When my “Now What” question started to creep in, I had to take a hard look at where I’ve been and where I WANT to go.
(Hopefully not too far since I will be wearing my yoga pants)
What is my OVERALL goal?
What do I need to change?
I don’t know about you, but when I have “too much” to do I shut down!
I was listening to Michael Hyatt’s podcast the other day and he said, “When you are OVERWHELMED with what you need to do, just do the next RIGHT thing.”
I needed to stop thinking about ALL of it and reign in my focus.
With prayer and honesty with myself, I’ve implemented 5 steps to plan this year on purpose!
Since we’re friends, I thought I’d share them with y’all.
5 Steps to Plan on Purpose
1. Set Your intention
Know the WHY behind the plan. What matters most?
For me, knowing how I want my LIFE to look overall made a HUGE shift in me.
I wrote out what a “perfect” day looks like.
Not a “sipping Sangria on the beach” kind of day…but a REAL wake up to bedtime regular day.
I have it written down to compare to when I plan.
2. Pick 1 area of focus
Is there a time of day you want to change?
Is there a time of MONTH that is difficult?
Baby steps!
Mine is MORNINGS!!
I am NOT a morning person. (As in…”Please do not make me function before 9am”)
I have to take that thought captive!
WHY am I not a morning person? Do I LIKE feeling rushed trying to get out the door?
Once you’ve made good headway with 1 area, move on to the next.
You will have “proven results” to keep you motivated.
Keep it small and on PURPOSE!
3. Write it DOWN
(see #1) What needs to happen and at when?
Be realistic.
Since my struggle is morning time, I have to look at what I want to do before appointments, homeschooling and family obligations.
Yes… I’m sure I COULD be showered and out the door in 20 minutes, but is that realistic?
4. Regroup/Review/Revise
Schedule time to look over your plan.
What went well?
What did you forget to account for?
Treat it as a social experiment.
I forgot how much I LOVE peaceful mornings. Now I look forward to mornings because I know I’ll get 30 minutes of peace and quiet BEFORE my day begins.
If something isn’t working, change it before it becomes a NEW bad habit!
5. Give yourself GRACE
Stuff happens!
The kid will get sick or the dogs will poop on the carpet (or BOTH).
Recognize it for what it is!
This one is difficult for me.
I am quick to “scold” myself when my plan doesn’t go as planned.
I continually remind myself that I am making progress. I am learning and growing more purposeful.
Joanna Gaines has a saying, ” Every Day is a Good Day for a Good Day!”
Give yourself a do-over! Every day is a good day for a Do-Over! Click To Tweet
Are you trying to tame your morning (like me) or struggle with another aspect of your routine?
I challenge you:
Ask yourself what matters most. Pick 1 area to focus your attention, WRITE IT DOWN!
Be willing to revise your plan.
What went well? What isn’t working?
Use the stumbles as information to do better going forward.
Change whatever isn’t working BEFORE it becomes a NEW bad habit.
Above all else, practice GRACE on yourself!
Yes! I also shut down when I get overwhelmed – usually with too many work files to complete. But I am going to stay focused and work before deadlines in order to not get to the overwhelmed feeling! Perfect read for starting out my Monday. 🙂
Thanks Karen. I have to continually remind myself to do “the next right thing” when I feel overwhelmed. Reversing years of habits and thought patterns takes time!
Great post, Rebecca! I am setting goals and working hard on figuring out my path for this year with my blog/business. I have so many thoughts and ideas, and I do get overwhelmed. Shutting down is not an option, though! I am plowing through and reading good info like this to keep me motivated. Thanks for the encouraging words!
Anna, I love you saying”Shutting Down is not an option!” Great mindset to have. You have a great insights to share about positive parenting teens. I look forward to reading your posts every week!
I LOVE this, Rebecca! For me, 2016 is looking to be full of unfamliar things, especially since I’m the sole income earner right now while my husband warms the gears for a new business he will be doing. Your post reminded me about the importance of doing ONE THING well, and consistently. I’ve never been in this position before, and it scares me!
Thank you very much, Martine. I am glad you liked it. My motto for 2016 is “Do it Scared!”. I heard it at a womens’ business conference and have been applying it to this blog! I try to remember that as long as I am learning- then I am making progress! Doing scary things stretches us and makes us realize how much MORE is possible! I wish you well on your new adventure and would love to hear more from you.
[…] 1. Crystal Paine’s #getupearlychallenge to help me plan my mornings on purpose. […]
I struggle with staying focused and making plans, I am going to try this approach.
Beth, I’d love to hear how it works for you! Thank you for coming by the blog!
[…] It was a great motivator and kept me accountable to start my mornings on purpose. […]
It’s hard to remind yourself that you are making progress when we live in this fast paced world where we all want instant gratification. So I love this. Lots of nice reminders to stay focused & stay positive.
xx, gracie
snappedbygracie.com
It is hard, Gracie. You’re totally right about instant gratification! Stay focused, positive, and give yourself Grace!