A new year always inspires me to make a long list of all the things I want to do to be healthier, stronger, younger (looking), wealthier, wiser, and better, but a question I heard the other day made me change the way I’m approaching it this time around. My goal is to do less and have the best year ever.
Can more come from less?
What?!?!? To GET more, we need to DO more, right? Or not really?
If you’re like most people, you will make that list with great excitement and intentionality to finally make it happen THIS YEAR…
- Lose weight
- Eat healthier
- Exercise more
- Have less sugar
- Not stress eat
- Get more sleep
- Manage stress
All good things.
But if you’re like most people, you’ll take off running and a few weeks into the new year, those resolutions will already have fallen by the wayside. Why? Because you tried to do too many things at one time without a clear plan…so you fell off the wagon once again resigned to the fact that you can’t follow through.
But that doesn’t have to be you this year.
So what’s a girl to do if you want this year to look different than all the rest?
I’m glad you asked.
Do less and have the best year ever. Here’s how?
3 Questions to ask to make this the Best Year Ever
1. What really matters most is…?
Instead of trying to do all the things, focus on just 1. What will make the biggest difference a year from now? 5 years from now? 10 years from now? Make a list of 5-10, then pick the top 3, then the top 1. That doesn’t mean you ignore the others or don’t do anything about them, it’s just that they aren’t your main focus right now. Know what your 1 thing is.
2. What would it look like if…?
Put your 1 thing in the blank and make a list of 5-10 ideas about what it would look if you did that. Visualize you working on that goal and having success- what actions would it take? Be as specific as possible- if your 1 thing is to eat healthier you could list- have a nutrient-dense vegan protein shake for breakfast, prep salad toppings ahead for lunch, fill up your water bottle the night before, have a dinner plan for the week.
3. What can I do today…?
Each day, write that 1 thing in your journal and then write down 3 action steps from your list (or new ones you thought of) that you will do today. Next take out your calendar, or your phone, and block out the time to do those, and set reminders. When the alarm goes off, do what you planned. Don’t say you don’t have time- make the time today. And then tomorrow, do the same thing in your journal.
And when that 1 thing becomes a solid daily habit and you see measurable progress towards that goal, keep the momentum going and move on to identify the next 1 thing and repeat the process. This way instead of taking off with 5-10 big goals and failing at all of them because you couldn’t keep up the pace, you will have accomplished those 5-10 things over the course of a year and created sustainable habits that will yield way more results in the future.
So, do less and get more.
Doesn’t that sound like a better way to approach a new year?
New Year, new goals, and new ways to keep them going. Read more about how here in this Living Healthy List blogpost.
So what is your 1 thing for now?
I’d love to hear. Connect with me here and let’s talk more about your 1 thing, what difference that would make in your health and life, and create a simple plan to make it happen this year…and make it your best year ever.
Feel like life pulls you in too many directions…and you’re not fully present anywhere?
I’m Lissa, Time Management Coach & Recovering To-do List Girl who went from over-whelmed to on-purpose with a simple plan to Redeem my Time…for who + what matters most. And I’ve been teaching, coaching & leading Christian women for over 25 years.
As a wife, mom & leader, my life was too busy– I was showing up on the outside, but not fully present on the inside. I knew something had to change. I started asking God what He wanted me to focus on, and that’s when I started to be more present.
Now I’ve created space in my schedule for growing in my faith, enjoying date night with my hubby, supporting my young adult childern, pouring into other women, serving at my church- and taking care of me…finally!
It’s time for you to have the same. Because YOU are here for such a TIME as this.
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lissa@redeemhertime.com