// 25 Before 26 - Goal List


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I really love making these lists every year... even when I don't even come close to finishing them (ahem, last year!) My 23rd year was great for goal making and achieving, but last year was full of so many life lessons and experiences. My list took a backseat to being a mom, being married, and being a business owner. This past year also taught me that goals don't need to be huge or lofty or "hopefully maybe with a miracle obtainable"... They just need to be things that make life a little bit sweeter. There's nothing on this list that is mind-blowing or awe-inspiring. Instead, there are 25 things that I think will add some sort of value to my life, no matter how big or small. Don't get me wrong -- I still have plenty of lofty, over-the-moon type things to aspire to, and some that I most certainly hope to make a reality in my 25th year. But those are the goals that I realize shouldn't be rushed. I (hopefully) have a lot of life ahead of me. I want to make sure those things come organically and in due time. 

Now, I know I'm two and a half weeks late in sharing my goal list, but I'm already stoked on how many of these things I've started to cross off. It'll be a fun year, that's for sure! 25 doesn't scare me nearly as much as it did 3 weeks ago.

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25 Before 26

oo1. Visit a state I've never been to // I did this one in 2011 and it made for a fun day trip to Milwaukee with Mike and Susannah. Maybe this year we'll take a quick day-or-two trip to Mississippi?

oo2. Learn "Gotta Have You" by The Weepies on my ukulele // I started learning the song with Mike over a year ago, but then wedding things picked up and I never played my uke. 2013 is the year!

oo3. Quit biting my fingernails // I'm 3 weeks strong on this one and I'm hoping that'll seal the deal!

oo4. Kneecap tattoo or take my half-sleeve into a full // Ahh, priorities! Priorities that break my mom's heart.

oo5. Host a BBQ or potluck at our new house // make use of our deck and the gorgeous Tennessee sunshine!

oo6. Do 25 Random Acts of Kindness throughout the year // I had intended this to happen on my birthday, but at least now I can really put some time/effort into them!

oo7. Get my motorcycle license... finally // Nevermind the fact that I've owned a motorcycle for nearly a year already. Too bad my legs are too short to properly/safely ride it. Guess we'll be on the hunt for something a little smaller in the future.

oo8. Complete a "A Day In The Life" post at least once per month // Um, it's been a long time since I did one of those...

oo9. Build and plant a flowerbed (or three!) that I'm proud of // Try really hard not to kill everything in it.

o10. Spend time each week reading comments on my blog, visiting your blogs + returning the love, and also clicking through to a few buttons on y'alls sidebars to see what they're all about // Keeping the blog love alive and helping ensure blogging stays fun for everyone.

o11. Create a dedicated design page on my blog along with a updated portfolio // I'll also be working on multi-tier packages and design options to help ensure any and everyone, no matter the budget, can have something snazzy. 

o12. Finally open that PO Box and do more "penpal" type stuff // Snail mail!

o13. Shoot guns // At a range (indoor and out), in the woods, etc ... I miss spending Sundays at the rifle range!

o14. Go on at least one family day-trip // Explore a small town or big city for everything it has to offer.

o15. Get rid of at least 100 items of clothing // I got rid of 58 the week of my birthday (and technically I sent them off a few days after I turned 25... does that count? We're going to say it does...)

o16. Grow vegetables! // As many as our raised beds can muster! Also try to not kill these... Sigh.

o17. Finally sew a motherfriggin' dress! // It's shameful how long this has been on my list... and it's even more embarrassing that I was actually a fashion design major when I started college. Oh bother.

o18. Get my Concealed Carry Permit // Yes, I'm a liberal and yes, I want to have my CCP. No, I will not always carry a gun on me. Regardless, it's a fun thing that we can all do as a family (my parents, me and mike)

o19. Build some daggum furniture // This one was on my list last year... and I failed to do it. But now that we're more permanently settled, the furniture ideas are overflowing!

o20. Shoot at least 1 roll of personal film per month // This can be a disposable camera, or professional-grade film like we use for Him + Honey. Either way, I need to get in the habit of photographing more. Mike and I used to shoot several rolls of film per week... I miss those days!

o21. Buy a GOOD fitting pair of jeans! // This goes against my entire ~*style persona, but I actually really do want a nice pair of jeans... I just haven't found them yet!

