1. Choose simple goals that will make your life richer and happier on a daily basis. Choose things you may not otherwise get done but are not difficult to accomplish.
2. Do not choose result oriented goals. Choose activity oriented goals. For example, instead of "lose 10 pounds", choose something like "eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day". Get what I'm saying? Positive actions instead of just the end result!
3. Choose personal goals you believe will truly make your life richer just by doing them! They can be daily, weekly or one time experiences.
4. Choose a reward for each goal as it is accomplished! It can be a small or large reward—it's up to you.
5. Blog about your goals, each one as you achieve it and a big post when they are all finished before the new year! Be sure to leave us a link to your blog in the comments section. I'll be sure to share my experiences in a follow-up post before the new year.
Happy goal setting! xo. Elsie
Credits// Author and Photography: Elsie Larson
165 Comments
Great idea!
Carina
http://www.carstina.com/
Love this! Definitely plan on participating 🙂
http://www.paintedpolished.blogspot.ca
So exciting! I actually started my list about a month ago, since I loved doing this challenge so much last year. I’ve finished two of my goals and picked a beautiful skirt from Ann Taylor Loft as my first reward. Here’s the direct link to my goal post: http://www.findingjoyinallthings.com/2/post/2013/09/4-simple-goals-before-2014.html
oh I missed goals posts on abm! so glad to see that you are bringing back the 4 simple goals, it’s such a great reminder. I did it last year and it was very enriching. hmmmm… now I need to think of what my new goals will be…. 🙂
Great idea! I love number 2, I think we all get caught up in results rather than actual positive changes.
i love this idea! i will definitely be giving it a go! i’m going overseas soon so mine might be 4 simple goals before December, and will definitely include no.3 on my list.
i love gaol oriented posts like this 🙂
SO great! And I’m doing this!! Will post tomorrow 🙂
http://www.aliciahutchinson.com
Marvelous idea and great advice! Love the holiday tradition goal! Such a fun thing to create with people you love! 🙂
http://sometimesgracefully.com
I’m going to try and eat greens everyday too, you inspired me 🙂
http://talisatalksbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/homedics-ultraslim-pro-at-home-slimming.html
I’ll definitely be implementing these ideas! x
This is a GREAT idea! I’ll be doing this too.
xo Lisa | http://www.makinglifeslemons.com
This is such a great idea! I may have to do this. 🙂
What a great idea!
I’m feeling inspired!
Love and good night from Germany,
Bambi
I will be sharing and blogging about this soon.. need to give this some serious thought. xo you guys rock.. love that yellow throw.. such a pretty picture! xo
love this idea!
xo Jac
thesunshinedistrict.blogspot.com
I need more greens in my life too:)
This idea is GREAT! I really love it. I will for sure take part in this.
I absolutely love this idea! I am horrible with goals, and my husband is constantly telling me to write them down and tape them to the fridge. I always say “yeah,sure” but it never happens. I like that this is such a simple idea. It’s not a long list of impossible goals. It is simple changes changes or small projects that can easily be accomplished. My 4 goals are going up on the fridge today!
Trying to do this as well!!! Love the ideas for new goals. Happy goal-ing and good luck!!
<3 dani
http://www.shopdisowned.com
http://blog.shopdisowned.com
I’ll be joining you!
I love this as a concept- enriching life through the process of reaching the goal rather than just the end result. I’m 100% on this, and am off to sort mine out.
that’s a great idea, maybe I’ll join you 🙂
love this idea! working on a little list now 🙂
http://www.mamages.com
Love the idea now just need to think of four goals. You will be able to see from my blog that I am not very good at completing things! Maybe one of my goals should be about completing things hmm
Dwellingbird.wordpress.com
good goals i know you talk about this a lot but it’s a good reminder
it’s good to have simple goals and be intentional
thanks 🙂
these are fun goals 🙂
Such a great idea, I’ll definitely be joining!! 🙂
/Tine
http://solastdecadeblog.blogspot.dk/
This is lovely! You don’t need a new year in order to make changes or resolutions
merredee.blogspot.com
Doing this! 🙂
Jessica
http://www.beingbarlow.com
Brilliant, instead of allowing the silly season to sweep me away in a torrent of business this sets the scene for mindful, conscious actions, Ohhh now four goals what will they be.
