Planning for Success: Add Your Priorities – Day 2

January 2, 2013 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: iStockphoto

Knowing that a successful year will not materialize on its own, we must plan and prepare for a prosperous 2013.

Throughout the 31 days of January, I will choose one topic each day to prepare or schedule for this year.

Without preparation, I know I will forget, miss, or overlook certain items. If you desire an organized year, then join me in this adventure of Planning for Success for a prosperous 2013.

To receive a daily e-mail around 11:00 a.m. with the new posts of each day, subscribe to my free daily newsletter. In case you miss a post in this series, I will provide the link to each day as the month progresses. 🙂

Day 1: Select a Planning Tool

Day 2: Add Your Priorities

With my calendar selected, I refer to Amy Lynn Andrews’ e-book Tell Your Time to set priorities. If you have not read this short 32-page e-book, then it is worth your time to read it.

Amy posted this video, which I found helpful, regarding defining roles and matching priorities. Then to evaluate each item choosing only the best ways to using time wisely.

As someone who has difficulty saying “no” to good things, I had to determine what was best for my family and my sanity. I could give and give and give all day long, but my family suffered because I was pulled in all directions.

Though I still stay busy in 2013, I have dropped some good responsibilities to focus on what is best for my family.

Though each of us will have differing roles to fill, I have added the following priorities to my calendar:

Son’s soccer games and practices (3 times a week)

Husband’s church responsibilities (1 time per month)

My planned exercise schedule (4 times per week)

These priorities are the best for our family. My son made a soccer squad designed to educate the players in the game and skills. This commitment was made after careful considering and fuses with my exercise schedule as the girls can play while I exercise during his practice.

As you consider your priorities, evaluate the items you add to your calendar. Choose the best options that fit within your family’s dynamic while using time wisely and planning for success. Happy prioritizing!

Question: How many priorities are you scheduling?

2012 Update Week: Goals for December – Choose Contentment

December 12, 2012 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Angie Torres)

Happy 12/12/12! I could not allow update week to zoom by without addressing the unusual date along with my 2012 goals. You have watched my successes and failures this year with my established goals, and I love bringing this update on a special day.

Finishing 2012, I am amazed at the progress made on the goals that I thought were attainable for me on paper. Some goals surprised me with ease while others are not going to beat me. 😉

In completing this year, I present my last update to my 2012 goals. The following is my overview of my November goals as I continue the progress throughout December.

Physical

Drink 4 glasses of water per day. I’m still struggling with this goal, especially on the weekends. Going from sips of water to a minimum of 3 per day thrills me. I am continuing on to master that 4^th glass.

Eat breakfast each morning. Done!

Exercise for 20 minutes at least 3 times a week. In making exercise a priority, I took a fast-paced walk through our neighborhood on Sunday afternoon as the rest of the family took a nap. I walk as often as possible, but I still struggle.

Family

Plan at least one family outing/activity each week. Accomplished!

Spend 10 minutes with each child each day. Done!

Allow children to help with a household task each week. They continue to help, especially when a game, tool, or reward is included. My son is enjoying rinsing the dishes after meals. Didn’t realize he would love this task so much. 🙂

Financial

Follow Crystal’s year-long plan to reach my goals. As I continue to count my blessings to remind me of what I don’t deserve, my focus turns from my immediate concerns to contentment.

Purchase dressers for my daughters’ room. This goal is ongoing. We are planning to redecorate the girls’ room in spring, so this goal is on hold.

Purchase upgraded computers for hubby and me. This goal is also ongoing. Looks like this goal might get accomplished before the end of the year.

Business

Write posts one week in advance. Not happening. However, I’m excited at the progress made in scheduling which saves me time. Sometimes it is a blessing to post on-time. I’m happy that all post are now current! 🙂

Make one improvement to the blog this month. Added some affiliate relationships, but no visible progress this month.

Read two chapters of blog book each month. No progress this month. My reading these days consist of 2^nd grade and kindergarten material. 🙂

Though my progress may seem small, all these baby steps equal a giant step toward my final destination. Don’t be surprised when some of these same goals remain for 2013. This process is stretching me, and I’m thrilled to keep on learning and improving.

As you continue this month on finishing 2012, end strong. Happy sprinting to the finish line on 12/12/12!

Question: How are your goals coming along?

Heads Up: Update, Series Recap, and 2012’s Top 10 List Weeks

December 5, 2012 by Tracy

Wrapping up with update, series recap, and 2012's top 10 list

Photograph Credit: Fotolia

In winding down 2012, I have chosen to close this chapter by wrapping up and reporting the results of series and topics covered this year.

