So the Fall routine has set in, leaves are turning yellow and drifting off the trees in my backyard, and I feel like I haven’t quite settled into an optimum routine…. somehow, I should have accomplished more, I should feel more “energy” in my day-to-day doings. How do I get myself re-energized and refocused?
1) Identify the gap(s) that cause the “adrift” feeling, where you are not focused or moving toward a goal.
– which areas trigger the most angst and worry? family, work, personal health, education/learning, spiritual, recreation, financial, future/retirement
– list three things that you can control for each gap areas. For example, for your financial situation:
“I can meet with my banker or trusted financial person to review my debts and decide the best repayment strategy”
“I can stop using my credit cards.” or “I can reduce my vacation to a “staycation” this year.
“I can save $___ per pay cheque towards a family emergency fund/holiday/Johnny’s braces
2) Prioritize the actions you can take into daily, weekly, monthly
3) Create positive reminders of the daily actions – use a “to do” list from a journal or off the internet. Place a sticky note or small reminder card noting the top one or two actions in your bathroom mirror or on your refrigerator
4) Create “automatic tasks” or “accountability meetings” to monitor your weekly or monthly action items. For example, set up pre-authorized payments if you have trouble remembering to pay your bills. Make a commitment to have a special coffee/tea/hot chocolate date every Thursday with a family member as a ritual for touching base regularly. Find a workout buddy that will hold you accountable to show up for walks or the gym.
5) Set reminders in your calendar (electronic calendars work great!) to review the weekly and monthly actions
6) Give yourself a small reward if you manage to meet your goals for a few days/weeks (this doesn’t mean go on a shopping binge if you are trying to swear off credit cards!). Find a friend or family member that you can keep updated on your progress.
Enjoy your successes, and remind yourself that each small success contributes toward accumulated larger success in the long run.