I was thinking about doing that exact thing because sometimes you shouldn’t wait for another year! So I’ll join 😀
i love your goal posts! always so inspiring, and such a great idea.
thanks!!
I think that this is an amazing idea!
Here is my list!
http://adrawerfullofstuff.blogspot.com/2013/10/four-simple-goals-before-2014.html
Kate
Am definately going to give this a go, such a great way to finish up the year! I really like your goal of making a new family tradition i wrote a long list when i was pregnant but haven’t had a chance to look at them 2 years later… wonder where i put that?! 🙂
http://hatchingkidsspaces.blogspot.com.au
My hubby and I started our holiday family tradition. every year we MUST watch Elf during Christmas.
My day is not complete without salad.
Timely. Definitely doing this! Love the idea of having it activity focused. 🙂
Love this! good timing as the year comes to a busy end. will write a post on it soon!
Definitely going to try and come up with a little list for this, great idea, and maybe exactly what I need to get me off my butt when it gets so cold that all I want to do is stay in bed, haha!
xo
http://kittysnooks.blogspot.ca/
You guys are so inspiring! Thank you!
Amazeballs…excited to join and see everyone else’s journey to their goals! Much love!!
http://anchored-souls.blogspot.com/
Sounds lovely! The best part about a ‘goal’ party sounds like the celebration and group-sharing.. makes it all that much more enjoyable (and do-able) than having silent promises that are never acknowledged by others.
My goals:
1) To write a series of stories for my mom, telling her how much I appreciate her
2) To process engagement/wedding photos for two dear couple friends and print them as photo books for them for the holiday season
3) To ‘re-invent’ looks of old, favorite items that haven’t been worn for a while, and that deserve loving
4) To host a dinner party (probably an intimate one) for loved ones, complete with decorations and entertainment 🙂
~ lauriel
http://www.EyeForElegance.com
First goal is a big one- a Whole 30 challenge starting Monday.2. cut our own Christmas tree. 3. Send 3 letters. 4. have a mama/ child alone date with both of my big kids.
what an awesome idea ! I blogged about it here
http://alafrench.blogspot.com/2013/10/be-inspired-4-4-simple-goal-challenge.html
I’m in !
Ooh, these are nice, Elsie 🙂 Hehe, I’ve got some goals/resolutions for the season as well. You can find them here:
http://ajoyouslady.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/autumnwinter-2013-resolutions.html?m=1
Tip #2 is so good.
Erin // http://www.erinoxnam.com
What a wonderful idea! I’ll definitely be joining in!
http://inthedressupbox.blogspot.com.au
Awesome! Loved reading about your goals, Mary. This will be the first year I do this challenge… Well, I’m off to go get started 🙂
Love your goals, Elsie! I hope you don’t mind if I steal your 4th goal. I’m a sucker for traditions and as I get older, the holidays tend to get “less fun.” Sooo.. traditions are a great way to help make the holidays a time to look forward to!
http://www.xoalibee.com
so joining you for this! you’ve got me all inspired. can’t wait to get started. xx. gigi. http://www.gigikkitchen.com
Great! Totally count me in 😉
But, my blog is a book blog though, here http://pagebypage-sc.blogspot.com/
So, instead of posting my challenge there, I’m going to post it on my Tumblr, here http://sandracattelya.tumblr.com/
I will definitely try this out! I’ve been feeling down lately and this may be just the thing to help me pull myself out of it.
I will join your challenge too. Here is my post about it: http://violetnibiru.blogspot.kr/2013/10/four-simple-goals-challengebefore-2014.html
Elsie, thank you so much for sharing and caring about helping others. Your goal tips are really practical!
Hi Elsie, thank you for sharing and caring about helping others. Your goal tips are really practical!
I love the idea of a seasonal goal instead of New Years goals! A year is a long time to complete something and keep it as a priority. By splitting it up you can do more and celebrate little successes. Lovely!
I like the idea, give me a few days, because I have to think jaja and I have new post for this days.
good luck and have fun everybody!!!
xo from Costa Rica
Activity orientated goals is the way to go. Great insight, Elsie.
Love this whole thing, especially the reminder to focus on the doing and not just the results. Have already posted my four goals!
