Hey there, December. You snuck up on us! Did you feel the December sneak-up, too? I was feeling a little scattered yesterday until I did my December PowerSheets! I love getting all my thoughts and to-do’s out on paper and being guided to focus on what matters this month. It’s a big month and I’m ready.
Here’s a look back at my November PowerSheets goals and what I learned this month. I can’t wait to hear about your goals, too.
November Monthly Goals:
—Cultivate my 2020 calendar (Here’s how you can do the same!) / Progress here and more to come.
—Pray over 2020 company and personal goals / Yes! We set our 2020 company goals, which was an exciting and enriching process together. I finished my own 2020 PowerSheets prep, too, and am waiting to write my actual goals for another couple weeks. It was my favorite year using the PowerSheets process!
—Make a meaningful gift list / Done.
—Celebrate Gracie turning 8! / Unicorns and glitter abounded and Grace turned 8!
—Write the 2020 Goal Setting Series / Part 1 goes live this Wednesday, along with a special episode of the Cultivate Your Life podcast—get ready!
November Weekly Goals:
—Sabbath rest / Yes, and I particularly enjoyed these two podcast episodes that talk about Sabbath: Jennie Allen and the Bema Podcast (so good!).
November Daily Goals:
—Bible reading / Yes! I’m so close to finishing this #1 goal for 2019!
—Run! / Yes!
December is a big month! As you can imagine when you are the CEO of a goal setting company, it’s go time around here! I love this month of intentional forethought, reflection, and reorienting our hearts and souls on what matters.
December Monthly Goals:
—Finish the Old Testament. I am so excited to finish this goal! Going through this slowly this year with friends has been wonderful. Here’s the reading plan we have been going through together each morning.
—Prayerfully lead Cultivate Your Year Live. I’ve done the Making Things Happen Conference 50+ times over 10 years, and this will be a first for me! I’m nervous and excited.
—Finish and release the 2020 Goal Setting Series. This is our best series yet in 9 years and I can’t wait for you to read part 1 on Wednesday! Hooray! Text CULTIVATE to 81787 and I’ll send you a text message each time a new post in the series is live!
—Pray for all of you as you set your goals! 🙂 As I was doing my own 2020 PowerSheets this year, God put it on my heart to pray fervently this year for each woman as she starts her PowerSheets and uncovers what matters. I’ll be praying for you and can’t wait to see what the Lord helps you uncover!
—Turn 40 ☺️ My friend Lisa-Jo Baker has been a huge encouragement to me as I near this new decade. Any advice for me, friends, as I soar over the hill? I still have this on my mind constantly!
—Prepare for a new year with joy! One thing I’ve learned over the years is that change feels uncomfortable! Our brains seek out patterns and habits, so when we come out of the gate on New Year’s Day with alllll of those shiny new goals, our brains need time to catch up to these new patterns and rhythms. So, if it feels uncomfortable to do new things in the new year, that’s GOOD. Your brain is re-wiring. Keep going and little by little, your steps will add up. Knowing this helps me to ease into the new year with joy and with zero overwhelm or burnout. I take it slow, knowing good change will be worth the uncomfortable. (Also, I don’t wait till January 1 to start my goals—I get the momentum going and take small steps early. You can, too. There’s nothing magical about January 1!)
—Get ready for the 2020 Fresh Faith Challenge. I can’t wait to do this again! This year’s January challenge was faith-changing for me—and so many of you! Sign up here for 30 days of Writing the Word. (I’ll be using this journal if you want to join me!)
December Weekly Goals:
—Sabbath
—Read great words and stories to the kids. What are your favorite books to read aloud during this season? I’d love to get more recommendations!
December Daily Goals:
—Bible reading
—Run!
Your turn! Do you have goals for December? 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. Have you heard the news?! The 2020 One-Year PowerSheets are SOLD OUT for the year! The good news? You can still get the 2020 Six-Month Undated PowerSheets Intentional Goal Planner and get started at any time of the year!
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40 Comments
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on December 2, 2019 at 3:56 pm
I love December because I love reflecting on my year. But this December one major goal is to be STILL. I’m like a kid and usually rush through the holidays but I’ve been trying hard to enjoy the moments and take my time and really go out of my way for others even if it’s simple like buying the person behind me in line, a cup of coffee.
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on December 2, 2019 at 5:39 pm
Oh, I love that so much, Chantal!
