Now that we have reached the tail end of the second day of August already, I figure I should shake a leg on getting caught up with my goals post for the month. I learned a big lesson from my goals last month – I tried to take on too much and put too much pressure on myself. I tried to burn the candle at both ends with earlier morning wake-up calls, non-stop days of mothering and other tasks, and then not enough relaxation at night.

I actually didn’t do all too grand on my July goals because of the overextension of my time and energy. I missed the mark on the following goals I had set for July:

• create and begin a study plan for my personal training certification
• one new healthy recipe each week
• participate in the 3000 in 35 #fitblog #fitabs challenge
• stretch or foam roll for 10-15 minutes daily
• at least 20 minutes each day in concentrated, quiet prayer and Bible study

I refuse to say I failed, though. I did feel aware of stretching more and working on my core – so I made a greater effort than normal with those two activities. I may not have hit the goal, but I did do more than previous months. I may not have accomplished as much studying as I hoped, but I did get through 4 chapters and took the time to know the material well. And I did pass other goals with flying colors:

• I stayed on top of my half marathon training (even with a rocky last week)
• we rocked our budget last month
• applied to the Fitfluential ambassadorship
• I am now thisclose to being finished with any Healthy Living Summit prep work

Where does all of this leave me for this month? I have ONE goal! Better time management. I don’t want to end up burned out by the end of the month again. I want to simply focus on the things that matter each and every day. My goal for better time management will revolve around making time each day for:

God with prayer and Bible study

Family with play time with the kiddos and connection time with the husband

Health Time with choosing foods that make me feel good and keeping up with half marathon training

eep! going to have to do TWO MORE than that this Saturday

Professional with regular study time

Passions by continuing to share what I feel called to share here.

So my goal is simple. I want to manage my time well enough to have each day entail the above and then just allow for other aspects of life to fall into place where they fit. I remember once hearing an analogy in church about our lives are a glass jar. We each must fill our jars with beautiful pebbles (those things that truly matter to us in life) and sand (the relatively inconsequential parts of life).

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If we try to fill our jars with the sand first, we won’t have room for the quality pebbles. However, if we focus on the pebbles first, the sand will naturally fit around them as it gets added later. That’s what I want to do with my time. My energy. My life. And that is my goal for August.

• What is a brag you have for the month of July? And what do you hope for out of August?
• And if you're so inclined...I would feel honored if you chose to nominate me for Mamavation's inspirational "tweeps"! You just tweet the following - I nominate @TinaFFF as one of the Top 50 Most Inspirational Healthy Tweeps, http://bit.ly/nnwaBM #Top50HT

I know on the weekend I like easy reading. I don’t think reading gets easier than bullet points and highlights, so that’s where my focus shall lay today. I left off yesterday morning with a recap of my June goals. Since writing my goals out worked so well for me, I figure why not go for it again? I promise to keep it short, sweet, and to the bullet point.

Personal: A Balanced Life of God, Family, and Personal Passion

• at least 20 minutes each day in concentrated, quiet prayer and Bible study
• create and begin a study plan for my personal training certification
• continue following our budget and tracking our expenditures daily
• remain balanced with my time to work effectively and keep priorities in line

Health/Fitness: Continue Trusting My Body & Making Healthy Decisions Regularly 

• one new healthy recipe each week
• participate in the 3000 in 35 #fitblog #fitabs challenge because I neglect core work so easily and community makes exercise more fun
• continue using healthy coping mechanisms when faced with stress or difficult emotional situations
• keep up with my half marathon training
• stretch or foam roll for 10-15 minutes daily <— I’ve let this habit slack and I feel it!

Blogging: Have Fun While Developing My Biggest Personal Passion

• only commit to things I can give full attention to working on
• continue producing quality content in a variety of topics <— let me know if you have anything you want me to write about!
• apply to Fitfluential’s ambassadorship
• organize and complete 75% of the Healthy Living Summit panel prep work
• remain connected with all of you because blogging means nothing without you

It looks like a lot, but I’m always up for a challenge. And because I have no creative way to transition into the features of the week – here ya go!

Featured Personal Post: Registering for Personal Training Certification

A good omen the material arrived on the day I was wearing my Challenge Your Fitness shirt? They even color coordinated!

Featured Workout: Favorite Triceps Exercises

Featured Meal: Hawaiian Tofu

And, oh, do I have a good one for you next week!

Featured Cuteness: Little Man Loving His New Entertainment System

Although, personally, I’m in denial that he is actually big enough for an exersaucer.

Featured News: Faith Fitness Fun T-Shirt Shop

I added a couple new tanks, per a special request. Let me know if you have anything you would like to see!

Featured Reading: New Blogs to Check Out

Courtney @ Pancakes and Postcards

Not only has she spent time living healthy in AFRICA, but she always challenges herself in exciting ways. Like a marathon and her “pescatarian project”.

Jenn @ Peas and Crayons

The host of What I Ate Wednesday and a seriously fun-loving chick.

Shanna @ Shanna Like Banana

Lover of shoes. Lover of fitness. Lover of great recipes. And newly pregnant!!!!

• What is a goal you have for July?
• What fitness area do you slack on easiest? Core and stretching here!