Ahhhh, clean slate… fresh start… new beginnings.
Just the idea of “starting over” stirs a hope that better things are coming, doesn’t it?
Even though the starting pistol has fired and the new year is underway, the consequences of 2020 are still consuming our hearts and minds. We will not forget.
For some, it is still the topic of every conversation. Yet others (yoo hoo – over here) are so done talking about all things COVID, 2020… and everything in between.
The Great Pause of 2020 was a necessary interruption. It forced you to stop, take a breath, and re-evaluate your life.
Every level of “hard” has been experienced this past year. There are still many living in the middle of their difficult circumstances.
Sister, I hope you have been able to experience some sense of positive pause in your personal life, particularly in those areas notorious for creating a consistent busyness and stress.
COVID-19 has been a game-changer on so many levels. However, I refuse to see only the negative elements of the situation.
Life as we know it is not over… it’s just different.
What are you going to start doing in 2021?
What are your goals? What steps are you going to take? What does your “escape plan” from the Great Pause look like?
Those questions are not rhetorical.
However…
It is impossible for you to determine your goals, plan your steps, and take action until you KNOW what you want to do.
I get that the big picture can be overwhelming. Let me help you find that clarity with a simple six-step process.
LIST #1: Experiences – Write down everything you want to do in 2021 that will create experiences.
LIST #2: Stuff – Make a list of material things you would like to have.
LIST #3: Treasure Chest – Think about everything that brings you peace and helps you sleep at night, both present and future. (i.e. health, wealth, financial, relational)
LIST #4: – Contributions – In what ways would you like to contribute to others, whether it involves time, money, or both?
LIST #5: Fun – What do you want to do for fun? What type of resources do you need in order to do these things? What will it cost?
LIST #6: Buy Back Your Time – What (or who) do you need to bring into your life to give you more time? Do you need to delegate more responsibility to your family, organize a carpool for your kids, sign up for a made-for-you-meal program, hire a house-keeper, purchase a robot vacuum, etc.)
Next, I want you to think about the steps each one of these desires would take to make them a reality and then assign tasks to each one of them.
For example, if you want Christmas 2021 to be a cash only event (no credit cards), determine what your gift budget will be. Then figure out how much money you need to set aside each month… make a commitment and follow through. Are there any expenses you can cut to make this happen?
If making quality family time a weekly priority is at the top of your list, then schedule it on your calendar, sister. Like, for real, literally write it down like you do everything else you’re committed to showing up for. What can you eliminate?
Finally, pick four as your proclaimed targets for 2021. Or, if you’re really feeling ambitious, choose one thing from each category and soar high, sweet friend.
Regardless of what you’re after this year, the point is that you get clear on what you want and start moving in that direction.
T. Boone Pickens nailed it when he said,
“A plan without action isn’t a plan. It’s a speech.”
Sister, are you ready to get down to the nitty gritty and start taking some serious action?
Be on the lookout for the release of the first masterclass (in a series of many) I am offering this year in the “Sweet Spot Training”. You will learn practical steps for conquering the chaos and living life on your terms.
If you are subscribed to my weekly newsletter, you’ll be one of the first to know about its official release. You will also be first in line to register.
If you haven’t invited me to your inbox yet, no problem. You can do that here. (psssst… scroll to the bottom of the page). Absolutely no strings attached.
XO,