We’re 3 days away from the half-way point of 2019!
Does that fact catch you a little, as it does me?
Maybe time feels like it’s flying and you aren’t where you want to be at this mid-point of the year.
You’re craving refreshment, but you feel like it’s too late.
You’re too overwhelmed to get motivated again! You just want to take a nap.
I know these feelings! Traditional goal setting would tell you to WORK HARDER, strive, wear yourself out, or try to convince you that it is too late.
Cue the CRAZY TRAIN BRAKES!
Making the most of the second half of 2019 doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. In fact, it’s quite simple! It starts with one small step. Then another. Then another. (And you can totally nap in between!)
This month, we’re going to focus on the power of little by little progress together—it really does add up. And taking small steps forward is FUN! Making progress on the things that matter to us feels really good!
We don’t need any more towels added to our laundry piles, do we, friends!? 😁 We’re going to make the most of the rest of 2019—no matter how it started. We’re going to take it slow and act intentionally, knowing we’ll be so thankful for our small steps forward come December 31!
A quick progress update from my June PowerSheets goals and what I learned. I hope this encourages you to celebrate even the tiny victories!
June Monthly Goals:
— Seek His wisdom, ask for His wisdom, pass on His wisdom. / Progress! From our Summer Team Summit to teaching to speaking at a conference this month, I was very grateful for the opportunity to be stretched as a leader, rely on His strength instead of my own, and pass on good things!
— Enjoy the garden. / Listen in to Episode 21 of the podcast for an update!
— Train leaders—pass on wisdom. / Yes! We made some great strides in our company this month putting people in new leadership positions. It has been hard work, but so worth it.
— Dig into summer homeschool. / Yes! We are taking it slow this summer and have enjoyed it!
— Do all of the new goal guides! / I thought I’d be able to do these in the long car rides through the mountains with Ari, but the mountains were so captivating, I couldn’t look down at anything! We did complete the Couples Goal Guide, though, and it was AWESOME! We had the best month of marriage ever in June! Praising Him for this.
— Learn to number my days (life is short—play in the sprinklers!) / Yes! We played in lots of creeks and had a ton of fun on our hiking trip!
June Weekly Goals:
— Sabbath rest / Yes, we have loved this.
— Spread joy around like manure—encouraging things to grow! Ha! / You all laughed at this goal, but it was so fruitful! I did lots of small little things to spread joy, like getting peaches from the Peach Truck for the ladies I work with on the first day of summer and surprising the kids with ice cream on our hiking trip! I’m continuing this goal in July, too!
— Love people well. / We had many opportunities to do this in June—hosting my women’s small group, giving peaches away to neighbors, praying for friends, and small steps I took in relationships to make people feel loved.
— Simplify + systemize my work. / SO MUCH PROGRESS HERE! When you get clear about your goals (like we do with PowerSheets!), your efforts become more simple and streamlined. There’s not as much time wasted because you are using it well!
— Finish reading Letters to the Church, Rocket Fuel, and The Out of Sync Child. / I finished Rocket Fuel, am one chapter away from being done with Letters to the Church, and I’m continuing The Out of Sync Child in July.
June Daily Goals:
— Write the Word (P.S. Brand new Write the Word journals are coming July 17 and they are so good!) / Yes, progress!
— Bible reading. / Still my number 1 goal! I can’t wait to celebrate at the end of the year with the group of women I’m reading with! I love texting with them every morning about what we’re reading.
— Run!! / I am so pumped to say I made progress here! I ran maybe 5 times this month, and I call that a big win!
— Read aloud to the kids. / Yes! Little by little progress here, too.
Don’t miss these from June:
—Two of your favorite podcast episodes launched in June: 10 Things We’ve Made Happen (And Some We Didn’t!) and How To Say No were two of the most popular episodes! Be sure to listen to them in order—they go together and they are so fun.
—Learn how to make the second half of 2019 count—no matter how it started—in MY FAVORITE LIVE CLASS I’VE EVER DONE (thanks to YOU bringing the party!).
—Join me for the ultimate way to set yourself up for success in 2020! Cultivate Your Year LIVE Tickets went on sale this week and close in a few hours. I can’t wait to see so many of you there!
On to July! It’s a new month and I’m so grateful for the PowerSheets summer refresh—it was right on time! I’m excited to dig into these July PowerSheet goals.
