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No Bucket Lists Required

By Courtney 49 Comments

I got to thinking about a couple things this morning.

Now with a new month upon us, I feel like everywhere I turn, I’m seeing mentions of “monthly goals” and “bucket lists” (or “fall bucket lists,” to be exact). When I read them all, I think, “wow, okay cool. That all sounds like a lot of fun…maybe I should do one of my own?”

But then I realize that is just totally not my thing. I’ve never been great with the whole monthly goals thing (although, if we’re gonna call my Yoga Challenge a goal then I guess I’m lying) or bucket lists. Or even yearly goals, for that matter; I did end up making a list of 2011 Goals, and I guess that was cool…but obviously not enough to repeat for 2012. Plus, come the end of 2011, I had no idea what was on that list. Woops.

Sure, I most definitely have a list in the back of the ‘ol noggin, full of things I’d like to do this month or by the end of the year, but I guess I never really get the desire to write them out. I wonder why that is?

Perhaps to avoid the disappointment I’d have when I inevitably don’t finish all of them? Or maybe because I’m just too lazy to list them all out…who knows?

Instead, I think what I’d rather do is look back on whatever month/year/etc just happened and think about all of the things I did or accomplished. For example, in September…

  • I attended two wonderful weddings for good friends and family.
  • I fiiiiinally got an iPhone.
  • Started making progress on accepting all that comes with my HA diagnosis.
  • Had numerous fun gatherings with friends.
  • Got new siding on the house.
  • Got some new personal training clients plus a few renewals.
  • Had a blast on a wine tour with great friends.

So yeah, looking back, I had fun. A lot of fun. I didn’t do anything crazy, but it was a good September. No bucket lists required. Winking smile

What do you think of monthly goals and bucket lists? Is it for you? Why/why not?

*****

I guess it’s a good thing I had more to talk about this morning since today’s breakfast isn’t all that exciting…not to mention, pretty much the same thing you saw yesterday.

IMG_8123

HOWEVER, I did decide to get wild and crazy this morning and just had plain ‘ol scrambled eggs…with NO ketchup. I’m livin’ on the wild side today, friends.

IMG_8124

Then I had a delicious hunk of banana bread topped with peanut butter.

IMG_8125

It’s just so hard to stay away from this stuff.

Some Reading Material For Ya:

  • 5 Exercises You Should Never Do (SparkPeople.com)
  • 11 Easy Lunches to Lose Weight (FitnessMagazine.com – featuring Yours Truly!)

Happy Tuesday, everyone! (By the way, it’s another fun numbers date: 10-2-12)

Question for the Morning:

It’s up there ^ sillies. Winking smile

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Related

October 2, 2012 Filed Under: Breakfast, Goals Tagged With: browned butter banana bread, bucket lists, fun numbers day, monthly goals, scrambed eggs

About Courtney

I'm a working mom of two beautiful little boys, Lucas and Alex, and I began writing Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life in April 2010. I enjoy chronicling my love of food (healthy and indulgent!), baking, motherhood, fitness, fashion, and everything in between!

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Comments

  1. Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:02 am

    I don't do monthly goal lists - I like think of long term goals and just try to make improvements day by day. :) Congrats on the feature!
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      October 2, 2012 at 10:27 am

      Thanks Claire!
      Reply
  2. Megan@funsizedfitness says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:03 am

    I made a list of goals last month, but haven't looked at it since...whoops! But, I do have a goal for October: make lots of pumpkin recipes!
    Reply
  3. Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen Grapes says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:04 am

    I like the idea of monthly goals and bucket lists, but I know if I don't write everything down (or start a board on Pinterest!), then it probably won't happen. What can I say--I love my lists. :)
    Reply
  4. Lindsey says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:06 am

    I like bucket lists for seasons, it helps me and my husband remember all those fun things we want to make sure we do. I am also a fan of a having a few monthly goals, but nothing too serious, just stuff I want to accomplish each month and if not it is no biggie!
    Reply
  5. Elaine says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:06 am

