Quantify your goals (ie. I want to write X blog posts this year, I want to make $X this year, I want to make 3 new friends this year, I want to be able to lift X lbs this year).

✍️ Now that you've quantified your goals for the year, break that number down by the month (if you want to make $12,000 for your small business by the end of the year, you'll need to make $1000 each month. You can also break this down further into smaller, weekly goals).

✍️ Now, outline the steps you'll take on a weekly basis to reach your monthly goal.

✍️ Also note some hindrances you think you might face and how you plan to navigate them.

✍️ Revisit your goals on a weekly and monthly basis and consistently track if you're meeting your goals, exceeding them, or if you need to change your strategy in order to hit your mark.

✍️ Keep a journal of your wins and woes - it's important to recognize what's working well and mistakes that you can learn from!

These are all things I've learned in my work as a content marketing manager at a growing startup where measuring growth is *extremely* important. 

It may seem intimidating, but I've found that being organized in this way actually helps to clear my head and provide clarity on what I should prioritize and how I can realistically reach lofty goals.

Love you guys and hope this helps!
3 things I did this week to feel *better*: 1. I p 3 things I did this week to feel *better*:

1. I put the scale away. Don't get me wrong, I'm still working out regularly and watching my portions and sugar intake, but I'm not letting myself feel discouraged in the midst of building healthy habits. It's just not helpful and it's not about the number anyway.

2. Josh and I organized and decluttered the house. Is it weird that this really improves my mood while working from home??

3. I responded (ok tried to) to emails/texts faster. I'm the type who, if I don't know the answer or the best way to respond, I'll let it sit for a while and mildly stress me out until it's either too awkward to respond or I respond way late. I'm working on just responding quickly, even if it's imperfect. 

Do you struggle with any of these things?? 

Ps this is my favorite new @acta.wear top! Use my code CHELSEA20 for 20% off 👏
What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty bad when it comes to picking up books but I love me a good audio book! It feels extra productive when I listen because it's automatic multi tasking 😄 I'm currently reading 1 Samuel, Atomic Habits, and Managing Up ☝️

Ps. Swipe for Chelsea Damon presets before and after! Grab the presets individually or in a pack at chelseadamonpresets.com (🔗 in bio).
#ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intention #ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intentional decision making and living joyfully in the in between moments. #ad ONE Bars give me the chance to fill up on something I know is a good choice, with only 1g of sugar and 20g (!!) of protein! Psst, the Blueberry Cobbler is my favorite 😋 Stock up on all the delicious ONE Bar flavors!

 https://lnk2.io/w97K9YV #TasteONEtoBelieveONE #YouveFoundTheOne @ONE1Brands #onebar
Swipe ➡️ to get a better look at that view! Th Swipe ➡️ to get a better look at that view! Then swipe ↩️ to get a look at the handsomest kid I know!
I've never been a huge fan of new years resolution I've never been a huge fan of new years resolutions. My thinking has typically been, "If you want to change for the better, just start." But I will say, this year I want to do better at always seeing the bright side and the opportunity - of taking responsibility. I have a tendency to play the victim when things don't go my way or if my goals are more difficult than I expected. This year, I want to joyfully and patiently work towards my goals as well as enjoy the moments of rest in between. I also want to give more of myself and my resources: to my family, to our church family, and to those in need. 

What's a goal of yours for 2021?

"She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.  She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.  She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.  She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.  She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.  She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet."

Proverbs 31:15‭-‬21 ESV
So we're past the longest night of winter, that me So we're past the longest night of winter, that means it's almost spring right??
I will never be a cold weather person 🥶
Rainy in a nutshell 👉 😄 Merry Christmas ever Rainy in a nutshell 👉 😄 Merry Christmas everyone!!
It started when we were younger and you were mine It started when we were younger and you were mine
MY BABY 
😭
And it's now stuck in your head you're welcome 🤗
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Family, Guest Post, Life & Finances, Motherhood · August 3, 2016