Really, really great and I do only that num 3, Hm.. So I need to do more. Thx for this post.
http://www.fashiondenis.com/
This is a great idea, a nice simple concept to encourage us to achieve a handful of things in the next couple of months. I’m definitely going to join in – I’ll come back with my link once my blog post is up.
Loved this idea.. I’m in! 🙂
Love this! Great idea!! 🙂
http://www.proudbeauty.nl/
Goals are the best…..I find that writing things down is always inspiring! Love the one about starting a new holiday tradition! Those are so special!
http://lovelydoesit.com/2013/10/29/goals-and-such-4-things-before-2014/
My goals are going vegan, buying a knitting machine, do more hiking 🙂
What a nice idea. I’m in!
http://alldaydreams.wordpress.com/2013/10/30/to-do-list-before-2014/
has it really been a year since the last post on this ;)? Here’s my my share http://mosaiquedesidees.wordpress.com/2013/10/30/4-simple-goals/
This is such a cool idea! I am definitely getting involved. Now I just need to ponder my remaining 3 goals over a cup of tea as my number one goal is to get some roller skates (old skool quads) and get out there. This has been on my ´list to do´ ever since my daughter was born….6 years ago!
x
I lovelovelove the idea! I will try to do this as well!!
Great! Totally count me in 😉
But my blog is a book blog though, here http://pagebypage-sc.blogspot.com/
So instead I’ll post my progress on my Tumblr, here http://sandracattelya.tumblr.com/
I already post my 4 simple goals here, http://pagebypage-sc.blogspot.com/2013/10/object-of-possession.html
Thanks for the endless inspiration 8D
Mine will be to save and stop spending!
http://www.britishbeautyaddict.com
1. Find the perfect winter coat and donate my old winter coats. In fact, donate all of my old clothes. They have been sitting in bags in the back of my closet for waaaaay too long.
2.Brew beer. My boyfriend and I said we would do this last winter…We still haven’t.
3. Exercise 3-4 times a week. There is an adorable yoga studio around the block from me. I should check it out!
4. Keep up the blog I just started and get more involved in the blogging community. Check it out here: districtandmore.wordpress.com
Great idea
I did it!!! I shared mine here: http://www.bonitarose.com/2013/10/my-4-simple-goals-before-2014.html
love these four idea!
xxoo,
nikki
http://www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
I will think about my 4 goals…
But blogging about them… i am not sure ; )
Hi!! I like your idea!! I love goals!! I already set my 4 goals!!
Great idea for goals! I’m making my little list right now 🙂
Lulu xx
http://www.luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com
awesome idea and very motivating.
– Janine
http://www.janinemaral.com/
I had a hard time not stealing your goals! I’m excited about the ones I made, though and so looking forward to seeing them through.
Happy Wednesday!
http://jenntenh.blogspot.com/2013/10/four-simple-goals.html
I’m joining in! So excited.
http://www.truebadours.com/2013/10/30/makin-plans-october-recap-4-simple-goals/
I love this idea – I’m all about goal setting and list writing so this is right up my alley! 🙂 I’ve just posted mine on my blog!
This is a great idea, what wonderful inspiration!
Love this idea! I’m definitely jumping on board!
it’s just sounds like much fun. i’m in.
http://pensamientostreet.blogspot.mx/
Love this and am definitely participating.
<3 Brittney
http://beautyingreydays.com/
Love challenges like this. I never thought of it, but you’re right, this really is probably the busiest time of year. Added to that, I’m just settling into a new job and my birthday is right in the middle of the holiday season, and it’s just more important than ever for me to keep clear, positive goals and not get overwhelmed and fall into routine for the sake of routine
my goals are simple.
read more.
go on more walks. fall & winter walks don’t get enough credit.
snuggle my kids more.
make out with my husband more.
Instead of making 1 resolution (or 4) this year, I made 52 of them! Nuts, right? Every week I pull one from a jar, try to accomplish it to some extent that week, and then blog about it. It’s gotten a bit crazy now that 40something weeks have gone by, but it was a ton of fun and it’s helped me accomplish things during the year that I never would have bothered to otherwise!