    I pinned that banana bread recipe! Need to make it this weekend!!
    Reply
  6. Michelle @ Eat Move Balance says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:09 am

    Yeah, I'm not huge on the monthly goals. I don't mind trying something new, but saying I'll do it religiously of a month, or setting lofty to-do goals causes me more stress than it's worth. I like to keep it fun! ;-)
    Reply
  7. Jillian says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:10 am

    I typically give myself a little Summer Bucket List, and give myself from May - Labor Day to get the things accomplished. The only reason I do that is because there are things that I really like to do in the Summer, but I get so busy doing other things, that I tend to forget about the things I actually enjoy or new activities that I want to try out. So, having a list helps me get them done before the Summer disappears. The only thing I didn't get to accomplish this year was to try geocaching. Hoping I can try it out on a Fall hike or something this month... as long as the weekends don't fly by as fast as September did!
    Reply
  8. Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:14 am

    I'm a very goal oriented person so I set monthly fitness goals for myself. I find it's easier to slip into the 'why bother' mentality when working out almost daily if I'm not doing it for something specific.
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      October 2, 2012 at 10:26 am

      Definitely a good point!
      Reply
  9. Khushboo says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:15 am

    I have mixed feelings about resolutions! I set done at the start of 2012 but never feel that pressure to tick then off. If it doesn't happen this year, there's always next :-)
    Reply
  10. Jana @ Newly Wife Healthy Life says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:24 am

    I am a pretty big fan of bucket lists and lists in general. I don't know why, but writing down my goals helps signify them in my mind. Of course there are those goals that always seem to end up on the list every month and never get accomplished, but maybe one day.. :)
    Reply
  11. Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:29 am

    I do monthly goals, but it's smaller and more manageable than a lot of the lists I see around the blogworld. For example, my September goals involved working on my flexibility, getting my apartment organized and being social at school. So nothing too extreme!
    Reply
  12. Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:29 am

    I do monthly goals just because it's easier to keep track of then yearly goals. Plus, sometimes there are things I need to focus on for just that month, so it's a way to keep it in check.
    Reply
  13. Danielle@cleanfoodcreativefitness says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:29 am

    That banana bread looks so yummy! I'm not a huge goal person only because I feel so much pressure to accomplish them and then if I don't I'm upset! I like your way of viewing it by looking at what happened in the previous month rather than setting up and anticipating the month ahead!
    Reply
  14. Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:46 am

    I've got to say I actually like the whole bucket list thing! I think it's a good way for me to organize my thoughts/goals/things I want to accomplish. My Bucket list has everything from wanting to run a marathon, to visiting Egypt to learning to paddle board. Helps me keep track, whether or not I will STAY on track is a different sotry!
    Reply
  15. Ashlee says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:49 am

    I actually like having a "bucketlist," but I am the type of personality that does better if I set goals for myself. I really like your idea of reflecting after the matter! Sometimes it's easy to forget all of the little things we accomplish!
    Reply
  16. Meghan @ After the Ivy League says

    October 2, 2012 at 10:02 am

    I had a very similar breakfast yesterday morning! Always loving your breakfasts. I decided to go ahead and make a fall bucket list for the season, mostly because I feel like when I write things down I'm more accountable for them, and I more actively try to do them. If I don't I feel like time just slips away from me and I miss out on things I really wanted to do! Plus, I'm a planner, and I love lists, so it works :)
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      October 2, 2012 at 10:23 am

      Which is the crazy thing for me, because I'm a total list maker too! But for some reason, the bucket lists just aren't for me? Weird :)
      Reply
  17. Life's a Bowl says

    October 2, 2012 at 10:13 am

    September was an absolutely fabulous month- my husband and I got married, I worked at my first trade show [started a new job this spring], I turned 23, and one of my best girlfriends got married :D I like making weekly to-do lists and checking things off, it gives me a feeling of accountability and accomplishment!
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      October 2, 2012 at 10:21 am

