September Monthly Goal Meet-Up

by Rebecca Thorman on September 0346 Comments
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September Monthly Goal Meet-Up

I’m borrowing an idea from Jena over at Modish, who hosts a Monthly Goal Meet-Up for creatives. I’d like to do the same for those interested in the career and life conversations here at Modite.

So, each month we’ll check in with our goals from the previous month and our plans for the new month. I’ll feature a photo and accomplishment from previous participants to accompany each meet-up. This is the first month – yay!

My friend Caitlin McCabe of Smile Like you Mean It (above) keeps me sane and started a successful consulting business last month. Pretty awesome. Here’s what I crossed off for August:

August Career /Life Goals

1. Ask for more responsibility at work, a raise and a new title. (Yes! This was a big one for me, and I’m thrilled about my new role).

August was a big month not just because I started transitioning into a new position at work, but because before the month ended, I turned a year older. I took stock of life, reflecting on the five areas I wanted to focus on this year: Alice, Modite, Health, Relationships, and Financial. I discovered I felt like I had Alice and Relationships down, but the rest could use some work… which leads me to my goals for September.

September Career/Life Goals

1. Start to exercise once a week.
2. Get 30% more blog and PR coverage for Alice than I did in August.
3. Update and automate budget to appropriately allocate money toward credit card debt and savings accounts.
4. Start writing weekly on Modite again.

What about you? What are your September goals? Are you kicking it into high gear for Fall?

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To participate in the meet-up:

  • Post a list of your career/life related goals for Sept, along with your checked off August goals if you’d like, on your own blog
  • Come back here and leave a link to your post in the comments (*If you don’t have your own blog, feel free to share your list of goals right here in the comments to join in!)
  • Then, check out everyone else’s lists as they leave comments - click their links, visit their blogs, say hello, meet, greet and support each other because that’s what it’s all about!

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I’m so excited about this project and really hope you join in. I’ll post a mid-month reminder to keep you accountable. The next meet-up will be Wednesday,  September 30th so that we can check in and set goals for October.

Looking forward to seeing your Sept goals!

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  • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

    Great idea Rebecca – I love the idea of holding people accountable (in a friendly way) and this is a great way to build support around one another. There is so much up in the air for me right now, I have a ton of goals, but I’ll go with the first few things I have in mind.

    1) Successfully (and finally) move and get settled into my new home in Chicago.
    2) Work on my personal finances by developing a system to track when bills are due, and through establishing a specific budget.
    3) Increase blog subscribers by 50 people.
    4) Develop a system for efficiently tracking overall ROI at work.

    Again, excited to look back at this from month to month. These things are usually easier to achieve when you have support rallying behind you. Cheers!

  • http://personalbrandingblog.com Dan Schawbel

    Rebecca, this is very creative and I’m glad you’re going to continue your blog weekly again! Thank God :)

    Also, congrats to Caitlin for her achievement. That is very impressive!

  • http://www.cassandrajowett.com Cassandra Jowett

    I love this, Rebecca! I’ve already got mine up. I’ve been making some huge changes and achieving a few awesome accomplishments recently, so I can’t wait to track them on a month-to-month basis with everyone else!

  • Dean Soto

    This is a fantastic idea, and just what I need to keep me motivated. Can’t wait to start this when I get back from vacation! Good job on asking and getting your promotion!

  • http://the1truecoolguy.blogspot.com Ian Selvarajah

    Thanks for the email and starting this Rebecca! This is a fantastic idea and will hopefully inspire me to get back to blogging again! :)

  • http://twitter.com/beingbrina Sabrina

    This is baller. I’m in. Will work up my post over the weekend. Woot!

  • http://modite.com/blog Rebecca Thorman

    @ Matt – Thanks for being the first to participate – yay! Great goals. I have a template that I use to show my ROI every week and month that I can strip and share with you if you’d like. Also, I’ll be tweeting throughout the month to help you get more blog subscribers now that I know that’s a goal : )

    @ Dan – Thanks for the support. Your always behind me, and I’m so appreciative for that.

    @ Cassandra – Fabulous! I just commented over there. Loved your images by the way. Super cool.

    @ Ian – Um, yes, you need to start blogging again. Make that your first goal ; )

    @ Sabrina – Perfect, can’t wait to see your post, thanks!

  • http://www.coolpeoplecare.org Sam Davidson

    This is fantastic, as are nearly all of your ideas. This is a great way to build community and help people accomplish their goals. Community, motivation and accountability are all important factors when trying to achieve something.

    I have but one goal: Finish the next book proposal.

  • Amanda

    This is a great idea! I am excited to read others goals and see where they are headed. I have a lot ahead of me, but this will really help focus my actions.

    My goals for September are:

    1) Research Marketing MBA options–is it right for me?
    2) Increase my volunteer hours by 20% for the MN AMA.
    3) Begin working out twice a week.
    4) Stick to my budget.

  • http://tiffanymonhollon.com/blog Tiffany Monhollon

    Just yesterday I was drafting out a post on my new daily priority list so that I can approach the different types of work I do in a more organized way and have more time to accomplish goals at work. So this is perfect! I’m excited about even more visibility of my goals, because more eyeballs means more accountabiltiy!