July Monthly Goals:
— #GoalSettingIsFUN! — Moving forward on the things that matter feels great and it can be a lot simpler than you think! Follow Cultivate What Matters on Instagram for easy #GoalSettingIsFUN tips all month long.
— Write the book with JOY! — Yes, I’m writing a book this month! After two years, it’s finally happening. Sometimes, you just have to wait and wait and wait some more for the Lord’s timing. I’m so grateful for the waiting that got me ready for this month! Any guesses what book this is??? ☺️
— Summer fun with the kids. — We’re working through our summer bucket list from the Cultivate shop and it has been so simple and fun. Next on our list: picking blueberries today at a farm we love!
— Be a generous host. My mom AND Gina are coming to visit this month for big chunks of time and I want to love them so well! (Gina is coming to photograph our 2020 PowerSheets Collection that launches in October! Yahoo!!!)
— Finish The Out of Sync Child. We have a sweet kiddo with Sensory Processing Disorder and this book has been incredibly helpful so far.
— Release the NEW Cultivated Homeschool Planner. SO MANY OF YOU have asked about this and emailed me wondering if there’s a new one coming. We are only days away from releasing the new one and it’s so good! Stay posted—it’s coming so soon! UPDATE: The NEW Homeschool Planner is HERE!!
— Make our fall homeschool plans.
— Work heartily for Q4. — I’m working ahead so I can do work with excellence and clear out my time around the holidays.
July Weekly Goals:
— Sabbath: surrender and be renewed
— Lead the kids to the Word
— Write the Word for Kids with Grace (there’s a new volume coming for kids on July 17th! (Text CULTIVATEFAITH to 55222 for sneak peeks every week!) UPDATE: The NEW Write the Word Journals are HERE!
— Spread joy around like manure—encouraging young things to grow! : )
July Daily Goals:
— Bible reading
— Run! Praise!
— Slow down and soak in the summer
— Write the Word at night. — And mark your calendars, friends! The Fresh Faith Challenge (31 days of writing the Word) starts again August 1 and I can’t wait to do it with you!
Your turn! Do you have goals for July? Comment below and I’ll pick one of you to send a special surprise box of goodies to from the Cultivate What Matters Shop! I love sending real mail, and I love hearing your thoughts!
P.S. Now is the PERFECT TIME to start a 6-month set of PowerSheets. Buy yours today for 30% off—no code needed!
keep reading
52 Comments
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on June 28, 2019 at 8:34 pm
Quiet mornings and forenoons, cutting out noise by choosing no media of any kind before lunch! And use that time to read God’s Word and focus on the present.
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on June 29, 2019 at 7:34 pm
Ooooh that’s so good! Love it, Emily!
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on June 28, 2019 at 8:37 pm
Love your podcast and blog. Listening to podcast number 8 again today to remind me to number my days and live them for God’s Glory! Thanks for the opportunity to try to win some of your great products and for how transparent and encouraging you are!
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on June 29, 2019 at 7:35 pm
I’m so grateful that episode is encouraging you!
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on June 28, 2019 at 8:41 pm
Love this, Lara! I love that you are such a driven women, and yet God and your family come first. We have just transitioned through a move across the country. It came about abruptly, after months of going after my goals and doing well this year, and after looking like it wouldn’t happen. Now my goals are kind of upended until life settles, but I am encouraged by your conviction that you can start anytime. Once life gets a little less bumpy (fun though!), I’ll be focusing more effort into writing a book proposal 😬
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on June 29, 2019 at 7:37 pm
Transitions can be so trying! I’m proud of you for maneuvering through it with His leading and I just have to say I love your attitude about it all! Great things are ahead!
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on June 28, 2019 at 8:43 pm
Congratulations on book 3! The obvious guess: gardens. The non-obvious guess: numbering your days.
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on June 29, 2019 at 7:37 pm
Hmmmm you are a very good guesser my friend. Lord willing, both of those things will happen in the next couple years, but your first guess is very close! : )
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on June 28, 2019 at 9:01 pm
One of my goals is to finish my homeschool planning and any purchases needed.
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on June 29, 2019 at 7:38 pm
High fives to you! Right there with you!
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on June 28, 2019 at 9:16 pm
Little by little progress and it’s adding up to big things! Excited for the second half of the year and all the progress to come! I’m a new powersheets user and I LOVE it!
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on June 29, 2019 at 7:38 pm
HOORAY, Jeanette! I’m so excited for you!!