o22. Successfully bake at least one batch of macarons // But let's be honest, the second I successfully bake a batch, I'll never stop. Hmm... think this has anything to do with the inability to complete number 21?

o23. Go on a solo trip/vacation with Mike // Could be for one night, could be for seven. Could be an anniversary trip or "just because". Making our marriage a happy and fun one is a huge priority.

o24. Give my office a MAKEOVER! // Now that we've decided just how we'll add on to our house, my office will be making the move from the northwest corner to the northeast (and upstairs! You know, renovations allowing...) A lofty dream for now, but I need to make it suitable for the meantime. Who knows when we'll make the big reno.

o25. Learn to edit video // So often I want to create a video for content on LCH, but something holds me back. It's not my nervous speed talking, sometimes-weird accent, or even the fear of seeing myself in action that stops me, but instead: the ability to edit the video. Cool effects, even just a title bar, etc. I'm determined! Anyone have any great tutorials/resources to share?

Do you make any birthday/yearly goals? If so, what kind of goals are on your list?

51 comments:

  1. I love the idea of number 10 and if you ever need help with number 22, let me know!!!

    www.artschooldropout.net/blog

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  2. I'm doing a 30 before 30 list. I haven't made huge progress but I've crossed off a few big ones already. I'm actually prepping my post on attending Coachella which I did this past weekend. If you want to check out my list http://www.sparklecollective.com/30-before-30/

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  3. I love number 6. This will be on my 24 before 24 list. I really want to get more involved with women's rights groups. As well as supporting Live Below the Line.

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  4. This is such a great idea, and so inspiring :)
    xo

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  5. Wow I wish I had that many clothes that I could get rid of that many aha!xx

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  6. It was my birthday on Monday, and I agree that keeping it simple is probably best. It's hard to try and fit 25/26 things into a year, but it's fun to set up some goals, no matter how long it takes to attain them! :) Looking forward to your design page!

    Here's mine:
    http://blueanchorcrafts.blogspot.ca/2013/04/twenty-four.html

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  7. Ohhhh yay I like this list! We'll get that dressmaking goal crossed off in no time... sewing dates all summer, yay! And you know I'm more than happy to be a guest at your BBQ potluck... haha :)

    Oh! And for your jeans dilemma... you gotta try the Imogene + Willie jeans (I've told you all about these, right? I'm totally aware I sound like a broken record, but whatever). I had the same issue, nothing fit right! I finally just sucked it up and bought the nice ones... yeah, they're super duper expensive, but having one pair of nice jeans that I actually wear is better than having 6+ pairs of $50 jeans that just sit in a drawer. Not to mention, they look amazing on me. You should at least try some on and see what you think :) I love mine and I'm already saving up for my next pair, haha.

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  8. I'm right there with you on #25. I feel awkward about my quasi-Tennessee accent and the "talking with my hands thing" that I do. However, if I knew how to edit, I feel like I could provide better content and be more confident. I wish I had some tips for you, but hopefully we will both find something out there!

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  9. I love looking at lists like this to see people's goals!

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  10. i love, love this post! i'm scared to make a 28 before 29 list! (yes, I am ancient!:) but maybe i will........i think i should put visit LCHB in TN and that will be a state I have never been too lol:) i think i shoot for oregon though, i think that's the closest to Cali that I haven't been to yet

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  11. These seem good and obtainable. I am super bad about being ridiculous with my goal setting. Good job on the nail biting. That habit is a bitch to shake.

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  12. Kaelah! I didn't know you played the uke! If you ever want to design a shark one should get in touch I sell custom ukes here ;) http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheUkuleleWorkshop

    I love the growing vegetables things. I never manage to keep them alive either but the idea of it just seems so perfect in my mind.
    I like how realistic these are too, when I see "learn mandarin and some other language" on people's lists it kinda makes me giggle.

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  13. This is a great list! Although "Priorities that break my mom's heart." you'd think with how many you have she'd be over it, haha! My mom used to be so anti-tattoo, but I've finally got her talking about maybe getting one herself.

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  14. Nail biting can be tough, but what I found worked for me was using "No Bite" or it's something like that, and it worked really well! I also ALWAYS had a nail file on me to make sure I could keep them in a nice shape and looking pretty so I would be less tempted to bite them.