    Thanks for putting this idea together, Rebecca!

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  • http://www.jessicadietz.com/blog Jessica Dietz
  • http://modite.com/blog Rebecca Thorman

    @ Sam – That’s s a big one! I love that you’re keeping it simple though. And I can’t wait to see what kind of book you come out with next… exciting!

    @ Amanda – Thanks for joining in! Love the increase in volunteer hours. I just did a little volunteering last Friday for the United Way’s Day of Caring and am realizing how much I miss it and how it grounds me. Looking forward to seeing your results!

    @ Tiffany – Fabulous! I’m thrilled you like the idea because as I was writing the post I thought of you :) Can’t wait to see your post!

    @ Jessica – Yay! Thanks for posting so quickly. I commented over on your post and am pretty sure I’m going to put “throw a cool party” on my list of goals next month, ha.

  • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

    Rebecca – I would love to see what kind of ROI template you have come up with. One of the challenges I’m faced with, being that I am in a totally new position, is defining my success – Feel free to email that my way.

    And I appreciate the support in building readership. I love my blog as become after only 7 months of existence – I think it’s hit the point where I’m looking for new avenues to help it reach ‘the next level’.

  • http://cosmopolitanurbanist.com Monica

    WOW, great minds think alike. I’ve been meaning to post a neww goal list on my blog. This is the push I needed.

    You rock!

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  • http://cosmopolitanurbanist.com Monica
  • http://balancingtenderfoot.wordpress.com Karla M.

    Hi, Rebecca! This is a great project. I keep a health and wellness blog and I think the monthly meet-up would be perfect for it. I just made mine here: http://balancingtenderfoot.wordpress.com/2009/09/05/an-apple-a-day-september-goals/

    Looking forward to next month!

  • http://politicoholic.com Nisha

    I think this is a great idea Rebecca! Sorry it took me so long to join the party :) I have never really set monthly goals, despite the fact that I am a goal-oriented person. And when I do set goals they are so crazy high that they are practically impossible and I forget about them quickly — so I like this idea because I might actually hold myself accountable for once :) I think my goals are pretty simple this month:
    1-. Put myself on a budget (something I have never done, or even really know how to do, unfortunately)
    2. Blog at least 2x a week and comment on 2 blogs a day — something I’ve really slacked on this summer
    3. Get settled into my new apartment and actually decorate
    4. Cook more and eat out less!
    5. start doing yoga.

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  • http://www.paralegalassociates.org Kristina Duncan

    Woohoo…great idea. here are my goals:

    http://legaldunki.wordpress.com/2009/09/05/september-goals/

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.com Grace Boyle

    This time around, mine aren’t largely tangible but they’re personal and I know will keep me sane and help with personal development. Looking forward to seeing how it goes and I’m happy to jump in :)

    http://smallhandsbigideas.com/community/september-goals/

  • http://nycfullheart.wordpress.com Sapana Shende

    I’m a new reader and I’m taking part in the goals this month — I feel as though it will really help me stay on track! Thanks for the great idea. Check out my goals here:
    http://nycfullheart.wordpress.com/2009/09/07/september-goals-such/

  • http://www.ribeezie.com Ricardo Bueno

    Rebecca: first off, I think this is a brilliant idea! Seriously.

    Now I was hesitant to post my goals. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I wasn’t entirely clear on what I wanted those goals to be (it was a good exercise to sit there and think about them). See, my boss has a model for success: 1.) Clear Goals, 2.) Hard Work, and 3.) Unwavering Focus. He says you can never fail with those three things. I kinda have to agree!

    With that said, here are some of my goals for the month:
    http://www.ribeezie.com/ribeezie/2009/09/happy-labor-day.html

    I’m still working on more specific goals for myself, but this is a start. And now that they’re out in the open, here’s to getting on top if it and holding myself accountable!

  • http://modite.com/blog Rebecca Thorman

    @ Monica – Glad you like it! Can’t wait to touch base again at the end of the month.

    @ Karla – Thanks so much for participating. I’m excited to have discovered your blog!

    @ Nisha – I’m the same way! I always have crazy, big exciting goals, but never goals to help me get there. Well, it’s all changed now! Ha. I secretly want to start yoga again, but I’m saving it for a later list. And decorating sounds like a fun goal! You’ll have to post some pics on Twitter for us to see : )

    @ Kristina – Fabulous, thanks for joining in! Commented over on your post.

    @ Grace – I think your goals are tangible! They were largely measurable which is a good thing. Thanks for participating – was thinking of you when I wrote the post : )

    @ Sapana – Welcome! I’m thrilled you’re a new reader AND want to participate in the new project. Props all around.

    @ Ricardo – I like the term, “unwavering focus” – thanks for sharing. I think you’re right too, sometimes it’s difficult to figure out what exactly we do want to be doing. Here’s hoping this pushes us all to do something small to make a big difference.

