September is the perfect time to polish your routines and make a change. The kids are starting school, the seasons are changing, and summer festivals are coming to a close. For many of us, September has been a time for fresh starts from childhood – new folders, new pencils, new shoes, a fresh haircut, and a brand-new schedule.
Whether you want to make time for your favorite hobby, learn a new skill, solidify a healthy habit, or focus on a daily routine that makes your life flow, use these tips to make the most of this built-in September fresh start.
Plan ahead – Knowing what you’re going to make for dinner, when the whole family will be together for game night, and who is picking up snacks for soccer practice alleviates a lot of stress. Meal planning alone can save hours, daily trips to the store, and the dreaded daily question, “What’s for dinner.” A little time spent planning will help your life flow.
Make it easy – Set yourself up for success. If it’s stressful trying to get out the door on time, pick out clothes the night before, pack the bags before bed, and prepare grab-and-go breakfasts. Whatever it is, how can you make it easier for yourself?
Delegate and outsource – You don’t have to do everything all the time. Whether you decide to have your groceries delivered, have the kids do the dishes, or use a pre-planned exercise routine, it’s okay to take some help where you need it. In the case of kids, it’s not just helpful, but it’s also great for them to have responsibilities and accomplishments.
Schedule the fun stuff – Leave room for downtime, creativity, learning, conversations, rest, and hobbies. It’s important to leave time for movie night, date night, guitar lessons, and time to recharge in nature. A major key to successful change is for it to enhance your life, not wear you down. Avoid filling your life with so many responsibilities that there’s no room left in it for you.
Focus on the process, not the outcome – Success is when you put in the work, the time, and the effort. Many of us have been conditioned to view the result as the only thing that matters – the final grade, the number on the scale, or the time on the clock. The thing that actually matters though, is that we show up.
|
Comments(5)