Love your ideas for goals! Good luck 🙂
We’re on the same page – I started committing myself (via the blog) to goals this month. So far it’s working: 2 down. And now 4 to go! 🙂 thanks for the motivation
Love this!
Just posted my goals on instagram. Excited to get started
This is an awesome idea!
Fantastic idea! I’ve posted my goal list!
http://www.marciafurman.com/
Hoping to do this!! So excited and loving your blog, btw xo http://daisiesandsuch.wordpress.com/
I loved this idea and it comes just at the right time, too!
Here’s my list:
http://the-appleberry.blogspot.ch/2013/10/4-simple-goals.html
xo Lisa
This is such a great idea! I like that it’s over the winter period as well as I find that’s when I am the least motivated because all I want to do is curl under a duvet with a hot chocolate. Adore your blog!
I love this idea!
just posted my four goals!
http://mybrandnewlifeasmom.blogspot.it/2013/10/four-simple-goals-before-2014.html
thanks for the idea!!
Thanks for the inspiration… now i also join to take the challenge.., here’s mine.
http://twinq.blogspot.com/2013/10/four-simple-goal-before-2014.html?m=0
I decided to this too! You can find my goals here:
http://janksjammingon.wordpress.com/2013/10/30/four-simple-goals/
My sister and I are on it (today and tomorrow on the blog)! This is a great way to light a fire under us!
createbakecelebrate.blogspot.com
I’ve been completing a lot of small goals this year so I cheers to accomplishing more things!
http://light-read.blogspot.com/2013/10/four-simple-goals.html
Love it! Just prepared my goals for a post tomorrow! Happy Goal setting!
Wonderful idea! Such perfect timing… I’ll have to think on my goals but I’m definitely going to join in.
Thanks Elsie!
http://petitechouette.com
This is just what I needed! I have been thinking about some goals lately, and sharing them with others will help me stay on track. Here are mine: http://homeandheartblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/four-simple-goals.html.
Wish me luck! 🙂 Your goals are great, Elsie. Eating more greens is always a good idea!
I finished my list and it was difficult to chose of all the many things I wanted to do for so long.
These are my goals:
1. to become a bit more active, no mather what activity like walking, cyceling …
2. to get creative for Christmas and try something new like hadnmade gift tags
3. to cook something new every week
4. to continue my work on my photo year book
Thanks for your idea!
Best Judith
http://whatjudithloves.blogspot.de/2013/11/a-beautiful-mess-challenge-four-simple.html
So excited for this! After toying with several possibilities, I finally decided on my four.
http://heyheyhannahalexandra.tumblr.com/post/65681247042/four-simple-goals-before-2014
Love this! Posted mine this morning, and am so excited to experience them!:-)
http://www.usedyorkcity.com/2013/11/01/4-simple-goals-before-2014/
Such a great idea! Loving it. 🙂 I will be participating and blogging about the challenge soon. I really enjoy following your blog ladies. I am also blogging together with my friend, which makes the whole experince so much fun!
I really appreciate this idea. The holidays not only are super hectic for us (out famy is spread out all over, my daughters birthday), but often times can be a bit sad and emotional. Having some little goals that are activity based seems like a great way to have a great attitude and focus on healthy lifestyles during an otherwise crazy time. Why wait until a new year to set goals, right??? I’m in!
I love this idea. What a great time to re-group and gain closure in the year and start fresh for 2014!
http://www.runningonplenty.com/2013/11/4-simple-goals.html
great idea…I’m winding down the year, and nearing the end of my first pregnancy and REALLY need to slow down. I think my goals are achievable!
http://www.oursweetenedlife.com
Cheers,
Dianna
I love this idea. It took me a few days to really decide what I wanted to focus on, but I’m onboard now! I posted them over on my blog today: http://plaidskirt.wordpress.com/2013/11/01/four-simple-goals-and-friday-favorites/
Excited to see the progress everyone makes. Happy November.
Lovely idea! I am trying to do it as well. x
I’m joining in! I am so awful at keeping my grandiose life changing new years resolutions, I think these little seasonal goals will actually happen and improve my life. Thanks for the inspiration!
If you’d like, you can check out my goals here http://aparalleloflatitude.com/blog/2013/10/30/4-simple-goals-for-the-season.
