First up – do you know what you want? Like, really really know?
For me, this stems back from what the perfect vision of my life looks like. Who am I at my best? What do I want my life to look like in 10 years.
This practise stems from a combination of inspiration over the years from Rachel Hollis, Brendan Buchard, Carrie Green, Marie Forleo, Tim Ferriss and others.
This vision needs to be real. Detailed. Imagine it in your head like a movie.
- What do you look like?
- What do you do for work?
- Where do you live?
- What type of car do you drive?
- Where do you go on holidays?
- Where do you go out with your girlfriends?
- What type of clothes do you wear?
Get specific. Really specific.
Write it down. Then meditate on it. Sit down, close your eyes and watch the movie.
From here, write out your dreams. As if they have already happened.
E.g. I am a best selling author. I live in New York City. I have a healthy, fun, sexy marriage.
Whatever you want. No rules. Nothing is too big a goal. Just turn that vision of your life into statements.
Stop and do it. Go on.
Now. Which dream are you going to work on first? Yes, just one.
( Thank Rachel Hollis and Gary Keller for this one :p )
Awesome. Now look at your calendar. Now you know what’s important to you … does your calendar reflect that?
Schedule time each day, or each week to take another step towards that big goal. It doesn’t have to be a huge thing. Maybe you spend 30 minutes researching. Maybe you make that phone call. Maybe you get that book from the library. Maybe you buy that domain name.
Now look at the rest of your calendar.
How do you decide what you do each day?
Do you set your intentions for the day, and the week ahead – or do clients, kids, family and friends dictate your day?
It’s all too easy to let the minute day to day tasks pile up and end each day feeling like you’ve fulfilled everyones elses agenda but your own.
If I don’t start my week, and start my day being intentional about where I spend my time, it gets away from me. Everyone else gets what they want and where they need to be, except me. Then I’m left working in the wee hours to catch up. Read: and exhausted and grouchy the next day.
Solution?
Intentionality and focus.
Your calendar should reflect your priorities.
Health is a priority = meal prep time, and gym time are scheduled in as appointments.
Family is a priority = play time and date night are scheduled.
Faith is a priority = prayer and meditation time are scheduled.
You get the point.
The practise above of envisioning your best life keeps your BIG GOALS top of mind and in focus. Your calendar helps you outwork the plan.
We’re lazy creature by nature. We’re not just going to magically find ourselves getting up at 5am to write that book, or learn that language or train for that marathon.
We have to be intentional. Intentional and focussed.
The goals are your intention. Your calendar is your focus.
Let’s do this!