Organizing and planning tips and tricks to make your life 10x easier

My husband and I have five children, two sets of twins and a single. And so not only because my brain works in an organized manner, but also out of necessity have I become creative in my organizing. I would also like to think that my skills at being systematic have helped to create a peaceful home life for my family. Organization is not the end all, but a tool that can be used to help those I love. Hey guys! As some of you may remember, this week my husband and I are off on the missions trio we’re joining in central asia. I didn’t want to leave you without a post for the whole ten days we were gone, so I asked my lovely mom, Susan Oberg, to contribute once more to Living the Sweet Wife! (If you’d like to see her other post, click here). I always grew up in a super clean, organized home. If there’s anyway to make your life easier by organizing, she’s probably already doing it!

Organizing and planning tips and tricks to make your life 10x easier

At a very young age it was quite evident that I had organizational skills.  I could probably have been classified as OCD, if that had been popular when I was little. (Now I’m aging myself.)  Well, it is how I function on a normal basis, and I have been known to “malfunction” when faced with too much chaos.  I know what you are thinking, “Give me a break!”  Okay, so God made me this way, and it has actually been helpful in other people’s lives as well.  When I accepted my husband’s proposal of marriage, he actually said that he was excited to see my organizational skills at work in his life.  Yup, he is sooo romantic!  And I love him dearly, even if his disorganization causes me to take a deep breath now and then.  My husband and I have five children, two sets of twins and a single. And so not only because my brain works in an organized manner, but also out of necessity have I become creative in my organizing.  

I would also like to think that my skills at being systematic have helped to create a peaceful home life for my family. And so that causes me to want to share with you a few ways I have organized my life over the years.  

Meal plans

Having five children and being a stay at home mom, who homeschooled for 10 years, made us live on a tight budget.  In order to help me food shop efficiently, I came up with a meal plan that provided a system for cooking and shopping.  Not every day was carved in stone, but we basically followed this schedule:  

  • On Mondays we ate a pasta dish for supper.  
  • On Tuesday we often had chicken.  
  • Wednesday we were usually at church for Wednesday night supper and kids’ clubs, so you may insert your own idea here.  (We like breakfast for supper too!)  
  • Thursday was a beef dinner.  
  • Friday was either fish, or pizza.  
  • Saturday was usually whatever we didn’t have on Friday.  
  • And Sunday was a larger meal after church like a roast, or pork loin, etc..(whatever was on sale).  

So when I went shopping, which was twice a month because that is how my husband is paid, I would make sure I had purchased 2 pasta meals, 2 beef meals, etc..  I am not one who loves to spend hours in the kitchen, so having a pre-made plan for supper was a big help for me.

Laundry

Another area of housekeeping that I developed a plan for was the area of laundry, and believe me there was a lot of it for seven people!  I washed one load of laundry every night switching back and forth between darks and whites.  

After supper I would pop a load in the washer.

Before bed I would stick it in the dryer.

In the morning I would fold it and let my children help by putting their laundry away.  

When they got older, they were asked to fold their laundry from the basket and put it away.  It taught them to help and fold, but it was not the whole basket, so it was not overwhelming.  Today they are all successful at doing their own laundry without my help, even my son!  (Well, I wonder if I should mention the one daughter that hates to do laundry… nvm).  

Recruit Helpers

Over the years I have often made lists for my children, letting them share in the load of housework like dusting, vacuuming, wet mopping, and cleaning bathrooms.  Unlike my own mother, who always had me vacuum, and my sister always dust, I’d change it up a bit for my children.  If they dusted last time, they vacuumed or mopped the next time. They could clean toilets and sinks, or baths and sinks, and I would clean the other.  If a child did two rooms, they were done.  As they grew older, they may have done bigger jobs like mowing, or weeding, or washing windows. They always liked the lists I made that had little boxes to place a check in when the chore was completed. We would always clean on Friday so we were all free to enjoy the weekend a little more, including myself.  Their involvement taught them to share in the work that needed to be done, gave them a sense of accomplishment, and hopefully instructed them in some life skills. And on occasion I would hear one of them saying “wipe your feet when you come in, I just vacuumed.” That would put a smile on my face.