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on December 2, 2019 at 4:31 pm
One of my major goals for December is to finally launch my social media management business that I’ve been working on behind the scenes on for months. I told myself to hold off at first (Who launches a business at the end of 4th quarter?!), but I know the best time to start was yesterday and I might as well start now.
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on December 2, 2019 at 5:39 pm
Yes! Love it! Who does that? YOU DO and I’m cheering you on, Andi!
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on December 2, 2019 at 4:50 pm
Love this, thanks for sharing!! December for me is all about resting before I start my student teaching in January! Preparing for that too with finding some clothing pieces I can wear in the classroom, and hopefully getting a few meals prepped in the freezer for busy weeknights.
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on December 2, 2019 at 5:39 pm
I’m so excited for you, Jennifer!
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on December 2, 2019 at 6:48 pm
This December I’ve committed to carving anything out of our home & calendar that distracts us from keeping Christ as the centerfold of this Advent season. It’s so, so easy to be led by the world and get caught in the hustle & bustle and forget that our God made himself man & became lowly to save us! I don’t want to be lukewarm about that sacrifice, ever! This year is about stirring up my heart & truly focusing on Jesus. ⭐️
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on December 3, 2019 at 9:44 am
Yes, I feel the same! So great, Melissa!
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on December 2, 2019 at 8:34 pm
One thing that I’m really looking forward during December is the Power Sheets Prep for 2020 & the Goal Setting Series because for the last 2 years it has helped me uncover meaningful goals for my new year. The other thing that I’m working on with thoughtful planning and intentional decisions is to have a joyful, meaningful, stress-free Christmas Season full of moments to remember with my loved ones. Cultivating gratitude, healthy choices and spending mindfully is also on my December Power Sheets.
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on December 3, 2019 at 9:45 am
Yay, Glenda! I’m so excited to do this alongside you again this year!
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on December 2, 2019 at 9:30 pm
First of all I would like to say thank you for helping people reach their goals with this system, can’t wait to get started with my powersheets. Before reading this blog post i did not really have any December goals.. i mean usually at this time of year my mind is just like wait till January the 1st, but what you have said that January has nothing magical really made me think that it is so true. I always wait for the right time, right place, and I never start on working on my goals. But from this day on I will not just daydream about my goalsI am now going to act on them. The first one I have is regain my range of motion on my arm, I had surgery last month and it’s been tough being stiff so often times I get discourage about the possibility of not moving the same again. But I will start doing what I have to do to reach my goal of regaining my full range of motion again. Another goal of mine is to take care of myself, meaning, I tend to always put myself at last and I have decided that I need to take action in taking care of myself and doing what makes me happy. The last goal I can think of at the moment is grow my fait, I would love to start a bible journal to help me grow my faith and get closer to God. That is all I can think of at the moment. Lara you are amazing!
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on December 3, 2019 at 9:44 am
I’m so glad this encouraged you to start now, Anayeli!
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on December 3, 2019 at 8:48 am
Happy Birthday, Lara! Turning 40 is NOT going over the hill! Think of it as reaching one summit and now you’re on your way to the next one – learning, exploring, and collecting to give back to others who are coming behind you. For December, I’m focusing on wanting to bring joy to my family this holiday. And practically, to minimize my Christmas decorating to make our house more toddler-friendly for our grandchild who will be coming. In fact, simplifying everything will be a way to bring me more peace and help me stay focused on the true reason for the holiday!
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on December 3, 2019 at 9:39 am
I love that so much – you encourage me, my friend!
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on December 3, 2019 at 9:30 am
November was a really big month for me and my goals! My husband and I had a Kickstarter running through November to support the launch of our music career and a very amazing opportunity along with it. It was a daunting goal and amount to raise, but praise the Lord, we got over funded! As much as I want to carry that momentum into December, I know I need time to rest and reflect on my November progress with a grateful heart. With that in mind, my December goals are slim with a few business items to tend to, but not without allowing some space to breath and cherish this season. <3
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on December 3, 2019 at 9:43 am
Holly! I just listened to you singing Way Maker and it was SO beautiful! Wow, I’m so excited for you and cheering you on!
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on December 3, 2019 at 9:36 am
Happy early 40th, Lara! Celebrating you & oh so grateful for God’s work in your life that has equipped and encouraged so many women over the years! One of my big goals is to celebrate advent season in simple yet meaningful ways-with 3 young babies I want the little things we say and do to be such a precious time of remembering the One who was and is to come! Oh-and another goal is to hopefully purchase my 2020 powersheets soon and prepare well for the new year!
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on December 3, 2019 at 9:38 am
You are so kind, Heather! Thank you! And I’m so excited for your season ahead!
