Planning
Strong Habits for a Successful Year
Having a successful year, however you define success, has to do with more than setting goals and making plans. It's about establishing a lifestyle conducive to your goals. Making plans is just the first leg of the journey, effectively carrying out those plans is a different ballgame. That's why creating a proper routine and developing strong habits that we can follow on a daily basis can set the foundation for accomplishing our goals. So today I'm discussing 6 habits that can lead to a more successful year.
Devotions
God Has Your Plans
Sometimes life takes us through so many detours we may starting wondering if we're not simply lost. That's certainly my sentiment as of late. I'm approaching my mid-twenties and I'm not sure what it is I'm doing with my life. Naturally, you may be thinking that's the case for most people my age. I do find a certain solace in that, however, it hardly changes the panic and doubt that subtly creeps in as one year turns over into another. With a new year underway I began to think of how I can reach those goals that seem to elude me, what will it take to march forward and conquer. And the answer is always the same. God.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Sometimes the path that looks like a detour is truly the path we're meant to take. There's no way of knowing that when we're on the journey, but when we remember that God is directing our life, we can allow our faith to carry us through the difficult moments. That's my sole intention this year, to believe that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be. God is leading my life and I want to grow closer to Him. God has my life plan, he knows what experiences and events must take place in order for me to live my purpose. I'll just follow Him wherever He leads.
Even in moments of doubt, we usually end up where destiny fully intends for us to be.
--- Vanessa K. De Luca
Simple Living
Note to Self
The first complete week of the year has come and gone and it was a slow and lovely start. This year is definitely starting off differently than it did last year. I don't feel any of that new year newness and the pressure to do and change a lot. I've been doing a lot of reflection and a bit of planning, but nothing like last year. I don't think I'm the only making less of January. As a matter, there's even a hashtag, #FebruaryIsTheNewJanuary. I'm not sure about that, but it goes to show that maybe we need to remove some of the pressure to change and create goals simply because it's a new year. Do what you can and what you want, and give it your best effort.
Gratitude:
- Super grateful for the support of great co-workers. I started a new project at work and it would've been a rough start without help.
Highlight of the Week:
- The clear blue sky and warm sun on Thursday afternoon.
Look of the Week:
- Dress: TJ Maxx, similar, similar, similar
- Scarf: Gift, similar, similar
- Bag: Rainbows, similar
- Shoes: Charlotte Russe, similar, similar
Recipe:
 |
| French Onion Soup |
- Click here for complete recipe
Bisous,
Marie
Motivation
Tools for a Well-Designed Year
A meaningful life begins with the choices we make each day. Part of that equation involves the tools and resources we have at our disposal. These tools can help us design a simple, yet productive life. This then allows us to focus on the things that matter. Having those tools can make the difference in how we'll eventually view our year. Ultimately, our habits and attitude towards life determines how we shape our life, more closely, how we'll shape this year. However, there are some tangible tools that can help us design 2016 into our best year yet.
A Plan
- We all understand that the foundation of any successful venture is a solid plan. Having in good plan in place makes it more likely that we will follow through and hold ourselves accountable. A solid plan should ideally be written out, placed somewhere visible, and formed from realistic, yet reaching goals. The plan should be simple, stating exactly what you hope to achieve, no more, no less. The plan has to be specific. It should include specific actions and dates. It needs to be realistic. By that I mean making plans for what YOU truly want and what you are capable of attaining. For example, having a goal to save 10% of your paycheck is better than trying to saving 50%. Yes, it's possible to save 50% of your check, but it's simply not realistic, especially over the long haul. Lastly, a plan should be complete. In that, all the the aforementioned sections are done and that you feel good about your plan. Have confidence in your plan and most importantly follow through.
A Planner
- What's a good plan without a planner? This is surely one of my favorite topics, I do love discussing planners. Everyone's approach to this will be slightly different, but there are some similarities. Whether you decide to use an electronic or paper system, maybe both, doesn't really matter. The most important aspect of any planner is that it works for you and simplifies your life. This year I'm using a Sugar Paper for Target planner as my main planner and an A5 organizer for varying segments of my life. I'll also be using other planners for specific purpose, such as wellness/meal planning, blog editorial, gratitude, and financial planning. These planners are very specific in their purpose and most importantly they simplify my life. That's the key.
A Journal
- I've journal almost all my life, but I've only been cataloging my journals for the past eight years. There are so many reasons to have a journal, but for me the most important is simply to get my thoughts out into a tangible format. Journaling is one of the best tools for reflection and being intentional. It's never too late to start. Keeping an active journal throughout the year will help to clarify your goals and give you a better perspective on your life. Having a place to write down your thoughts can be an excellent way to work through difficult problems and find the best solutions.
