I have joined a 30-day Productivity Challenge and wanted to share my journey with you and invite you to join me. Click here – https://30dayproductivity.com – if you want to join me. I think that this could be a lot of fun, especially completing it as a community.

Today’s productivity challenge is to make a list of our top 25 goals. We then need to circle the top 5 that are the most important to work towards in 2024. The remaining 20 we must avoid at all costs because they can subconsciously distract us from the top 5.

I live a fairly simple life and struggled with developing a list of 25 goals as I usually work more from a vision statement perspective. I was able to come up with 15 for this challenge. I also took the time to create my vision statement for the upcoming year. I also made sure that my goals supported my vision statement. I am providing my vision statement and my goals here.

2024 Vision Statement

In 2024, I envision a life of holistic well-being, where every aspect is aligned to create a harmonious and fulfilling existence. Physically, I aspire to maintain good health, prioritizing vitality over aesthetics. Regular physical activity, complemented by exploring the Midwest, with quaint bed-and-breakfast stays, will add a touch of serenity and balance to work and life. It will also provide inspiration for my long-term dreams.

Our home and life will reflect calmness, peace, and coziness. A tranquil haven where the soothing ambiance nurtures creativity and relaxation. The subtle nots of the piano sounding out classical music, ballads, and soft rock will provide a melodious backdrop to the simple joys of life.

Financially, I aim for a life of abundance and freedom. By eliminating credit card debt, doubling up on loan payments, and saving 10% for retirement, I seek to create a solid foundation. My work as a project manager and the pursuit of a Ph.D. will contribute to financial stability, allowing me to support my church and charities discreetly. I harbor the ambition of the secret “millionaire next door,” where financial success is understated, providing the freedom to pursue passions without financial constraints.

Creatively, I will continue crafting my first book and blog, a testament to my aspirations as a published author. This endeavor will stand as a milestone, representing the realization of a deep-seated passion.

Within the sphere of relationships, my marriage and the presence of three teenagers will be the foundation of a strong and healthy family. Encouragement and discipline will coexist, fostering an environment where each individual thrives. Our interactions will be characterized by love, support, and mutual respect, creating lasting bonds.

In 2024, I see my ideal life as a tapestry woven from various threads – physical health, financial abundance, educational pursuits, creative endeavors, and strong relationships. This vision represents not just a snapshot of a single moment but an ongoing journey towards a life that is fulfilling, meaningful, and in alignment with my deepest values and aspirations.

Remember, according to James Clear in Atomic Habits, goals are directions to guide us where we want to head. And Ali Abdaal recommends that we set our goals using N.I.C.E., which refers to Near-term, Input-based, Controllable, and Energizing. With this in mind, here are my 15 goals. I have marked in bold italics my top 5 and used the strikethrough feature for the discarded 10.

2024 Goals

1. Become financially independent by paying off all credit cards to zero balances and snowballing loan payments, prioritizing by interest rate and balances while saving for retirement and donating to charity.

2. Continue working on publishing projects including completing the first manuscript of the book and getting it successfully published, publishing one blog post per day, writing at least 1,000 words each day in a personal journal, and documenting research for Ph.D. dissertation.

3. Become proficient in playing the piano so that most simple songs can be played on sight reading or with a little practice, including songs needed for choir and cantoring.

4. Continue strengthening family relationships by planning weekend get-a-ways on the boat, in the camper, or on the motorcycles and at least one trip to a waterpark, amusement park, or Mall of America.

5. Work on improving health by getting fibromyalgia under control, avoiding all gluten products and MSG, growing, eating, and preserving more whole foods personally, and incorporating a consistent work out routine.

6. Upgrade the Chevy Silverado 1500 to a 2500 truck to more easily pull the trailer.

7. Completely renovate the kitchen, master bedroom, and master bathroom with new or updated cabinets and countertops.

8. Identify and purchase vacant land for hunting and camping use.

9. Monitor interest rates and work on refinancing primary residence.

10. Begin researching and identifying potential properties out of state that would work for a bed-and-breakfast business.

11. Convert second story of barn into a bar and adult social gathering space.

12. Research various passive income streams that would be feasible and applicable to publishing or owning a bed-and-breakfast.

13. Identify various antiques to replace current modern furnishings that could be moved and used in decorating and furnishing an antebellum style bed-and-breakfast.

14. Convert chicken coop into a miniature library.

15. Reconsider and re-evaluate foster care licensing.

Tomorrow, we are expected to continue to refine our goals, so be sure to come back and see what that process will look like. In the meantime, I would encourage you to craft either a vision statement or your own list of goals. What kind of person do you want to become in 2024?