Homestead Goal Setting for 2024 (with Free Printable Goal Planner)

This suburban homestead goal setting planner printable is new and updated for 2024!

“A goal without a plan is a wish” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupery

A new year holds the promise of growth, learning, and the chance to turn dreams into reality. One great thing about this time is the ability to envision the next steps in our homesteading journies, shaping our aspirations into achievable goals. It’s the perfect moment to reflect on our achievements, fine-tune our project lists, and set the course for a fulfilling and sustainable homestead. Cheers to making the most of what the coming year has in store for our homesteading endeavors!

In this updated blog post, we’ll focus on empowering you to set and achieve your homesteading aspirations, and I will give you some ideas of big goals you can achieve this year on your own homestead. Having a clear vision and goal list can help you avoid burnout as you remember what is important. Homesteading can be a huge undertaking if you try to do it all at once.

Homestead Goals, No Matter Where You Live

First of all, is it weird to set homesteading goals when I obviously don’t live on a traditional homestead? I don’t think so.  Homesteading isn’t confined to rural farms – it can thrive in suburban settings too. Whether you dream of a fully functioning farm or simply want to make a few more things from scratch, you can proudly call yourself a homesteader. To me, homesteading is a way for me to define all of my goals for my home. I’ll be honest, I slacked at goal setting last year, and it showed!

Planning ahead for the new year can be fun… and stressful (it’s a lot of work!).  I want to simplify creating New Year’s Resolutions by thinking about what truly matters to me, and hopefully, you will do the same!

Why Homestead?

Before diving into goal-setting, let’s explore the intrinsic motivations behind homesteading. For many, including myself, it boils down to three key reasons: sustainability, health, and financial security. These broad goals guide us, but the key to success lies in transforming them into specific, actionable objectives.

As we look at our failed resolutions of past years, I like to look at why they failed.  I think part of the reason is that they didn’t have intrinsic motivation or a “why” behind them. Here are three main categories of why you might want to homestead to begin with:

Reasons for Homesteading

1. Sustainability

2. Health

3. Financial Security

Homestead Goals Free Printable

Whether your three reasons to homestead are the same or not, I would love for you to plan along with me.  Subscribe to download the free printable planner to get organized for 2024 and join in!

Watch on YouTube and Plan Along

Watch the video below to see my goals for my first year of “homesteading” back in 2021!

A Ton of Homestead Goal Ideas!

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the printable planner, I want you to start setting goals around your “why.” Each of these three whys can break down into countless goals for the year! But remember, try to keep attainable goals to avoid homesteading burnout. I provided ideas for specific goals you might want to incorporate into your own plan. 

Homestead Sustainability Goals

Sustainability has always been important to me, and I get a little bit better by making small changes each year.  I am not even close to perfect, or even great at being sustainable, but, as the quote by Jana Stanfield goes, “I cannot do all the good that the world needs. But the world needs all the good that I can do.”

Here are some ideas for sustainability goals you might want to add to your list this year:

• Zero Waste Snacking:
  • Goal: Eliminate prepackaged snacks by making homemade alternatives with reusable packaging.
  • Action: Research and experiment with recipes for homemade granola bars, snacks, and baby pouches.
• Weekly Farmer’s Market Visit:
  • Goal: Support local farmers and reduce carbon footprint by visiting the farmer’s market weekly and replacing the grocery store.
  • Action: Identify a local farmer’s market, create a schedule, and explore seasonal produce.
• Responsible Recycling Initiatives:
  • Goal: Improve recycling practices by exploring alternatives like Terracycle.
  • Action: Research local recycling programs, investigate Terracycle options, and educate others about responsible recycling.
• Composting at Home:
  • Goal: Start a home composting system to reduce organic waste.
  • Action: Research and set up a composting system, including kitchen scraps and yard waste.
• DIY Cleaning Products:
  • Goal: Reduce reliance on commercial cleaning products by making environmentally friendly alternatives.
  • Action: Research and create homemade cleaning products using natural ingredients.
• Energy Efficiency Upgrade:
  • Goal: Increase energy efficiency at home.
  • Action: Conduct an energy audit, upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, and implement simple changes like LED lighting and changing your thermostat settings.
• Water Conservation:
  • Goal: Reduce water usage and waste.
  • Action: Install water-saving devices, rain barrels, fix leaks, and adopt water-conscious habits.
• Learn Home Gardening:
  • Goal: Grow some of your own food at home.
  • Action: Start a small garden, learn about local growing seasons, and experiment with growing vegetables or herbs.
• Sustainable Transportation:
  • Goal: Reduce reliance on personal vehicles.
  • Action: Explore alternatives like biking, walking, carpooling, or public transportation for daily commuting.
• Educate Others:
  • Goal: Share sustainable living practices with friends and community.
  • Action: Write blog posts, create social media content, or host local workshops to spread awareness (bonus-  become active in your community garden!).