I am hopeful that I have been successful in passing down to my children some ability in organizing their own lives.  They are not all at the point in their lives where they have there own homes and families, but they may still apply these life skills to their daily living.  Does anyone remember the old song “Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush?”  If you have ever sung beyond the first verse, it goes on to tell what cleaning chore should be done on each day of the week.  Now I have never really needed an ironing day, much to my mother-in-law’s chagrin, but I do like to bake bread from scratch!!  What I mean to say, is that the essentials in your life will dictate those things which need the most organization.  The days I practiced being methodical went more smoothly for me, and I might add that being flexible is a lifelong lesson for me. I admire those who can go with the flow even if numbers one and two on the list do not get taken care of in order, or on a certain day.  

I encourage you as women of your households, not to pour out your overwhelming days on your husband as soon as you see each other at the end of the work day, even if you both work.  There is time later to share the day with your hubby.  It sets a sweeter tone to practice an attitude of love and grace.  I admit that at times I could have been better at this, but it was my goal to be more pleasing than irritating.  Some of us may feel that “men, they work from sun to sun, but woman’s work is never done.”  More often than not, I bet your husband would be happy to give a hand when entering a peaceful home rather than a chaotic one.  My husband often arrives home after a long hard day asking what he can do to help me, whether calm or crazy!  Love him!!  Even if I know he is tired and I can easily manage the dinner and baths, I might let him know he was on duty to help with homework or putting the kids to bed.  That way he had a little breather, and could even spend some time playing with the kids while I finish the meal.  One key to remember here is to have a servant’s heart.  I haven’t seen the love of my life all day, so how can I help him.  My goals cannot come before love and servanthood.  Organization is not the end all, but a tool used to help those I love.  I hope some of these ideas have been helpful in making your days go more smoothly.

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Susan Oberg
Susan Oberg
Susan is the mother of Chelsea, author of Living the Sweet Wife. She has four other children, one grandchild, and a classroom of 3rd graders every fall and spring. Susan lives with her husband on their small farm in northern NJ. Chelsea is her favorite daughter ;D
Susan Oberg
Latest posts by Susan Oberg (see all)
  • Organizing and planning tips and tricks to make your life 10x easier - August 3, 2016
  • I picked my first husband, God picked my second husband - January 15, 2016

In: Family, Guest Post, Life & Finances, Motherhood · Tagged: chores, clean, cleaning, family, help, life, meal plan, meals, organization, organize, plan, planning, recruit, sahm, schedule, stay at home mom, tidy, tips, tricks, Work, working mom

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Comments

  1. Minerva says

    August 31, 2016 at 10:47 pm

    I just love the way you write! I’m a new wife (five months married), so I’m on the learning part of this whole new world, thanks for sharing you wisdom!

    Reply
    • Eileen says

      September 14, 2016 at 6:49 pm

      Congrats!☺

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Chelsea and we're the Damon's. We spent the last two years in WA state paying off student loans and just bought our first house in SC! I love a smooth black coffee, Josh's first love is the Seattle Sounders. Our kids are huge dorks and constantly make us laugh and we all love spending as much time outside as possible.

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At the beginning of the year, everyone talks about At the beginning of the year, everyone talks about setting goals. Honestly, setting goals is easy. You can set any goal you want to. You can write it in a journal, keep it to yourself, or even tell your friends.

But how often do we actually set a plan with smaller, short team goals to build upon while reaching our end-of-year goal? At the end of the year, we typically think back on whether or not we met the goal we set at the beginning, and the result just is what it is.

Instead, I want to help you learn how to make a plan to *realistically* reach the goals you set at the beginning of the year.

✍️ Quantify your goals (ie. I want to write X blog posts this year, I want to make $X this year, I want to make 3 new friends this year, I want to be able to lift X lbs this year).

✍️ Now that you've quantified your goals for the year, break that number down by the month (if you want to make $12,000 for your small business by the end of the year, you'll need to make $1000 each month. You can also break this down further into smaller, weekly goals).