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on June 28, 2019 at 10:17 pm
I’m really excited to start on my first set of powersheets, I’m hoping to start working towards some important memory keeping goals (like finishing photo albums!)
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on June 29, 2019 at 7:39 pm
Yay, Carla!! I’m so excited for you!
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on June 28, 2019 at 10:25 pm
Stick to my at home physical therapy schedule for the rest of the year!
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on June 29, 2019 at 7:39 pm
Cheering you on, Kathy!!
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on June 28, 2019 at 10:59 pm
This all seems overwhelming. My goals have changed, but I’m not ready to let them go! They’re comfortable, made at a time when I felt good and motivated. Now I feel like I’m in a rut and need fo adapt, but I’m struggling to redirect.
Your goals are a good reminder that even running five times a month is progress! Little by little.
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on June 29, 2019 at 7:41 pm
Metta, I know how you feel! Yes, I felt similarly before doing the PowerSheets 90-day goal refresh this month. My goals didn’t completely change for the year, but they got clearer which may be what you are craving, too. I’m cheering you on!
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on June 28, 2019 at 11:50 pm
I feel so far behind, but I’m ready to set and accomplish some goals for the remainder of the year. Little by little seems like the best mantra ever right now. Thanks for being a blessing!!!
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on June 29, 2019 at 7:42 pm
Yes, Kimberly! If you haven’t already watched it, the free live class I linked to from June may help you feel great right where you are! : )
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on June 28, 2019 at 11:57 pm
My July goals is making time for things on our family Summer Bucket List, organizing our home so we can enjoy and use the spaces more, and continuing working out and eating/planning healthy meals. Whew!
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on June 29, 2019 at 7:42 pm
Love it, Stacy!
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on June 29, 2019 at 2:01 am
I am getting married at the end of August and although my fiancé and I have a number of things ‘to do’, we are splitting them up little by little to stop them being so overwhelming. Although the list is long, this month we are concentrating on preparing for our marriage after our wedding with daily evening prayer and Bible study. Thank you for your guidance and blog posts.
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on June 29, 2019 at 7:46 pm
Yay, Alexandra! I’m so excited for you both!!! Blessings in your marriage ahead!
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on June 29, 2019 at 4:38 am
July goals:
Walk 4 times a week after a meal.
Declutter the bedroom.
Meal plan and prep weekly.
Italian language course once a week.
Daily gratitude.
Slow time – be in the moment.
Love my family.-
on June 29, 2019 at 7:45 pm
Italian?! How fun! Love it, Rachel!
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on June 29, 2019 at 8:13 am
I’m so new to Cultivate—got my Powersheets a couple of weeks ago and am a bit overwhelmed. This blog post is just the inspiration needed! You lay it out so it all just makes sense. Can’t wait to get started now!
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on June 29, 2019 at 7:44 pm
Yay, I’m so glad this was helpful—and I’m so excited for you! Definitely watch the fun goal coaching videos I made for you at CultivateWhatMatters.com/prep. I think they will further help this be super simple for you!
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on June 29, 2019 at 8:39 am
I haven’t yet set goals for July, but that’s one of my plans for this lazy Saturday. So excited to get started! (This is my first year with Powersheets and I am SO GRATEFUL. They have so helped me pursue intentional living!!)
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on June 29, 2019 at 7:45 pm
I am so happy to hear this, Nicole!! I’m celebrating your progress this year with a happy dance right now!! Hooray!!!
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on June 29, 2019 at 9:09 am
Get chickens
Finish Knights in Training
Plan daily homeschool schedule for fall
Invite—-small group over
Read Bible…finish Jeremiah study
Follow eating plan 1 week of the month-
on June 29, 2019 at 7:45 pm
Your first goal makes me so happy!! I would love to have chickens one day!
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on June 29, 2019 at 10:49 am
My biggest goal for July is to finally launch my business and podcast. I have a few smaller goals that I hope to accomplish too! I’m excited that this month is little by little progress. It’s been my motto everyday since finding Cultivate what matters in May. Thank you for all you do! I’m intrigued by the homeschool planner.
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on June 29, 2019 at 7:47 pm
Yay, Ashley! I can’t wait to hear all about your launch on our next goal post update together! How wonderful!!