Homestead Health Goals

Health is honestly not something I had really considered much until I got pregnant.  I REALLY do not like diet culture, workout plans, or anything of that sort.  But all of a sudden, I started cooking from scratch and I started to feel better in my everyday life.  Also, I stopped gaining so much weight.  It was seriously mind-blowing! None of this happened on purpose, but after a lot of research, simply eating real food is what I recommend for achieving a wide variety of health goals.

Here are some health goals you may want to consider:

• Source Organic Produce:
  • Goal: Increase consumption of organic fruits and vegetables.
  • Action: Identify local sources for organic produce, join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), or explore local markets.
• Meal Planning for Nutrient Diversity:
  • Goal: Plan meals that incorporate a diverse range of nutrients.
  • Action: Research balanced meal plans, experiment with new recipes, and focus on seasonal ingredients.
• Hydration Challenge:
  • Goal: Improve daily water intake.
  • Action: Track daily water consumption, carry a reusable water bottle, and set reminders to stay hydrated.
• Mindful Eating Practices:
  • Goal: Practice mindful eating to savor and appreciate food.
  • Action: Avoid distractions during meals, chew food slowly, and pay attention to hunger and fullness cues.
• Regular Physical Activity:
  • Goal: Incorporate regular exercise into the routine.
  • Action: Choose activities you enjoy, create a workout schedule, and gradually increase intensity.
• Explore Better Meat Options
  • Goal: Grass-fed beef can be more nutrient-dense than grain-fed, and is also known to be less inflammatory. In many cases (but DEFINITELY not all), grass-fed beef is more likely to be organic and from farms that treat their animals better. Like I said, this is not always true.
  • Action: Look for a stamp of approval from the American Grassfed Association (AGA) for certainty that the cows were 100% grass-fed. Search eatwild.com in order to find sources of local grass-fed beef in your area.
• Prioritize Sleep Hygiene:
  • Goal: Improve the quality of sleep.
  • Action: Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and minimize screen time before sleep.
• Learn Home Remedies:
  • Goal: Build knowledge of natural home remedies.
  • Action: Research and compile a list of natural remedies for common ailments, reducing reliance on over-the-counter medications.
• Mindfulness Meditation:
  • Goal: Integrate mindfulness meditation for mental well-being.
  • Action: Start with short meditation sessions, explore meditation apps, and gradually increase the duration.
• Culinary Exploration:
  • Goal: Expand your culinary skills by trying new cooking techniques.
  • Action: Enroll in a cooking class, experiment with different cuisines, and learn to prepare dishes using unfamiliar ingredients.

Homestead Financial Goals

You might not immediately think of financial goals when you think of homesteading, but it is a major part of becoming self-sufficient. Whether you need more money for major projects or plan to spend less money and save for the future, homestead finance goals should be a main priority.

Here are financial goals to help you prosper in your homestead:

• Monthly Budget Creation:
  • Goal: Establish a comprehensive monthly budget.
  • Action: Track income and expenses, categorize spending, and identify areas for potential savings.
• Emergency Fund Establishment:
  • Goal: Build a financial safety net with an emergency fund.
  • Action: Set a savings goal, allocate a portion of income to savings, and explore high-yield savings account options.
• Debt Repayment Plan:
  • Goal: Develop a plan to pay off outstanding debts.
  • Action: List all debts, prioritize repayment, and explore debt consolidation options if applicable.
• Explore Additional Income Streams:
  • Goal: Diversify income sources for financial stability.
  • Action: Identify side hustles or freelance opportunities, and allocate time for exploring new income streams.
• Investment Knowledge Building:
  • Goal: Increase understanding of investment options.
  • Action: Read financial literature, attend seminars, and consider consulting with a financial advisor to make informed investment decisions.
• Cost-Effective Meal Planning:
  • Goal: Save money by planning cost-effective meals.
  • Action: Create a meal plan based on budget-friendly recipes, explore bulk buying options, and minimize food waste.
• DIY Home Repairs:
  • Goal: Learn basic home repair skills to reduce maintenance costs.
  • Action: Attend workshops, watch tutorials, and gradually acquire skills for simple home repairs.
• Negotiate Bills and Contracts:
  • Goal: Save on regular expenses by negotiating bills and contracts.
  • Action: Research competitive rates, contact service providers, and negotiate better terms for utilities and subscriptions.
• Automate Savings Contributions:
  • Goal: Simplify savings by automating regular contributions.
  • Action: Set up automatic transfers to savings accounts, retirement funds, and investment accounts.
• Long-Term Financial Planning:
  • Goal: Develop a long-term financial plan for retirement and major life events.
  • Action: Consult with a financial planner, assess long-term goals, and create a strategy for retirement savings and future investments.

Using Your Homestead Goal Planner Printable

 Planning and goal-setting are crucial steps for success on your modern suburban homesteading journey. 

Here are some tips to help you get started.

Homestead Goal Tracker

Once you know the goals, you should probably plan out how you will achieve them a little better to ensure success.  The goal tracker page on the printable is meant to help you.  