Absolutely LOVE your idea! Can’t wait to try this!
what a wonderful idea! my thinking cap is on 🙂
I adore this idea. I’m terrible at things like this usually, because there’s too much pressure and so much going on and I get distracted. So excited to set healthy, manageable goals to make my life better! Thanks!
…Also here’s my blog: http://www.willwander.wordpress.com
Love this idea so much! I’m usually terrible at New Year’s Resolutions, so I like the shorter time-frame and less stress nature of this project! Your goals sound wonderful! Can’t wait to get started on mine!
http://www.willwander.wordpress.com
xo
mallory
Great idea. I’ll think about it 🙂 btw, yesterday I received your book, and I’m in love. Can’t stop reading it and thinking about pictures I want to take 😀
Love this idea! Goals can be so disheartening when they are to difficult to achieve. I wrote up my simple goals for summer today! Here’s a link:
http://amintdaydream.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/4-summer-goals.html
I am so thrilled with this idea! 🙂 Earlier, I’d created a to-do list for October, and have now figured out my Four Simple Goals! 🙂
Really looking forward to seeing how things go!
Here’s my list! http://fireandraintalk.wordpress.com/2013/11/04/four-simple-goals-before-2014/
All the best to all you fellow goal-setters!
Ammu
I LOVE this idea and blogged about it as well 🙂
http://queenofthequarterlifecrisis.com/4-simple-goals-before-2014/
definitely taking part in this challenge 🙂
I think I’m pretty good at sticking to small goals, so I gave this one a go! I blogged about it too: http://a-simplekindoflife.blogspot.com/2013/11/4-simple-goals-challenge.html
Love this! I wrote this post before I learned of your post today over at Authentically Emmie.
http://www.manifestyourself.com/2013/11/mindfulness-moments-conjuring/
I love your last goal Hannah… to pray for others. Good idea!
Wow Jess! Very brave and what a big challenge to donate all of your clothes besides the 10 items!
Anna, nice idea about connecting with friends! It’s def more difficult not to do that in a personal way, even with all the social media.
Very fun!
I wrote don mine!
http://sophiamusoki.wordpress.com/2013/11/04/4-simple-goals-before-2014/
xo
such a neat idea!
xo,
rn
http://www.rachelnicoleblog.com
Love this. I blogged about my goals here: http://authenticallyemmie.com/2013/11/four-simple-goals/
What a good idea! Thanks for letting us all join in on the fun 🙂 My post is linked in with my name!
I just got off a Whole30, Rachel! 🙂 All the best with yours, and your other goals! I love your goals, especially numbers 3 and 4! 🙂
Best,
Amrita
I am in! Blogged about my goals here:
http://thinknstyle.blogspot.fi/2013/11/my-4-simple-goals.html
I’ll be also blogging about my progress achieving the goals. 🙂
Good luck to all of you! Greetings from Finland
I’m in.. This is something I definitely need, smaller goals, to get me started, that are within my reach.. Thank You. I don’t have a blog, but I will post here how in doing. Have a great day.
Better late than never….isn’t that what they say? 😉 It took me a couple days but I finally posted my Four Simple Goals. Excited to focus on some positive changes! Thanks for initiating this Elise!
http://paintedpolished.blogspot.ca/2013/11/goals-november-december-2013.html
I thought I’d join you all in this challenge and posted my four goals today. Here’s to writing things down and making them happen!
I love this! Here are mine http://sidewaysnic.tumblr.com/post/65587567870/so-a-beautiful-mess-challenged-readers-to-create
Great list! Happy goals!
What a great idea! I am definitely going to take you up on this challenge.
http://frocksandfrivolities.blogspot.com/
I have been in this mindset already but it is nice to have tangible goals set and posting them will definitely help me to stay accountable!
Thank you for this post! It took a week of contemplation to figure out what I needed to do to make my life better but I have finally figured it out and posted about it here: http://lookfeelbebest.blogspot.com/2013/11/four-simple-goals.html
Thanks!
Aubree
I did this last year and I was only half successful, I am hoping for a full 100% this year! Goals written and blogged!
http://teganiasthoughts.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/four-simple-goals-before-2014.html
Mine, here http://bit.ly/1iMh577
Just finished my post about my 4 simple goals. Thanks for the inspiration for this challenge and everyday. Good luck everyone!
http://ekehley.wordpress.com/2013/11/02/four-simple-goals/
I decided to jump on board with this one. Thanks for the motivation!