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on June 29, 2019 at 2:42 pm
Love this! One small intentional goal little by little. I still have so many goals for this year that I haven’t started on – but this simple reminder of taking one small step is so inspiring. Love your blog posts! Thank you Lara! 🙂 💕
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on June 29, 2019 at 7:48 pm
There are still 185 days left in 2019–a lot can happen in 185 days, my friend! I’m excited for you! : )
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on June 29, 2019 at 3:48 pm
Start walking program for event this Fall
Begin To learn/use Cultivate What Matter Power sheets – 1st 6-month set arrived today
Learn to set achievable goals.-
on June 29, 2019 at 7:49 pm
Hooray for your first set of PowerSheets!! I’m so excited for you and highly recommend the free setup videos I made for you at CultivateWhatMatters.com/prep. Hooray for your fresh start and welcome to the PowerSheets family!
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on June 30, 2019 at 12:06 pm
My goals for July are scaling back a bit, I need to do fewer goals and do them with excellence.
Monthly goals :
Reading the lifegiving home.
Monthly finance meeting with husband
Make my client service goals at workWeekly:
Update financial categories in mint finance – make sure they are correct.
Special time with husbandDaily:
Work on doctorate research (5 times a week)
Take vitamins
Connect with kids each individuallyNow that I’ve typed them all out still seems like a lot! But all seem so important as well…
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on July 2, 2019 at 4:17 pm
I’m cheering you on, Jessica!!
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on June 30, 2019 at 1:52 pm
Write four bios for my book
Schedule one writing afternoon in July and spend the whole afternoon on my book
Drink 4 glasses of water a day
Go to gym 1-2 x per week
Study at least one Psalm a week -
on July 1, 2019 at 9:24 am
One of my goals is to dig deep in the muck and mire to better take care of myself. I need to face my past and do the hard work of daily reflection
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on July 1, 2019 at 12:00 pm
I listened to the “10 Things We’ve Made Happen” and “How to Say No” podcasts before I did my Summer Refresh. My husband and I are expecting our first in August. When I saw the “Start a Tradition” page and tried to think of some ideas, all I felt was anxiety. This is not the time for us to be trying to start OTHER new things, and most of my summer goals have been about tying up loose ends before Baby arrives. Having listened to those podcasts, I felt confident (and a bit rebellious) saying, “No,” to that that page, leaving it blank, and moving forward with the rest of the Refresh and July Goals (mostly decluttering spaces and making room for the new roomie)! Thank you for the wonderful resources and content 🙂
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on July 1, 2019 at 9:06 pm
This is the best!! YES!!! New tradition: saying no! I’m so proud of you and so excited for your family!
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on July 1, 2019 at 4:03 pm
My July goals include having a weekly game day with my kids, taking a child out with my hubby and I for dinner once a week, only use social media during certain hours, etc. This is my first year using Powersheets and I am so fired up about them! 🎉 They are such a powerful planning tool.
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on July 1, 2019 at 9:08 pm
Yay!! I’m so excited for your second half of 2019!
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on July 1, 2019 at 5:56 pm
Yay!! So excited for your new book!! So very encouraged by you!!
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on July 1, 2019 at 9:07 pm
Your encouragement means so much! Thank you, Meg!
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on July 2, 2019 at 4:40 pm
Next steps in growing in grace & truth: Word study on Trust. Word before the world! (Bad habits have crept in!) Next steps in Shepherding the Flock: Connect with 1/wk; finalize summer plans, start autumn plans. And caring for His temple (my body): Add in pilates 3x a week! Thanks for your encouragement!
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on July 3, 2019 at 9:55 am
Read & rest (loving fiction for summertime)
Declutter 2-3 cabinets
Journal 2x week
Exercise 2x week
Pray with hubs & kiddos dailySo grateful for powersheets – they help me slow down and not forget to take care of the most important things amidst the regular daily hubbub!
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on July 3, 2019 at 8:58 pm
Still working on my July goals, but a top one will be to spend the month relaxing before starting to plan our homeschool in August, also to spend time in the Word, drink the water, paint my living room, finish reading The Obesity Code and I’m not sure what else yet. 🙂 OH, and to go fishing with my 16 year old before he goes to camp!
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on July 4, 2019 at 8:17 pm
*Fill out power sheets that I just ordered 🙂 I’m a newbie but not to goal setting!
*Finish homeschool room and morning baskets for July.
*Do at least one “yes” activity with the kids each week
*Have a date with my hubby
*Take 4 walks
*Do 2 things that would normally be on my afraid list