      Sounds like September definitely WAS fabulous for you! :)
      Reply
  18. Stef says

    October 2, 2012 at 10:15 am

    I love bucket lists just because I like to list what I would LIKE to do and get excited about it. If I don't get around to it then I won't beat myself up over it. :)
    Reply
  19. Yellow Haired Girl says

    October 2, 2012 at 10:18 am

    I used to do monthly goals on my blog. I quit that. I was realizing that I wasn't accomplishing them, and then I felt bad. But you know what ... I was accomplishing so many things that WEREN'T on my list, I still had lots to be happy about :)
    Reply
  20. Eva @ Committed2Nutrition says

    October 2, 2012 at 10:19 am

    I have to 100% agree with you on this one. Writing down goals at New Year's or even monthly have never worked for me. I either forget or just don't follow through. I am so the type that just needs to live for today and live in the moment, kind of thing. Sure, I had one major goal in 2011 and that was to become a zumba instructor, but other than that..nada. I also love reading all your posts and getting to know you through this blog..and I totally think the idea of reflecting on last month is much more rewarding :)
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      October 2, 2012 at 10:20 am

      Thanks Eva! It sounds like we're in the minority, haha, but I'm glad to see I'm not alone ;)
      Reply
  21. Beks says

    October 2, 2012 at 10:34 am

    I honestly hate making goals for myself because I ultimately fail at them. Right now, my only goal is to finish my second book, so I can be prepared to write book 3 in my series. Sadly, I haven't been motivated at all.
    Reply
  22. Rachel says

    October 2, 2012 at 10:49 am

    I'm also with you on monthly goals.. even if I don't complete all of them, I usually make some progress which is always good :)
    Reply
  23. Angela @ Health's Angel says

    October 2, 2012 at 10:52 am

    I'm horrible when it comes to goal setting, and I think I'd like to make a conscious effort to get better at it. I recently interviewed for a job with lululemon (that I didn't end up getting...boo) and their company is HUGE on goals. They make all of their employees come up with 10, 5, and 1 year goal plans. I was kind of intimidated :) but it did get me thinking!
    Reply
  24. Britt says

    October 2, 2012 at 10:57 am

    Wow, no ketchup!!? LOL! :)
    Reply
  25. Alysha @Shesontherun says

    October 2, 2012 at 10:57 am

    I think if bucket lists help people achieve their goals, then all the more power to them. I randomly choose goals or "to do" lists throughout the month and year. Right now I'm getting my 401 (k) in order, which I have been putting off for months.
    Reply
  26. Amanda @ .running with spoons. says

    October 2, 2012 at 11:00 am

    I'm not really one for setting out monthly goals either, because I find that I tend to get a little overzealous, make too many goals, and end up not sticking to them... which the only makes me feel bad at the end of the month and discourages me from trying to get things done.. I have a few larger and more general goals that I try to stick to, and I find that kind of mentality works the best for me.
    Reply
  27. Katie @ KatieEnPursuit says

    October 2, 2012 at 11:02 am

    Ha! So true that "Goal Lists" are everywhere—I just wrote a post about it. I think whatever is "right" for you is where you should focus your energy. If you won't pay attention to goals, don't worry about them. Love the idea of focussing on positives from the previous month. Time seems to be speeding up so recollecting on positives is just as important!
    Reply
  28. Suzanne @ Fit Minded Mom says

    October 2, 2012 at 11:04 am

    I am definitely a list maker and use them for any occasion I can!! I don't know what it is but I feel really accomplished marking things off as I complete them. I have daily lists, weekly lists, monthly, seasonal, grocery, clothing...basically if it can be made into a list, I do it. Yeah.....this might fall into my slight OCD behavior that I have!!
    Reply
  29. Kerry @ Totes My Oats says

    October 2, 2012 at 11:08 am

    I made a fall bucket list but for me, they're not "goals". If I do the things on the list, then cool. If I don't, NBD!
    Reply
  30. Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says