  • http://restlesslikeme.com Norcross

    This is a fantastic idea. I’ve always been one to have goals, but lose sight of them or otherwise get sidetracked. Here’s my post

    http://restlesslikeme.com/2009/09/monthly-goal-meet-up/

  • http://zestolife.blogspot.com/ Cj

    Rebecca, thanks so much for this encouraging challenge. I am in! My goals are posted at zestolife.blogspot.com and I look forward to sharing encouraging and inspirational words with the rest of the group throughout the month. Best of success to all!

  • Mark W.

    Rebecca, thanks for setting this up and I’m also in. My ‘goals’ for September are posted at http://iaddiction.wordpress.com/2009/09/07/september-09-monthly-goals/ .

  • http://lifebeyondthelist.com Louise

    Am a new reader, (thanks to Sapana also blogging about it), thought this was a great idea! I am a massive list freak, so this definitely suits my personality… My blog is non-work, so kept to it life goals: http://bit.ly/SdBFd

    Great blog by the way!

  • http://ittygrow.com Rohan

    Rebecca, it should be illegal for one person to be blessed with so much awesomesauce! :-) Will be back with goals.

  • http://notsoliteral.wordpress.com JR Moreau

    Yeah goals. That’s what I’m talking about! Thinking back I believe I had a lazy summer. Thanks Rebecca for organizing this!

    http://notsoliteral.wordpress.com/2009/09/08/residual-summer-heat-and-septembers-goals/

  • http://www.heroesrising.wordpress.com Desiree Kane
  • http://35yearproject.blogspot.com/ Stacie

    My Goals for September
    1 get a full time position in the legal field

    2 lose 8 pounds

    3 establish house keeping routine and follow it

    4 stay within set budget

    5 start novel and set aside time to write

    6 organize files

    7 organize bedroom closet

  • http://sarazimmerman.blogspot.com/2009/09/managing-to-dos-septembers-list.html Sara Zimmerman

    Thanks for this great idea! I am a mommy who is also a graphic designer, illustrator and artist and have tons of hobbies. To-do lists have kept me sane and able to keep me involved in my fun things, as well as operating a business and being a mom/wife. You can read my September list for my business tasks is in a post about to-do lists in general on my blog at http://sarazimmerman.blogspot.com/2009/09/managing-to-dos-septembers-list.html and listed here:
    * Blog once a week with at least 4 Twitter and Facebook updates through the month
    * Get 2 more design and marketing clients
    * Start learning Flash (to make animations for my clients)
    * Email client list regarding new designs, referral program, partnering with new web programmers, etc.
    * Complete 2 large artworks for upcoming art show at Dragonfly Cuisine
    * Submit press release and email blasts for late month art show at Full Circle Movement
    * Create an illustration a week to accompany my blog posts
    * Update recent illustrations my website
    * Review my Google AdWords account

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  • http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

    So I’m a little late in the game, but I hope it’s not *too* late! Let’s hope I make some progress before next month :)

    Here’s my list. http://akhilak.com/blog/2009/09/10/september-monthly-goals/

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  • http://meenalvamburkar.wordpress.com Meenal

    A little late, but I joined! Hope I’ll accomplish something!

    Here’s my list: http://meenalvamburkar.wordpress.com/2009/09/10/september-monthly-goal-meet-up/

  • http://lifeaftercollege.org Jenny Blake

    I’m late to the game too, but still wanted to join in!

    I was inspired by a few posts this’week to create a life list – I figure that will give me a nice menu of things to choose monthly goals from.

    My main goals for September are to:
    1. Finish my Triathlon in two weeks
    2. Set a long-term strategy and vision for Life After College
    3. Successfully transition to my new role

    This is not quite following the rules, but here’s a link to my entire life list: http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/2009/09/11/life-checklist-template/

    Here’s to all of us meeting our September goals!

  • http://www.onlythecurious.com Nicole Relyea

    It took me a few days to get this up, but I’ve made my goals post on my blog.

    I feel a little like I’m cheating, because with moving cross-country I have some pretty obvious goals: get a job, get an apartment, make friends. But I added a few others about exercise and music too. :)

    One comment I have is that it seems easy to set goals that are rather undefined, like “improve my writing skills.” If you have a goal without concrete definitions for success, how do you know when it’s been accomplished?I think it’s important that when we set these types of goals, we also make sure to define benchmarks for success.

  • http://www.opheliaswebb.com Elisa

    Hey! Ok, so I’m posting the first one here in comments because my domain transfer/blog posts/etc is in complete disarray and I’m halfway through the month but I still want to meet-up with you. :)

    So, here is a quick abridged goal list since I’m a little behind. Needless to say one of October’s goals will be get post updated and written in time to post at the BEGINNING of the month!

    1.) Complete redesign and transfer to WordPress for the Webb
    2.) Run as long as I can 3 times a week / 30 min yoga sessions 3 times a week
    3.) Meet with potential investor and extreme COI for freelancing opportunities
    4.) Set up a new budget with extreme savings flow for Summer ’10

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  • http://anakngpulan.wordpress.com EJ Gamboa

    Seems like I’m more than a little late here, but I’d like to get in on this awesome project too. I just made a list of some pretty tough goals I need to accomplish in 15 days, so I look forward to everyone’s support! Here’s the link to my post: http://anakngpulan.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/september-goals/ :D

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