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  15. I've never done it before but I definitely want to make a goal list for my birthday in August. I love the idea of having some fun little goals to work towards during the year. Plus its always satisfying to cross things off a list :)

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  16. Inspired by our Post I will share my 25 before 25 list on my blog. If you ever get to your #10 check out my blog:

    www.lolos-pinch-of-happiness.blogspot.com

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  17. Inspired by your post I decided to share my 25 before 25 on my blog. If you ever get to your #10 check out my blog:

    www.lolos-pinch-of-happiness.blogspot.com

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  18. I love that you're doing this for yourself; I've really got to do something like this (even if my next birthday is me turning nineteen)!


    Dani Rose

    sincerelydanirose.blogspot.com

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  19. I definitely want to get my knee done before 26! I guess i should finish my sternum first though, can't walk around with half done stuff. Do you already have an idea for yours?

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  20. Good list! My husband is learning to play the uke. My family is full of musicians, and when the huz said he wanted to learn uke my mom was ecstatic and bought him a cool vintage one for Xmas. haha. Also, know the feeling about being too short for motorcycles. My husband has one and wants me to learn, but I'm only 5'2" and it's super hard for me to get on them. So far the Honda Shadow seems to be the closest but still a little short for it. I'd also like to learn to shoot. We own a handgun (huz is a PI/process server) but I've only ever shot a shotgun. (we're also liberals haha) Can also relate on needing to do an updated portfolio and find jeans that fit. Ughhhhh I'm super curvy and I absolutely HATE finding jeans. :P

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  21. Great list of goals. I should have done a 26 before 27. My first one would have been stop procrastinating!! But seriously now a good fitting pair of jeans would be ideal!

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  22. Your list is inspiring my list! I love actually committing these kinds of wandering fancies into a concrete, "yep, let's mark that off one at a time" list. I wish you well in knocking these items out, and having a heckuva lot of fun in the meantime!

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  23. Love all of these! And can I vote for you guys coming to Colorado to hang out with me and Kerstan for one of your trips? ;)

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  24. great list! i also want to learn how to edid videos, so if you do learn, please let us know all about the process and how you learnt! :) xx
    Alice Barton ♥ TheMowWay

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  25. I'm so excited to see your new list! If you need any help with snail mail stuff, I'm your girl! Can't wait to see the documentation of all of this progress! :-)

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  26. I am absolutely with you on the sew a dress goal. I even got a sewing machine and pattern but I have yet to psych myself into it yet! What style of dress would you like to make?

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  27. I love number 6 and I think I will ad that to my list as well. Your list is so much fun, here's to hoping you have a good year!

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  28. I love this list! I wish you all the best in getting everything done. :)

    -Lindsey

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  29. Great list. I've also wanted to do one of these personal goal lists, but I'm never able to complete the actual list (i.e. setting the various goals). As for your last goal, I would suggest watching tons of Youtube videos from your favorite youtubers and getting ideas from them... Then play around with your editing software and see what you come up with. My favorite youtuber with nice editing is EvelinaBarry. Check her out if you're interested. :-)

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  30. Oh man I seriously want to grow some vegetables on my balcony. For reals.

    -Tara
    http://fashion-blogging101.blogspot.ca

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  31. let's go jean shopping! (most intimidating phrase ever uttered!) but seriously, i am dyinggg for some good jeans. i'd like to find something high quality and locally made— if you'd like to make a date out of it then let me know!

    also, don't worry about having repeats on your goals list! i've had "learn to sew" on mine for about ten years now. i finally did it this year and couldn't be happier! i love this list and how clearly it is focused on personal growth.

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  32. I love your list, I like that not all of your goals are super huge, but they still all make everyday life much nicer :)
    http://teapotsandbelles.blogspot.com/

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  33. I love your list, it's a nice balance of goals, family, personal and professional. I honestly was surprised to see you want to get your license to carry. That's not a thing in Australia, but it's pretty cool. I posted my 24 before 25 list on my blog at the end of last year. So far I'm doing pretty well, though I can already see the things I'm unlikely to achieve...
    This is the link if you wanted to check it out: http://wp.me/p1LIKu-jz

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  34. Is it weird that a lot of these are goals of mine too?
    emma▼deer

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  35. Love your list! We've got a couple of the same goals (http://25-before-26.blogspot.com/). I made my first list last year for my 25th birthday, and then I did it again this year for my 26th birthday. It's challenged me to do things I might not have otherwise done. :)

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  36. Goals are great! How will we get to where/who we want to be if we don't know where we are going? : D I think I tend to realize this more as I get older too.

    http://mn2nz.wordpress.com

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  37. i always make mental notes in my head but theres something more permanent about actually have it all there in list form, i should probably do that. that said i have a while until 26

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  38. Great list! Successfully baking at least one batch of macarons is also on my list! My older sister and I tried a few years ago for my nephew's birthday, but failed so I want to try again this summer :) and buying a good pair of jeans is also on my list even though it goes against my style too.