✍️ Now, outline the steps you'll take on a weekly basis to reach your monthly goal.

✍️ Also note some hindrances you think you might face and how you plan to navigate them.

✍️ Revisit your goals on a weekly and monthly basis and consistently track if you're meeting your goals, exceeding them, or if you need to change your strategy in order to hit your mark.

✍️ Keep a journal of your wins and woes - it's important to recognize what's working well and mistakes that you can learn from!

These are all things I've learned in my work as a content marketing manager at a growing startup where measuring growth is *extremely* important. 

It may seem intimidating, but I've found that being organized in this way actually helps to clear my head and provide clarity on what I should prioritize and how I can realistically reach lofty goals.

Love you guys and hope this helps!
3 things I did this week to feel *better*: 1. I p 3 things I did this week to feel *better*:

1. I put the scale away. Don't get me wrong, I'm still working out regularly and watching my portions and sugar intake, but I'm not letting myself feel discouraged in the midst of building healthy habits. It's just not helpful and it's not about the number anyway.

2. Josh and I organized and decluttered the house. Is it weird that this really improves my mood while working from home??

3. I responded (ok tried to) to emails/texts faster. I'm the type who, if I don't know the answer or the best way to respond, I'll let it sit for a while and mildly stress me out until it's either too awkward to respond or I respond way late. I'm working on just responding quickly, even if it's imperfect. 

Do you struggle with any of these things?? 

Ps this is my favorite new @acta.wear top! Use my code CHELSEA20 for 20% off 👏
What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty bad when it comes to picking up books but I love me a good audio book! It feels extra productive when I listen because it's automatic multi tasking 😄 I'm currently reading 1 Samuel, Atomic Habits, and Managing Up ☝️

Ps. Swipe for Chelsea Damon presets before and after! Grab the presets individually or in a pack at chelseadamonpresets.com (🔗 in bio).
#ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intention #ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intentional decision making and living joyfully in the in between moments. #ad ONE Bars give me the chance to fill up on something I know is a good choice, with only 1g of sugar and 20g (!!) of protein! Psst, the Blueberry Cobbler is my favorite 😋 Stock up on all the delicious ONE Bar flavors!

 https://lnk2.io/w97K9YV #TasteONEtoBelieveONE #YouveFoundTheOne @ONE1Brands #onebar

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  • So I know the title of this post says, “What men want most in a wife,” but to be more realistic, this is about what men need most in a wife. Like men, there are a lot of things that we (women) would really like in a husband. Like, it’d be a huge plus if he looked like Chris Hemsworth. But that’s not really what we need in order to have a positive relationship with our spouse. If we married him, we probably think he’s pretty cute, anyway. Take a look at these 5 things a man really needs in a wife, and if you can think of anything else, share your thoughts in the comments below! 5 Things men want most in a wife
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  • the purpose of these is to learn a little more than you knew before. Take time to think about the answers to these and how they may relate to character and personality. You may learn a thing or two you didn’t know before! 20 Fun questions that will tell you more about your significant other

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At the beginning of the year, everyone talks about At the beginning of the year, everyone talks about setting goals. Honestly, setting goals is easy. You can set any goal you want to. You can write it in a journal, keep it to yourself, or even tell your friends.

But how often do we actually set a plan with smaller, short team goals to build upon while reaching our end-of-year goal? At the end of the year, we typically think back on whether or not we met the goal we set at the beginning, and the result just is what it is.

Instead, I want to help you learn how to make a plan to *realistically* reach the goals you set at the beginning of the year.

✍️ Quantify your goals (ie. I want to write X blog posts this year, I want to make $X this year, I want to make 3 new friends this year, I want to be able to lift X lbs this year).

✍️ Now that you've quantified your goals for the year, break that number down by the month (if you want to make $12,000 for your small business by the end of the year, you'll need to make $1000 each month. You can also break this down further into smaller, weekly goals).

✍️ Now, outline the steps you'll take on a weekly basis to reach your monthly goal.

