I started 2021 off with some SMART goals. A few weeks ago I wrote a post about making goals that were Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time Sensitive. 1
I wrote out 7 goals for the year and had specific action plans and dates associated with each of them.
So far, one month in, I have to say I’ve been able to stay on track more than I have in the past (for the most part).
One of my goals was to cook at home more. This is an area that I have really struggled with over the years. So this year, I had to do something different than I had done before.
I printed out a blank calendar for the month and wrote in what I was going to make for the entire month. I put it on the refrigerator so I could see it every day. This helped keep me accountable and even the kids (although reluctant at first) started looking at the monthly menu and started getting excited about what I would be cooking next.
It’s still a work in process, but for me it really helped to plan ahead and to challenge myself to find new recipes to try.
If cooking more at home is one of your 2021 goals, then I think you’ll really enjoy this recipe. A family member shared this with me and it was a real hit in my home.
https://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/cajun-shrimp-and-rice-skillet/
Here are a few recipe notes from me:
This recipe is really easy to make and you can substitute chicken for the shrimp if you prefer. Also, feel free to add in any vegetables that you like to make this dish your own. For the cajun seasoning mentioned in the recipe, I would recommend you making it just as it says. It is really good and I believe this is what makes the dish so tasty. It can be spicy, so if you don’t like spice, then you can cut back on the cayenne pepper.
Also, I cooked the shrimp and/or chicken in a separate skillet and then tossed it into the rice for the last few minutes of cooking.
If your 2021 has not started off as you planned, or if you have fallen off the wagon of your New Year’s goals, don’t beat yourself up. It is the beginning of a new month with a new opportunity to start again. I am rooting for you. If I can do it, I believe you can too.
~ Vijoy
1 Ramsey Solutions. “How to Set Goals for 2021”, December 8, 2020, accessed January 6, 2021, https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/smart-goal-setting.
