Part 4: Schedule the Life You Want
Contrary to what our fast-paced world suggests, we don’t need to white-knuckle through life, packing in as much as we can!
I think we often do that, because we have underlying feelings that we are not enough, and we have to do more and be more. But the reality is that we each are truly enough in God’s eyes, and we don’t have to prove a thing. Instead, we need to pull back a bit so we can choose with intention how to spend our precious days on earth—almost as if they are our last!
Create margin & boundaries in your schedule!
God wants us to rest, reflect, slow down and be quiet so we can hear Him and truly hone in on our passions & purpose which serves Him! Create a schedule that allows breaks, fun and space for some flexibility.
For me, it really helps writing it down! Block out your calendar on Sundays for faith, family & really good food! Create meals that nourish your body & soul. Show your kids the value of a meal together. Slow food not fast food—perhaps growing some element of that meal together. Worship! Play a board game. Read a book. Spend time exercising, being in nature, getting sunshine vitamin D, and giving yourself time to mentally & physically shore up for the week.
Minimize running here and there. Save time by “shopping at home,”learning to do without and taking time to be a good steward of what you already have instead of immediately grabbing it on Amazon… I find that cleaning and organizing my kitchen & closets just make me feel calmer & sometimes make me realize I have all that I need.
And don’t take work calls or texts on evenings and weekends if you are trying to put your God, family and your own self care first… this takes a little bit of practice in the beginning, so be gentle with yourself, but once you create work hours that you abide to, it’s life-giving!
Have compassion for yourself & others.
Many of us have gone through some pretty intense feelings about the state of the world these past few years. I personally have had more compassion for those who suffer anxiety, depression & feelings of inadequacy since I’ve gone through this battle of low self worth myself! When we realize that we have all been through this together, it allow for more understanding for those who view the world differently.
And, finally, set micro goals.
Being sad or depressed often leads to lack of focus & procrastination. Then, so much time goes by and we don’t feel like we are getting anything done! It’s a domino effect! We need to give ourselves grace to simply do the best we can so setting achievable micro goals can make us feel accomplished. Achieving goals slowly & consistently leads to more success over time, and before you know it, we will feel so much joy in the journey. When we realize God’s mercies are new every day, it’s easier for us to give grace to ourselves & others. Yes. We can still be productive. But in doing less, we are actually doing more!
And not every single day needs to be productive. Sometimes we need to give ourselves that much needed break to sleep in, have a pajama day or take a mental health break puttering around the house or sitting on the porch!
I used to schedule 6 to 7 meetings in one day. Then, when my kids got home from school, I was frenetic. I feel like I was rushing my conversations with my family so I could prepare for my next meeting or the busy day ahead. I constantly felt there weren’t enough hours to get everything done in a day.
Now, I have a hard stop when my kids get home and try my best not to have evening engagements. If something doesn’t get done during the day, I finish it the next day because I have created margin to do so. Now, I’m planning 3 meetings max per day. I’m growing my business at a slightly slower pace, but still, with great momentum. I’m enjoying passion projects & forming deeper relationships….
That, my dear ones, is living life with intention.
I pray that 2020 has taught you some lessons as well about shifting priorities. And my prayer is that you can find the balance & peace you need and deserve.
♥️ Sue Ann
Sue Ann Grann, Co-Author of Facing The Wave