[sunrise]

It is a step for me even to write down that I have goals. These are the goals I would most like to work on:

1. Clean up my house. There are a couple of parts to this including dealing with cat problems, and de-cluttering. I need to put things away, throw out other stuff, etc. It is getting overwhelming.

2. Lose weight and be healthier.

3. Have friends---make new friends, nourish existing friendships, have friendships that are closer, deeper, more meaningful...

I'm not sure the best approach to all of these, how to do all at once. It seems a lot. I've been working on the cat problems the last couple of days and am trying to have a day of healthy eating today. Is that the best way to do it--just small steps, a little at a time?

[Shishkeberry]

Try breaking those large goals up into even smaller ones. Like for number one, try looking into flylady. They have daily challenges for getting your house together and they're very big on taking things slow and loving yourself. It has been helpful to me. My house still needs work, but it's better than it used to be and improving all the time.

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For number two, I states losing weight by doing small changes. First I stated remembering to drink water instead of yea and soda, then I made it a habit to keep a food diary (I use "my fitness pal" and it has helped me to lose 70lb since last spring). Make a new habit and then slowly add new habits.
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As for number three, I'm in the same boat so I don't have any advice yet!

[MissMaggie]

Each day add a new goal, you could add a small goal to each major goal or maybe just one small goal a day. Keep track and share them with PC! The support and reassurance will help give you confidence moving forward. Start by adding little things. Switching healthier food choices into your menu, trying to sneak in physical activity when you can. Tackle the decluttering in the same way - pick a small area or small project like organizing a group of things. In time the overall decluttering won't be as overwhelming! Make it a priority to do something as small as mailing an inspirational card or taking the time to phone an old friend. Even something small for someone you care about will be sooo appreciated keep us updated!!

[NowWhereWasI]

A little bit at the time is the only way I can get anything done. Do what works for you. I don't know what your cat problems are, but I finally ended up having to give up all my pets. It was really hard, but life is SO much easier now.

[willmarcus]

Goal setting is all about writing it down and being specific. Here's a really great article that helped me get in the habit of goal setting

formulaforawesome.com/goal-setting-just-do-it/

[Nape]

Good luck! Just try to do each one , one by one and you'll be on track. And as long as you keep those three goals in mind , you won't lose direction.

[Perna]

Originally Posted by sunrise

1. Clean up my house. There are a couple of parts to this including dealing with cat problems, and de-cluttering. I need to put things away, throw out other stuff, etc. It is getting overwhelming.

Oh, sunrise, watch out what you wish for!!!

I had this goal for most of the summer and didn't do much with it but then my cats got fleas Now I've spend over $1,000 on cleaning (professional) and vet bills and pet and home depot/Lowe's store purchases and lost 5 pounds working my behind off (vacuuming daily, flea combing and going up and down the stairs as one cat won't come downstairs and one won't go upstairs (where the litter boxes are, I've had to put a litter box in the living room for him!) and just running and doing.

The bedroom that needed to be worked on, I gave away so many books to the "Book Thing" http://www.bookthing.org/ that it made the car tires read wrong/as having problems; the change in weight was so great! LOL and I've thrown out 3-4 black garbage bags from there, bought a shredder for my husband's 20 year old cancelled checks, etc. I have enough work to last me there, it appears, for another few months.

[sunrise]

Thanks to all for the ideas and support. I continue to chug along at my goals, but I am not sure I have done that much. The clutter seems to accumulate at a faster rate than I can get rid of. I have invited my extended family to my house for Thanksgiving this year, and so I have this November deadline I am trying to meet of having the house looking decent.

Perna, my cats had fleas too and I also was vacuuming 1-2X per day, getting the cats treated, etc. It was a full time job. One of my daughters is extremely sensitive to fleas (they love her blood, I guess) so she would get many bites while the rest of us got few or none. After 3 months of being treated, the cats now seem flea free. The house is certainly a lot cleaner, even though still cluttered.

My last child is leaving home in two days and I have a fantasy that it will be easier to keep things clean without other people sharing my space. She does seem to use 3 times more dishes per day than I do. Likewise clothes, towels, etc.

Have not lost much weight...

Still haven't made headway on the friends goal...

I did share my 3 goals with my therapist, though, and that has opened up discussion, which may help keep me on track.