Let’s Make it Great!
Hello Friends!
How are you doing?
I know that a lot of us are sick and tired of being cooped up and having our lives in limbo. We all know that staying home is staying safe, but this situation seems to be dragging on FOREVER. And it’s frustrating!
When we’re frustrated we often start focusing on all the negatives in our lives or ourselves.
Sound familiar?
Well friends, I HEAR YOU! There are days when we all want EVERYTHING to change! Our hair, weight, clothes, lives, just EVERYTHING!
When you’re just so frustrated, it’s hard to know where to start. So, the question today is, where do you start a positive change when you’re not sure where to begin?
First, begin with a
Basic Self-Check List:
- Are you eating and drinking properly? Having a ‘grumpy gut’ or being dehydrated can seriously contribute to negativity and frustration!
- Are you taking a daily vitamin?
- Are you getting enough sleep? Sleep plays an important role in mood and productivity!
- Are you exercising at least a little, every day? Getting moving is great for your mood, physical condition and overall health.
- Are you seeing and talking to friends regularly? We are all social creatures, we need to connect with other people and get out of our own internal world.
We need to meet our basic physical and psychological needs in order to be the best possible versions of ourselves.
When we are well nourished, body and soul, we are more creative, focused, and productive.
Disclosure: I am an independent blogger and include affiliated links in this blog which means that I get compensated for purchases made directly through these links..
Already got those basics down? You are awesome!
What’s next?
Let’s look at areas that are black or white, yes or no.
A lot of life is a grey zone, so we can set ourselves up for success by ‘getting the ball rolling’ with items that you either did or didn’t do.
It’s either a star on the list or an empty box. There are lots of planners and checklists to choose from!
Related Post: 15 Steps to Get Ready for the New Normal
Let’s shoot for those starts!
Ok, so now you draft your Everyday List!
Mine includes:
- Make the bed
- Take vitamins
- Leave the kitchen clean a.m. and p.m.
- Feed the pets
These are easy everyday items that I can put a big star ⭐️ next to. So that even on a crazy busy day I can feel like I accomplished the basics!
Next, using your planner or checklist, make a list of Quick Tasks that take 5 minutes or less.
Mine include:
- Cleaning my purse
- Cleaning the microwave
- Wiping the bathroom vanity
- Cleaning the cat litter box
- Responding to emails
- Writing out cards
- Paying bills
Now, I have a fresh copy to start each week, and I note what I’ve accomplished each week on my monthly page of my planner. It’s amazing what you can get accomplished 5 minutes at a time!
Next, I plan in all the big stuff that actually needs a time slot like work, goals, events, shopping, etc. This gives me an overall picture of my days and the week.
This shows me where I have time to cook and where I don’t, which helps me Meal Plan!
Meal prep for my family takes about an hour a week. I cook off ground meat and grill chicken breasts on my Cuisinart 5-in-1 countertop grill, and bake potatoes.
This sets me up for easy taco dinner, burritos, pasta & sauce, grilled chicken with a tossed salad, taco salad, and loaded baked potatoes. And of course left-over night. There’s a week of no hassle, quick and easy dinners!
Related Posts: Overwhelmed?Crack the Productivity Code
Finally, now that I have all the everyday ‘life stuff’ planned, I plug in Steps to Reach my Goals.
Mine include:
- Research and writing for my book 3x weekly
- Research and writing my blog 2x weekly
- Managing Book and Blog promotions
How do we hold ourselves accountable?
We hold ourselves accountable by sharing our list with friends, co-workers, family, neighbors, and even acquaintances! This is one that I struggle with because I do not like to fail!
Sharing your goals and plans pushes you to keep on track but it also opens you up to public failure. I have found though, that the people in my life support me when I fall and celebrate my victories. And I bet that yours will too! Take the risk!
Have A Great Day!
Dottie Lake
Dottie Lake, Author 