I know its a few days late but I put some goals up on my blog 🙂
http://www.dailypolkadots.com/2013/11/4-simple-goals.html
I’m so glad that you posted this. Just what I need to boost my end of the year spirit.
Here’s my direct post: http://radiogirlradiogirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/end-of-year-goals.html
Love it! I just posted mine.
http://alsothatsit.blogspot.com/2013/11/four-goals.html
Great idea!! I’ve set myself some goals as well 🙂
http://inthedressupbox.blogspot.com.au
Such a great idea – love it.
Thank you so much for the inspiration!
Here are my goals:
http://lov-ienna.blogspot.co.at/2013/11/4-simple-goals-before-2014.html
Greetings from Austria,
Corina
What a wonderful idea! I like the idea of finishing the year on a high note. Here’s my four simple goals: http://theanonymousblonde.com/2013/11/03/finishing-the-year-strong-with-just-four-simple-goals/
Thanks for the wonderful idea Elsie! I’m looking forward to finishing out 2013 well.
Here’s a post on my 4 simple goals:
http://mallorywevans.wordpress.com/2013/11/09/4-simple-goals/
Did a post on this! Thanks for the amazing idea!
http://littleworldcalledwonderland.blogspot.com/2013/11/four-simple-goals.html
-Beth
Little World Called Wonderland
Doing it!
Great idea! I am going to post mine to my blog. I will use the link so people can read what the idea is and where I got the idea from. I like how you make it positive actions not goal oriented so that if we fail, it is like, tragedy! That is how I feel. And four is easy. I hope! lol!
All my blessings to you with your four goals.
You can find me at
Chocolatemint515@aol.com 🙂
Finally got around to doing this. Thanks for the inspiration!
http://northerndrawl.wordpress.com/2013/11/10/4-simple-goals/
What a lovely idea! I’ve posted mine here:
http://brightgreenlaces.com/2013/11/four-simple-goals/
X. pixelhazard | Bright Green Laces |
I love this idea! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂 I’ve written about my goals here: http://kapteinmoe.blogspot.no/2013/11/fire-enkle-mal-fr-2014.html, and I’ll write about how it goes on my blog, and share photos on instagram up to the new year. Thank you for being such an inspiration, I know my four new goals will make the next month and a half so much more giving 🙂
xx
Camilla
http://kapteinmoe.blogspot.no
I’ve finally created my 4 goals! Thanks so much for this challenge Elsie! I can’t wait for my fun rewards at the end of the year. 🙂
http://wildmae.com/blog/2013/11/10/4-simple-goals-before-2014
I’m in! It’s been a tough go so far, but I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!
I did it last year and I’m doing it again this year!
http://www.magiccatjenny.com/2013/11/4-simple-goals-before-2014.html
Absolutely a great challenge!
I love to participate 🙂
here’s my blog:
http://buyaticketanddreambig.blogspot.de/
I disagree about not choosing results oriented goals. How else would you know you have accomplished your goal if it cannot be quantifiable? Example: My goal is to make healthy decisions. At the end of the year how do you really know you’ve made healthy decisions? Instead, my goal is to quit smoking. My goal is to run 1 5K race. My goal is to lose 10 pounds. My goal is to get a physical and to what is required of me to bring my cholesterol or blood pressure to normal.
Unless your are a super athlete or an overachiever, goals should be written such that they can be quantifiable achievable and can be documented. Don’t set out to run a marathon if are 100 lbs overweight and have never run a 5K. That’s not to say that goal is unreasonable but its a better idea to strive to a goal you can complete then one that’s extremely difficult and you may not. Run that marathon next year or set a workable schedule how you can achieve your goal.
Guys you should check out this site, it’s great for goal oriented people, it’s a goal-based social network. You can write down your goals and you get such nice advice or ideas from everyone and you can Link to other peoples goals, as well as contribute. I thought it was impressive and I hope everyone likes it too 🙂
You can write down your goals here : http://www.linkagoal.com
I’ve completed my first goal!
http://hazelsworldofjoy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/one-of-my-four-goals.html