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on December 3, 2019 at 10:22 am
My goal for December is more margin. I’ve changed the verbs on some of my goals to make them more fun. For instance, I want to savor a meat free meal once a week instead of just making a meat free meal That way it’s more fun for this reluctant cook. Happy Birthday! Welcome to a new decade!!.
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on December 3, 2019 at 1:22 pm
I love how your simple change in wording gives you a change in perspective on your goals! Love it! And thank you so much : )
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on December 3, 2019 at 12:01 pm
Hi Lara!
Girst, thank you for doing the Powersheets! I completed several of my goals in 2019 that I never thought I would do in a million years. These included reading about 40 books (including both of yours) reading Bible verses every morning and writing in a journal everyday. It was always a great way to start my day and I dont think I would have done it without purposely writing it down as goals in 2019. Hoping to continue this faith journey in 2020
Also….want to simplify my home and try to declutter in 2020. Hoping to try and have a garden but will need to have raisee beds and also want to get baxk into having flowers. Thank you again for all you do and a huge thank you from the heart of helping me realize what really matters in life 💚-
on December 3, 2019 at 1:23 pm
Karen, I am doing my best happy dance for you right now at my desk! What wonderful updates! Ahhh!!! So amazing!
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on December 3, 2019 at 12:17 pm
December is all about cultivating rest, renewal, and a reset. I’ve been in a pretty scary mental health space, and alongside a daily prayer ritual for advent, my therapist, and the help of other professionals, i’m hoping i can get back to my neutral again.
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on December 3, 2019 at 1:23 pm
Sending prayers, Ali. Prayers for healing, for trust, for peace and for endurance in this season!
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on December 3, 2019 at 9:58 pm
My goal for December is eat mindfully, drink water and complete my 2020 goals.
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on December 4, 2019 at 1:23 pm
These are great intentional goals for the end of the year! I am cheering you on, Shimeka!
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on December 4, 2019 at 9:27 am
To feel the thrill of hope and the be with the reason for it instead of getting caught up in all the activity .
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on December 4, 2019 at 1:35 pm
Yes, Nely! I’m right there with you during this Holiday season!
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on December 4, 2019 at 10:10 am
I need a helping hand to get started. I am overwhelmed and therefore, I have not done much more than open the box of when it arrived last month and several emails.
I don’t know how or where to begin.
How should I approach this TODAY?
Many thanks from a Chronic pain and chronic illness woman who is now cognitively impaired.
Elizabeh
Be grateful and kind 💜-
on December 4, 2019 at 12:07 pm
Great news – the Goal Setting Series will be live today and PowerSheets Prep Week begins on Monday for you! You’ll get free video coaching to help you dig into your PowerSheets on Monday!
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on December 4, 2019 at 11:29 am
One of the goals I put in my December Tending List is to Celebrate my husband getting a new job after five months of unemployment. We are so excited and so grateful.
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on December 4, 2019 at 1:40 pm
Hooray, Mandy!! That is so exciting! I’m doing a little happy dance for you!
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on December 4, 2019 at 12:12 pm
My main goal for December is to set 2020 up for massive success. I’m doing foundation work now on which to build and planning a year ahead so I can keep a rhythm going and get my goals done!
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on December 4, 2019 at 1:44 pm
That’s so exciting, Amanda! I am cheering you on each step of the way!!
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on December 4, 2019 at 7:05 pm
My goal this December is to relax! And of course follow through COMPLETELY with setting up my PowerSheets! I just received my PowerSheets and this will be my first year! I procrastinate a lot and I want to change that and complete everything in a timely manner! Can’t wait for prep week to start!
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on December 5, 2019 at 4:40 pm
What a great goal for the Holidays, Michelle! So delighted you’re here!
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on December 16, 2019 at 1:37 pm
I’d love to set goals, but the last time I sat down to write them, I was 10! Lara, I love what you’re sharing , and th do-ability of it all. Exercise, scripture reading, reading…these are all things that niggle at my heart when I sit down at the end of the week and reflect on what I wish I had been able to do. I want this next year to be filled with intention, but the carry- through is so hard– I hope this will be an area of growth for me.
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on December 17, 2019 at 11:57 am
A little something we like to say here at Cultivate is progress NOT perfection. I am cheering you on, Elizabeth as you uncover what matters most!
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on December 23, 2019 at 1:44 am
First year and loving it!
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on December 23, 2019 at 10:57 am
Hooray!! So glad you’re here, Debbie!
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