    October 2, 2012 at 11:21 am

    My goals are to always try harder! My bucket list is to go to Hawaii and own my own healthy bakery! :) I think lists and goals are a good thing because it gives you something to strive for!
    Reply
  31. Tara says

    October 2, 2012 at 11:39 am

    I am the same way!! I always read other people's goals, and I have my list of life goals, but to write about different goals every month...I guess it's just not my thing. On that note, I am always writing lists of things I "need" to do. I have too many notebooks to keep things straight!!
    Reply
  32. Michelle @ Blogitness says

    October 2, 2012 at 11:46 am

    I'm horrible at setting goals. That is something I really need to get better at!
    Reply
  33. Lauren says

    October 2, 2012 at 12:54 pm

    I'm not sure how I feel about the monthly goals and pledges. I think it's good to set goals but you're right, I usually don't ever think to go back and look at them. I guess it depends on what kind of person you are. I generally tend to look at the big picture so setting larger goals work better for me.
    Reply
  34. Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says

    October 2, 2012 at 1:35 pm

    Ha! I'm the same way...in fact, I even wrote a post about why bucket lists suck...and then I went on to make a fall bucket list that I probably won't accomplish lol
    Reply
  35. BakingSuit says

    October 2, 2012 at 1:42 pm

    I'm ok with challanges/goals as long as I have them in front of me or I lose focus and then I get mad at myself. BUT I'm also the girl who loses focus because when I have an idea, I run with it at that time.
    Reply
  36. Molly Ritterbeck says

    October 2, 2012 at 2:24 pm

    I love how you did this "reverse" list :)
    Reply
  37. Sara @ The Foodie Diaries says

    October 2, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    I'm not a bucket/goal list maker. I always hated making resolutions because I felt like I LIMITED myself. What if I achieved my resolution? Then what? Instead I just think about things I want to accomplish, and go after them. If I fail, I keep trying and if I succeeded I add another thing to the list. Goals shouldn't remain the same, you should always want MORE for yourself and keep pushing yourself forward :)
    Reply
  38. Shari says

    October 2, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    So this is totally random, but I LOVE the scarf you're wearing in that picture!
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      October 2, 2012 at 3:51 pm

      Thank you! It's actually from American Eagle last year :)
      Reply
  39. Shannon says

    October 2, 2012 at 5:09 pm

    I like the idea of monthy goals/bucket lists. I feel guilty if I don't get everything crossed off.
    Reply
  40. Lauren @The Homeostatic Mindset says

    October 2, 2012 at 6:14 pm

    You and Jay are such a cute couple! Glad you're not just going with the blogging trends, but figuring out which ones actually resonate with you!
    Reply
  41. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:40 pm

    I'm definitely a bucket list maker, but I'm not someone who has made a LIFE-LONG bucket list. Maybe part because I fear I will forget what's on it and not finish it, or maybe because it seems to overwhelming to think what I feel like I MUST accomplish with the rest of my life. I enjoy the seasonal bucket lists because it's usually more manageable for me and I'm able to REALLY set out to achieve each thing, and in some ways, it's a way to force me to have fun! ;)
    Reply
  42. Bek @ Crave says

    October 2, 2012 at 11:29 pm

    I like making goals but I don't write them out either- I wonder what would happen if I did? Hmm. Food for thought ;)
    Reply
  43. Becka @ simplybecka says

    October 3, 2012 at 11:07 am

    I don't do monthly goals but I do weekly ones. Monthly ones seem like so much work and so far into the future, I like to think only about 7 days ahead at a time. Weird I know. LOL I think about work day weekly goals and weekend goals too. And trust me those plans change as needed too. Have a great day. ^_^ Of course one of my goals this week is your Yoga challenge. ;-)
    Reply

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Sweet Tooth Sweet Life
Court Profile CircleI'm Courtney, a 30-something wife and working mom living in upstate NY. I'm a food lover, fitness enthusiast, baker extraordinaire and lover of all things sweet.
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