Welcoming August With Good Intentions

There's only one month of summer left (What?) and I want to make the most of it. That's why I've set myself some goals in every aspect of my life.

Financial:

I'm embarking on a month of frugal living. Although I don't have a lot of expenses, I do spend my money.

1. Jars

• I have one jar that money cannot be taken from
• Another jar I am using to save for my next manicure (explained later)
• My small change from tip money goes into a jar that will be used August 13th when I go on a date with some girlfriends (We planned it a few nights ago and that was the first day that worked for all three of us!)

2.  Clothing fast

• I am not buying any new clothes this month because I don't NEED them. The only exception will be some dance wear I need for school this year.

Fitness:

I have found myself in a bit of a slump regarding my fitness. I'm basically just sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, so I'm gonna take action.

1. Cardio Calendar

• I printed out a calendar from word and assigned specific methods of cardio to each day. 
• Sunday = bike
• Monday = run
• Tuesday = rollerblade
• Wednesday = bike
• Thursday = run
• Friday = rollerblade
• Saturday = run

2. Ice Cream Fast

• This is going to be one of the hardest things I do this month. I work at an ice cream parlor and there is a lot of temptation to eat it while at work.
• I am not going to eat a single morsel of ice cream for the entire month of August. 

Mental:

I took July to sort things out and just think. August is going to be the real hard work mentally.

1. Motivation

• I've posted pictures on my walls to motivate me and I have some ready for my locker. Staying motivated is the key to success.

2. Reading

• I have a stack of books that seem to be haunting me by sitting on my dresser. I want to read them, but I just haven't been able to start. 
• I have set dated goals to have each one finished by and will read every night before I go to bed.

3. Forgiveness

• One of the things that has been challenging me mentally is not being at peace internally and with other people.
• I plan to spend this month to reflect on past grievances and take steps to move forward

Personal:

I've recently gotten out of a situation where I stopped caring about myself. Now, to make up for that lost time and affection I am going to do things for myself.

1. Treating Myself

• To make sure I feel pretty, I get a manicure every 2 weeks. The place I go is not expensive, and I have grown to be a great customer for them and they don't charge me for touch ups and quick fixes or small designs.

2. Lipstick

• When I wear lipstick, I feel like I have super powers.
• I am setting a goal to wear lipstick at least once a week.

Academic:

Senior year is going to be a big one for me. I have a lot of commitments and obligations.

1. Get Ahead

• There is a great deal of reading, research, and memorization that I can do now to get ahead for this school year.

2. Plan For Success

• My locker becomes like a second home for me. If I want to be successful this year, I have to have a space that will help me do so.
• My locker will be stocked with healthy snacks, emergency supplies, and all my school stuff.

3. Routine

• During the school year, my routine becomes second nature. During the summer I lack that kind drive.
• To get back in the swing of things, my alarm is set for 8:30 every weekday and 10:00 every weekend.
• I also have a hygiene routine for when I wake up and before I go to sleep

Alright August, here we go!