Last year, I decided to take a different approach and set some SMART goals for myself. SMART goals are ones that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. This year, I’m adding a new twist by trying a one-word theme for my goals.

My theme for the year is “intentional.” I don’t know about you, but it is so easy to get caught up in everyday life. Juggling work, home and parenting responsibilities spreads me so thin, that often I feel I am always just going through the motions. I want to be more focused in my interactions with my children, my husband, my family, my friends and my clients. I plan on doing that by being more organized in all aspects of my life and improving my time management skills.

My personal SMART goals for the year are centered around my family so that we can lead healthier and happier lives at home:

1. Remain consistent with my weekly menu planning. I discussed menu planning this time last year. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to plan out weekly meals in advance. This has saved me so much time and stress. But, I also want to be more intentional with my menu plans:

a. Make at least one meatless meal per week

b. Make at least once fish entrée per week

c. Continue to make vegetables and fruits the center of attention in all of my meals

2. Switch to family-style meals versus plating food for all dinner meals. My son is now old enough to serve himself from the options on the dinner table. It is actually better for children to learn to serve themselves for a number of reasons:

a. Puts responsibility on the child for paying attention to his hunger levels

b. Makes children more willing to try and accept new foods

c. Takes the tension out of dinner time and decreases food waste

3. Involve my son more in cooking and have one fun cooking project per week. My son is taking more of an interest in helping in the kitchen. I want to harness this interest and find fun ways we can cook together in the kitchen in addition to preparing regular meals.

4. Exercise together as a family at least once per week. Whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood, a dance party in our living room, a game of catch in the yard or a hike up the mountain, I want to instill in my son that physical activity is fun and something to enjoy with others.

5. Continue to eat meals together most nights of the week. Fortunately this is not an area where we have struggled yet, but I’m sure as our children get older and start participating in more activities, it will become harder to manage.

What goals have you set for yourself or for your family for the year?