Let’s break down tips and how-tos for each section of your printable homestead planner:

1. Writing Your Why:

• Tip: Connect Emotionally: When writing your reasons for wanting a more sustainable, healthy, and financially savvy lifestyle, tap into your emotions. Connect with the deeper meaning behind your goals to stay motivated throughout the year.
• How-To: Reflect Deeply: Take dedicated time to reflect on why you are embarking on this homesteading journey. Consider the impact on your life, family, and the world. Write down your reflections to revisit them whenever you need inspiration.

2. Writing Annual Goals:

• Tip: Be Specific and Measurable: Make your goals concrete and measurable. Instead of a vague goal like “eat healthier,” specify it as “consume five servings of vegetables daily.”
• How-To: Use the SMART Goals Framework: Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework will help you create goals that are clear and actionable.

3. 3 Sustainability Goals, 3 Health Goals, 3 Finance Goals:

• Tip: Balance the Three Pillars: Distribute your goals evenly among sustainability, health, and finance. This ensures a holistic approach to your homesteading journey.
• How-To: Align with Your Why: Ensure that each goal aligns with the reasons you outlined in the “Writing Your Why” section. This connection will reinforce your commitment to these goals.

4. Weekly Goal Planner:

• Tip: Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most important tasks for the week and prioritize them. This helps you focus on what matters most and prevents feeling overwhelmed.
• How-To: Break it Down: Planning your weeks, even on a basic level, can keeo you aligned with your goals. You do not have to plan each second of each day, but set goals and plot smaller tasks every week so they can help complete the big projects.

5. Monthly Goal Planner:

• Tip: Review and Adjust: At the beginning of each month, review your goals. Celebrate successes and adjust any goals that need refinement.
• How-To: Set Monthly Milestones: Break down your annual goals into smaller monthly milestones. This makes progress more tangible and achievable.

6. Monthly Reflection on Your Goals:

• Tip: Celebrate Achievements: Take time to celebrate the goals you’ve accomplished. Acknowledging your successes motivates you to keep going.
• How-To: Ask Reflective Questions: Pose questions like “What worked well this month?” and “What challenges did I face?” to gain insights into your progress and areas for improvement.

7. 3 Month Review:

• Tip: Evaluate Holistically: Assess your sustainability, health, and finance goals collectively. Reviewing every three months can help you readjust the original plans if needed, without waiting for a full year review.
• How-To: Adjust Long-Term Plans: Use the 3-month review to evaluate the effectiveness of your 1-year and 3-year plans. Make adjustments based on your experiences and changing circumstances.

8. Habit Tracker:

• Tip: Start Small: When introducing new habits, start with one or two at a time. Gradual changes are more likely to become ingrained in your routine.
• How-To: Consistency is Key: Track your habits consistently. Use the habit tracker to visualize your progress and identify patterns in your behavior.

9. 7 Step Goal Planner:

• Tip: Break It Down: Divide each goal into smaller actionable steps. This makes the overall goal less overwhelming and helps you focus on actionable tasks.
• How-To: Follow the Steps: Take each of the 7 steps seriously. From defining the goal to creating a plan of action, these steps guide you through a systematic process.

10. Project Planner:

• Tip: Set Milestones: Break down your larger projects into smaller milestones. This makes tracking progress more manageable. Print as many pages as you need for your entire project list.
• How-To: Collaborate and Delegate: If your projects involve others, clearly define roles and responsibilities. Collaboration and delegation can enhance efficiency.

11. 1 Year Plan:

• Tip: Review and Revise: Periodically review your 1-year plan. Circumstances may change, and adjusting your plan ensures it remains relevant.
• How-To: Connect with Annual Goals: Ensure that your smaller short-term goals align with the yearly goals you set. This synergy ensures a cohesive and strategic approach.

12. 3 Year Plan:

• Tip: Think Long-Term: Consider the broader picture and big dreams for your homesteading journey. The 3-year plan sets the foundation for sustained growth.
• How-To: Balance Ambition and Realism: Set ambitious yet realistic long-term goals. This strikes a balance between envisioning a future and practical, achievable steps.

By following these tips and how-tos, your printable homestead planner becomes a powerful tool for planning, tracking, and achieving your goals on your suburban homesteading journey.

Cultivating Homesteading Dreams for the Year Ahead

As we approach the new, envisioning the growth of our homesteads requires deliberate goal-setting. Your main goals are the building blocks for a sustainable, healthy, and financially resilient lifestyle, contributing to the big picture of your very own homestead.

Crafting your homestead is a journey of dedication and hard work. Each goal set is a commitment to a brighter future, affirming your pursuit of a harmonious lifestyle. Embrace the challenges and victories, understanding that this is a continuous labor of love.

Turning the pages of your homestead planner signifies more than planning for the next year; it’s about cultivating your unique homestead landscape. Dream big, set your goals, and embark on this fulfilling journey, knowing that the seeds you plant today will blossom into the flourishing homestead you envision. Here’s to the next year and the collective success born from your dedication! Happy New Year!

Let me know if there are any beginner homesteading things you would like to learn this year that you don’t see above and help host one of this year’s Homestead Challenges!

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