Beginning on Sunday, I will start an update week, followed by a series recap week, and finishing the year with 2012’s top 10 list on Using Time Wisely.

Update Week

Throughout the year, I share topics and projects with which I am trying or working. As I finish 2012, I have chosen one topic per day for a follow-up post. These updates start on Sunday, December 9 and conclude on Saturday, December 15.

Series Recap Week

In writing numerous series during the year, I plan to post a recap of each series for each category throughout the week of Sunday, December 16 – 22.

2012’s Top 10 List

Similar to 2011’s Top 10 List, I will rely on Google Analytics’ calculations for the most popular posts this year.

In using time wisely to wrap up 2012, I hope these posts will prove beneficial to you. I am looking forward to the series recap week as I would love to have one post with all the series listed by category for the year.

As you bring 2012 to a close, finish strong while using time wisely. Happy finishing!

Question: How are you wrapping up 2012?

Christmas in November

November 28, 2012 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Getting started a little early on my 25 Days ‘til Christmas list brought a few calm and precious moments today.

After dinner, our family crowded into the master bedroom. With all 5 of us snuggled into our queen-sized bed, we began our celebration of Christmas in November.

Surprisingly, we all fit. With our son in the middle, Paul held our oldest daughter on his side of the bed while I held the toddler on my side of the bed. We watched and giggled through Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

It was a wonder that their attention was captured for the full 20-minute or so program. Enjoying it so much, we plan to repeat this activity tomorrow with the airing of A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Though not expecting to watch our Christmas movie until December 7, I’m ahead of the plan. In using time wisely and snuggling with my family, we are celebrating Christmas in November. Seizing these moments!

Question: Are your holiday celebrations starting early?

Using Time Wisely: Counting my Blessings (110 – 118)

November 21, 2012 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

During this season of thankfulness and gratitude, I would be remiss if I did not include a Counting my Blessings post. Realizing that it has been almost two months since my last gratitude report, I need to stop and reflect on my blessings.

This past month has been very difficult. Among difficulties at school which overflows into home life, I find it hard to compartmentalize these issues. But when I can take a step back, I realize how fortunate I am and count these blessings:

110. Reliable God. With a constant open door, I can run to the throne of grace and pour out my heart. He listens, comforts, and guides through each step of the way.

111. Constant husband. Paul continues to take my calls and listen to my feelings. Though I am usually very level-headed and analytical, I get extremely emotional when my kids are involved. Paul balances me well, and I’m so blessed to have him by my side on this journey of life.

112. Wonderful friends. Two very close friends have offered listening ears and shoulders to cry on during these heart-breaking times.

113. Generous parents. When I needed help, my mom came to the rescue. She helped with meals, cleaning, and watching my kids during Fall Festival week. Her husband came to help the rest of the week, and I’m so thankful they were here.

114. Sewing mom. With Fall Festival scheduled so close to Halloween this year, my mom made my daughters’ costumes. They both love the movie Tangled and desired the Rapunzel costume. My mom came to the rescue and made not only their dresses, but also the hair. 😉 My son dressed in his soccer uniform for his costume as he did not want to dress up this year.

115. Wonderful Halloween party. My oldest daughter is overflowing with creativity. She loves decorating, drawing, crafting, cooking, and anything else she can get her hands on. In focusing her energy, she helped decorate our house for our Halloween party.

116. Finding an after-Halloween sale. In stopping at Walmart to get a new lunch bag for my son, my youngest daughter and I found about 6 shopping carts full of leftover Halloween items marked 75% off. In digging through the items, we found an adult and a boy’s costume along with lots of prizes, decorations, and face paint for next year’s Halloween party. I was thrilled to restock our supply for less than $20.

117. Friends. I am amazed at the number of people I can call friend. I am rich because of their friendship and truly blessed.

118. Family. Having lost my Grandmother and Great Aunt this year, I am truly blessed to have known them. Because of their influence, investment, and encouragement in my life, I learned from their example and am able to impart those same qualities to my own children. Though I miss my Grandma T. and Aunt Bonnie, I know I shall see them again which is a blessed hope.

In this season of Thanksgiving, you might find it difficult to find something for which to be thankful. You might see your world falling apart or crumbling at your feet. If you find yourself doubting and struggling, look up.

Take a few moments to pray, breathe, and remain quiet. With your mind cleared, focus on your blessings. There is always someone who wishes they could switch places with you.

Knowing how blessed we are, our family is honored to take a meal to those struggling in this world. They have it tough, and we get to bless them this Thanksgiving. In giving to others, may we find additional ways to count our blessings as it is more blessed to give than to receive. Happy Thanksgiving!

Question: For what are you thankful today?

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