    Good luck with your list~
    I hope we get to see photos of those macarons!

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  39. Even if some go uncompleted I always like having goals that I can look to achieve! I also want to sew a mother frigging dress this year - lets do it!

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  40. These are fun goals! I made my list a two months ago & tried to keep it a little simpler this time around. We can do it!

    Allyson
    http://allysonwonderlandphotography.com

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  41. I love the idea of you putting videos up! Last year I had a whole list of goals/wants and I got most of them done. I'm not sure if I want to make another one or just see where life takes me :)

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  42. I tried FOR YEARS to stop biting my nails and every time I failed, then last year in May I had to wear false nails for my sister's wedding, ever since then I haven't bitten my nails! It's the weirdest thing! I noticed that they were growing and couldn't remember the last time I bit them! It was so annoying at first because I had tried so bloomin' hard for so long and then one day I did it without even trying! Keep at it though, once you have awesome nails you'll love it!!

    Ohleona.blogspot.com :) xx

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  43. Ha, #9 is one of my repeating goals that I never manage to do! Sorry, dead plants!

    And I really need to be better about #10 too...I live in a perpetually guilty state about how little I respond to comments, and I don't get nearly as many as you do! Happy 25th!

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  44. I love this practice! I have my 23 before 24 list in my wallet at all times and reading this post reminded me to check it off. Now a friend and I are planning a road trip for this summer!

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  45. My gosh I love this idea. I only wish I were still 25, the list would be shorter. I think I'll try to come up with FORTY THREE (ugh) things to do though.

    I hope you don't mind if I use some of your plans for inspiration. I have some of those already knocked off: I visit a new state any chance I get. I already shoot guns all the time, have my concealed carry permit and do carry (not a bad idea - just sayin...if you look up Flashbang holsters, you can buy one that fits right in your bra!). I just found a throw away camera in my glove box the other day so I might give that a shot for starters.

    Love your blog and your dresses.

    Jen

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  46. Oh my gosh this is a great idea! I especially love number 3- I have the exact same problem (although I'm only 1 week strong lol). I've found that Sally Hansen growth serum for fingernails also helps growth speed up too! Here's the link!

    http://www.buymebeauty.com/sally-hansen-maximum-growth-daily-nail-growth-program-45oz.aspx?gclid=CMXWnvy61bYCFdCZ4AodmBYAnw

    You are such an inspiration. I love your blogposts :)

    Kendyl

    www.magpiesandmimosas.blogspot.com

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  47. You should definitely sew a dress!! Sewing is such a rewarding hobby :) I don't buy store bought clothes anymore. I just go to thrift stores and make things myself.

    p.s I took microbiology in college and stopped biting my fingernails within the first week!! You don't even want to know what kinds of disgusting things you're ingesting when you bite your nails lol

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  48. If you need help with 17 I would be glad to answer any questions/ help you work out any issues! Just shoot me an email ktocknell(at)gmail(dot)com. Growing plants (successfully) and making macaroons are on my list this year too :) Good Luck!

    http://robutton.blogspot.com

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  49. you know what, i really like to make this goal-list too. In every years. And my friends and family said i'm weird because make too many list.But, right now i say thanks to you. I have a friend ! :))

    I hope you can do all of your wishes. It's kind of sweety goal-list:)

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  50. I just had to edit a video for the first time (in less than four hours to make a deadline! Eep!) and I found YouTube tutorials to be the easiest. I have dual monitors so I have videos running on the small one and Premiere Pro up in my main window. I think my extensive Photoshop knowledge helped out a bit, but I found it actually pretty easy.

    PS - Congrats on being a fellow Top 100'er!

    PPS - High five for being a film shooter! I have more Lomography cameras that I care to admit... lol

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HEY! Thanks for dropping by. xo KB