A Financial Plan
- A financial plan can be as simple or as complex as you make it. The key is in the follow-through. The basic principle of any financial plan is to spend less than you make. Your plan should include a vision statement, something along the lines of why you care to manage your money. The more personal this is the better. It's also important to be mindful of your overarching financial goals, whether that's to travel, purchase a home, or build a business. More, know your starting point. Your current income level should be where your plan starts. From there take stock of your assets, credit scores, and debts. After this you'll want to develop a weekly and/or monthly tracking plan. Again, the key to success is consistency and determination to make it work.
Reading Material
- Lastly, surround yourself with good reading material. You don't necessarily have to go and purchase anything, there's the library and most magazine articles can be found on their website. You can never know enough or expand your horizon too far, so set a daily or weekly time slot dedicated to the simple pleasure of reading.
I'm sure there are more tools that can add to this list, but no matter what is used the fundamentals are the same: consistency and follow-through. I hope this post inspires you to design your best year yet.
Bisous,
Marie
Devotions
So many thoughts and ideas are whirling through my mind at this time of the year, as it does every year. At the beginning of a new year there's always a pull to recommence, reaffirm, and resuscitate. We want to revive the goals and plans that just didn't seem to happen last year, or the year before that. In our pursuit of reviving those dreams we cycle through a series of emotions and thoughts. Primarily, we wonder what will it take to make this year better than the last. There's no perfect answer to that query as we all are different, however, there are some unifying features that are common in the pursuits of our goals.
In the Beginning...
So many thoughts and ideas are whirling through my mind at this time of the year, as it does every year. At the beginning of a new year there's always a pull to recommence, reaffirm, and resuscitate. We want to revive the goals and plans that just didn't seem to happen last year, or the year before that. In our pursuit of reviving those dreams we cycle through a series of emotions and thoughts. Primarily, we wonder what will it take to make this year better than the last. There's no perfect answer to that query as we all are different, however, there are some unifying features that are common in the pursuits of our goals.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters ... And there was evening, and there was morning -- the first day.
Genesis 1
Put God First
Whenever we endeavor to pursue something special we should have God's blessing on that journey. When we start with God at the helm we place our dreams and goals in His control. No matter the bumps that come during the journey we can rest assure knowing that He is with us, that there's a purpose for the detour, and most importantly, that we will get to where He needs us to be. Putting God first is not simply about having a moment of prayer or a day of quiet reflection, it's a daily venture of inclusion, love, and support. That's the most important part, including God on a daily basis with what we are doing. This not only helps us to understand our purpose, but it helps us to grow in our relationship with Him.
Trust the Lord
Trust Him. The road to our goals tend to be very tortuous, but when we put our faith in God, we begin to see our journey from a different perspective. Life is not about the pursuit of a singular goal, no matter how amazing that goal may be, no, life is about so much more than that. And only with faith in God can we truly discover what we are honestly here for, not just the tangible things in life, but something more profound. Our faith in Him is a daily act of trust; that He is directing our path. Communicate with Him daily, not just through prayer, but honest dialogue about life.
One Day at a Time
Could God have created the earth in one day? Absolutely! But there is a beauty in doing a little today and a little tomorrow. It's about being consistent with our actions. Taking it one day at a time may seem like the obvious thing to do and at this time of the year, it honestly may not be that hard, but three months, six months from today is a whole different matter. Most of us start the year off well enough, but soon the year, and life, really gets going and it's so much more difficult to keep a consistent pace. So what can we do? There are a ton of suggestions out there about how to be more consistent, but ultimately it comes to down to being in honest communication with ourselves.
Checks & Balances
Lastly, we must create a system of checks and balances that will allow us the freedom to meaningfully pursue our goals while living a full life. This is about setting parameters to ensure that we are creating the life of our dreams. In order to do that we must create a plan and follow through with it. If you've set a time for Bible study, studying, blogging, fitness, whatever it is, make sure to follow through. Do everything in your power to create the best possible plan and to follow it. A plan is only as good as the actions it inspires. Make sure to include time to reflect on your progress and how things can be better. Make changes as needed, but most importantly be consistent and present.
The new year is so full of energy and possibilities. In order to carry that same feeling throughout the year we must take deliberate actions to put God first, follow our plans, and have faith that what is meant to be will be.
Bisous,
Marie
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