Breaking my Facebook Addiction & August Goals



If you know me even a little bit, then you know how terrible I am at self-discipline. It doesn't matter whether we are talking about housework, exercise, diet...you name it. I have NO willpower whatsoever and if you looked up "weakling" in the dictionary, there would surely be a huge picture of me.  I am excellent at starting things, but have virtually ZERO follow through. If I had a dollar for every book or household project I'd ever started and not finished...I'd be a wealthy woman!

For quite some time, I have felt God pressing on my heart the need to give up all or nearly all of my time on Facebook. It has become a source of insecurity, pride, judgement and even idolatry--taking time away from my family and my relationship with the Lord. I am embarrassed at how much time I have wasted on my outer circle (surface level friendships) instead of investing that time cultivating my inner circle--the one that truly matters.

I have tried to "cut back" or even "fast" from Facebook in the past, with very little success. This time, I felt the best option was to allow my husband to change my password and not tell me the new one. That way, I wouldn't have to deactivate my account, but I also can't use my account without him signing me in. This may seem extreme to those who can just manage their own behavior (sigh...why can't I be one of those people??). However, anyone who has dealt with an addiction knows first-hand that accountability and support are crucial to rehabilitation.

My hubby and I have agreed that 30 minutes in the evening is enough time for me to return messages, post new blog links and catch up on any event invites, birthdays, etc. Today was day #1 and I kinda felt like I was missing my left arm. I am pretty sure I started twitching from withdrawal a few times. I'll let you know how it goes! I am so hopeful that my productivity will increase by leaps and bounds that I decided to do a list of August goals, something I quit doing back in April.

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My 2013 theme is: DISCIPLINE

August Goals

Personal Goals

• Watch Joyce Meyer 3 days a week or more
• Exercise at least 30 min, 4 days a week
• Read Unglued and Made to Crave ($2.99 on Kindle) by Lysa TerKeurst
• Finish Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle (This book has had me laughing until I cried! It is SO good!)
• Spend a maximum of 30 minutes per day on Facebook

Marriage Goals

• Have one date night out and one day-long date in August
• Couples devotion & conversation (no gadgets) from 10:30-11 PM, nightly

Mothering/Homemaking Goals

• Sign Charlotte up for PEEPs at Brukner (Preschool Environmental Education Program) & YMCA ballet class
• Sign Jackson up for art classes at Hayner Cultural Center
• Order all of Jackson's first grade curriculum
• Take the kids to see the movie Turbo
• Take the kids to the Miami County Fair
• Purge and reorganize all of the kids' toys
• Purchase school supplies and organize school room for the upcoming school year

Family/Friends/Ministry Goals

• Visit Bill's grandma at the rehab center, twice
• Help the kids make Grandparents' Day gifts
• Plan and host Charlotte's 3rd birthday party
• Have coffee or a playdate with another mom friend

Financial Goals

• Continue tithing 10% of our income
• Get 3 estimates for new windows
• Make Save, Spend, Share banks with the kids to teach personal finance

Blogging Goals

• Write at least 8 new blog posts in August (4 recipe posts, plus 4 misc. posts)
• Stick to strict blogging hours (naptime only) that do not interfere with homemaking responsibilities or quality time with family

When it comes to willpower and self-discipline, in which area do you struggle the most?