For my Monday Mastermind group, we are working on our overall goals for 2011, with the focus on January. There are steps to this process and I will break it down so I will be done by Monday. The steps include going over last year’s goals and either re-focusing on what’s important or letting what no longer matters go. Then I will also think of what I value in my life, and set up my new goals with those values in mind. At some point I will muscle test my goals before committing to them, which is something I did not do last year. Then I will make a workable plan, with baby steps along the way.
Be more mindful: I used to pride myself on my multi-tasking abilities because I didn’t want anything to slip through the cracks. Now I simply focus on getting the most joy from what I am doing right now, at this moment which is very freeing. Concentrate on your breathing … have a mantra … don’t think about the past or worry about the future.
Write Things Down and Sort Into Categories:
Ideas: I am constantly bombarded with new ideas and I couldn’t possibly do them all, so I have learned to write them down so I don’t forget them, and then let them go. If they are important they will re-emerge and demand my further attention at the appropriate time. Sometimes ideas are offshoots of a main idea, so I try to categorize them accordingly. You can either use a journal, notebook or a file on your computer. I personally like using One Note on my computer.
Things to Do: Have a master list and from this list break it down into monthly, weekly and daily “to do” lists. As you break it down, don’t schedule more than you can do. Many times I muscle test my “to do’s” because I trust my body and I know it doesn’t lie. It has my best interests at heart at all times.
Maintenance: Lists of important information, address lists, cell phone numbers, purse/wallet contents, meal plans, etc … need to be updated with the most current information. Schedule a time either quarterly or at the very least yearly where you will commit to updating this information. It will make your lives much easier in case a disaster ever hits.
Journal with free flow writing … recurring thoughts and themes happen because we don’t deal with them … many times we know the solutions but are in denial or keep trying to stuff the thoughts … try writing them down without judgment or censorship … include all the “I should haves” … your fears and worries … anything and everything that comes up … ask your inner self questions regarding these themes … you might be surprised at what you find out about yourself … this is especially helpful right before bed because your subconscious can work on the questions you asked during the night … let go of thoughts and ideas that no longer serve you … you can visualize them floating away from you or you can pop them like balloons for a more direct approach to releasing … whatever works for you …