✍️ Also note some hindrances you think you might face and how you plan to navigate them.

✍️ Revisit your goals on a weekly and monthly basis and consistently track if you're meeting your goals, exceeding them, or if you need to change your strategy in order to hit your mark.

✍️ Keep a journal of your wins and woes - it's important to recognize what's working well and mistakes that you can learn from!

These are all things I've learned in my work as a content marketing manager at a growing startup where measuring growth is *extremely* important. 

It may seem intimidating, but I've found that being organized in this way actually helps to clear my head and provide clarity on what I should prioritize and how I can realistically reach lofty goals.

Love you guys and hope this helps!
3 things I did this week to feel *better*: 1. I p 3 things I did this week to feel *better*:

1. I put the scale away. Don't get me wrong, I'm still working out regularly and watching my portions and sugar intake, but I'm not letting myself feel discouraged in the midst of building healthy habits. It's just not helpful and it's not about the number anyway.

2. Josh and I organized and decluttered the house. Is it weird that this really improves my mood while working from home??

3. I responded (ok tried to) to emails/texts faster. I'm the type who, if I don't know the answer or the best way to respond, I'll let it sit for a while and mildly stress me out until it's either too awkward to respond or I respond way late. I'm working on just responding quickly, even if it's imperfect. 

Do you struggle with any of these things?? 

Ps this is my favorite new @acta.wear top! Use my code CHELSEA20 for 20% off 👏
What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty bad when it comes to picking up books but I love me a good audio book! It feels extra productive when I listen because it's automatic multi tasking 😄 I'm currently reading 1 Samuel, Atomic Habits, and Managing Up ☝️

Ps. Swipe for Chelsea Damon presets before and after! Grab the presets individually or in a pack at chelseadamonpresets.com (🔗 in bio).
#ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intention #ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intentional decision making and living joyfully in the in between moments. #ad ONE Bars give me the chance to fill up on something I know is a good choice, with only 1g of sugar and 20g (!!) of protein! Psst, the Blueberry Cobbler is my favorite 😋 Stock up on all the delicious ONE Bar flavors!

 https://lnk2.io/w97K9YV #TasteONEtoBelieveONE #YouveFoundTheOne @ONE1Brands #onebar
Swipe ➡️ to get a better look at that view! Th Swipe ➡️ to get a better look at that view! Then swipe ↩️ to get a look at the handsomest kid I know!
I've never been a huge fan of new years resolution I've never been a huge fan of new years resolutions. My thinking has typically been, "If you want to change for the better, just start." But I will say, this year I want to do better at always seeing the bright side and the opportunity - of taking responsibility. I have a tendency to play the victim when things don't go my way or if my goals are more difficult than I expected. This year, I want to joyfully and patiently work towards my goals as well as enjoy the moments of rest in between. I also want to give more of myself and my resources: to my family, to our church family, and to those in need. 

What's a goal of yours for 2021?

"She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.  She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.  She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.  She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.  She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.  She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet."

Proverbs 31:15‭-‬21 ESV
So we're past the longest night of winter, that me So we're past the longest night of winter, that means it's almost spring right??
I will never be a cold weather person 🥶
Rainy in a nutshell 👉 😄 Merry Christmas ever Rainy in a nutshell 👉 😄 Merry Christmas everyone!!
It started when we were younger and you were mine It started when we were younger and you were mine
MY BABY 
😭
And it's now stuck in your head you're welcome 🤗
How often do you let your kids in to what it's lik How often do you let your kids in to what it's like to manage life as an adult? To work, budget, to eat healthy not because you have to but because you want to, to give to others, to spend time in the word, to forgive even when we don't feel like it...

I think it's so important to model and help our kids see the every day choices that are not always easy but make a huge difference in the long run. Ie. eating out less = more $$ in the bank to buy meals for the homeless or to bring a child in who need a home. Josh and I don't always feel like cooking, but it's easier when we remember we're working towards greater things ❤️

In a world of instant gratification, what are we teaching our kids to work and wait for?

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