It’s 2019, y’all! Did you start the year off with intentions to create the life you love? I know I did, and it’s kinda fun to take a step back and see how far I’ve come to make that happen. Here are a few things I have been trying this year to keep me afloat, and would love to share with you:
Get a planner
You have no idea of your full potential until you’ve really found a planner system that works for you. The best thing planners is that they are so easily accessible, and they come in an array of different formats. You like looking at your whole month? Got it. How about your whole semester? Check. Do you like looking at what appointments and errands you have for the week? Got that for you, too. Maybe all this writing stuff down thing is too tedious, and you would rather have it put on your iCal or Google calendar. Listen, honey, we’ve got that as well. All I am saying is that there are tons of different calendars and agendas you can pick. It’s just finding what really works for you. You can grab one from just about everywhere and definitely personalize it to truly make it yours. I really like seeing my week as I plan it and go through it. Most of my private lessons and skate school classes are pretty much set, so I can definitely block that off on my calendar. My lululemon schedule is pretty set as well, so I got that blocked off, too. What’s nice about this layout for me is I’ll be able to reschedule lessons that are not in my normal routine and stay on top of it. Not ready to fully invest in your own planner? Here is a weekly printable for you to try. Josh and I use it for our meal planning. It’s great because we both take turns making dinner each night, and we can see what groceries we need to buy for the following week instead of looking in the fridge to find that we don’t have what we need. Grab a planner, or utilize it on your phone or computer. You can’t go wrong with planning, and trust me. Once you have found the system that works for you, the sky’s the limit.
Pick one day to plan your week
Sunday evenings, for me, are a time when I can really take a look at my week and see what needs to be done at work and at home. It is also a good time to see if I am staying on track with my goals for the week, month, or year. What did I accomplish the previous week? What do I still need to get done for this next week? Are there new items on the to-do list that need to happen? I can mentally prepare for a busy week and map out the time to accomplish these. That way, I’m not flying by the seat of my pants from one engagement to another.
Be grateful, and jot it down.
One day, someone asked what I was grateful for, and I could not think of anything. I felt like the friggin Grinch. That was a turning point for me, so I decided I’d get a little notebook to jot three things I am grateful for down at the end of my day, everyday. Literally, they can be as little and literal as you want. Things such as “I am grateful I am alive,” or “I am grateful for my morning coffee.” Just being grateful for the little things can also shift your perspective on things, too. It’s definitely been a game changer for me.
Find time for you
This probably sounds like overkill, but I cannot stress this enough. With how fast paced everything is nowadays, it’s vital that you have some time for YOU. Even if it is 10 minutes of breathing, 10 minutes of walking, or 10 minutes of alone time, take it. Now, this is a skill I am still developing, and I can tell you that I definitely have my highs and lows. I get into bouts where I am very consistent with giving myself the space to reflect and then to ground myself. Whatever it is, just stick to it, and you will be better for it.
One thing I did was get up an hour earlier in the mornings and run. This time last year I was training for a half marathon, so running outside had become a staple in my life. I usually get in a few miles before coaching in the morning, but the constant snow and icy conditions Nebraska loves to grace us with makes it really hard to keep that consistent. I’ve eaten my pride and have started back up with 20 to 30 minutes on the treadmill every morning listening to a chapter of You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero to get me pumped about the day. I listened to her entire e-book on a drive to Denver, and I loved it. You can find more about her here. Putting this back into my morning routine has definitely set me up for a successful day because it puts me in a good mood. If you’re looking for ways to make your mornings easier, here are some things I like to do that help me trememdously.
If I can’t get out and run, I would do a 10 minute meditation. What’s really awesome about it is you can practically do it anywhere. Here is a link to the different guided meditations that are my absolute favorites, but there are tons of apps and free downloads you can find on the interwebs.
Hopefully, some of these will help you get and keep you on track for your 2019. What are some of your favorite things to keep you on track for your goals?
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This is all so crazy! So one of the biggest things that has helped me and inspired me this year was buying a notebook. I say it’s crazy because it completely matches your blog! The same kind of marble looking background on the cover and has rose gold writing that says”The best is yet to come.” I use it to write down ideas, desires, goals, inspirational thoughts, and to keep track of where I want this year to take me! I think I need to add a planner to it 😁
Right?? I love the marble. Definitely trendy! I’ll have to try the notebook thing. I usually loose track of great ideas, so maybe this will help!
Such good advice! I live by my planner and I agree that if I have a scheduling session once a week, the rest of the week always goes more smoothly. It’s pretty amazing how that small bit of time can reduce so much stress later in the week.
Thanks! I’ve noticed scheduling once a week and really looking ahead helps so much. I’ve started doing this for my meals, too!
I love this! It’s crazy to think that someone may not know what they’re grateful for! It’s definitely something to think about everyday! I usually focus on the things that are bringing me down! This has totally changed my perspective. I will start thinking of the positive too; what I’m grateful for every day! Thank you so much for sharing this!
Also, you’re background is SUPER cute!
Tori, Thanks so much!!! I definitely have a hard time shifting my focus from negative to positive. Being grateful has definitely kept my nerves calm during the most difficult times.
I’m so O.C.D. with my planning, that your ideas are great! Loved reading schedule planning!
Thanks! I love planners and planning! It definitely motivates me to stay organized.