Old keys don't open new doors
I know you've heard the saying 'old keys don't open new doors.' It essentially means that if you are seeking different outcomes, you have to shake up the way you do things. Summer is over, and I realize I need to ‘get my poop in a group,’ as my sweet neighbor would say. Basically, it’s a PG way to say, ‘get my sh!t together.’ The boys are back in physical school for the first time in over 2 years. Their day-to-day has changed, which means my day-to-day is significantly different. It is time to put things in place to make my time more productive.
Redefining my role
Now that the kids are in school, I find myself having mini identity crises. I am a SAHM, but can I really use that title if my kids aren’t at home? Now I feel like I have to scramble to figure out my place again. Let me say Hubby has not applied any pressure... He knows I am fully capable of putting undue pressure on myself.
These 2 definitely keep me busy, but I have to learn to keep myself occupied without them.
I’ve been mulling around a few ideas, all of which require planning. Planning requires time, so here I go… here is how I’m going to get my poop in a group!
Get up early and work out!
Lord, this is so hard. However, I have found that as I strive for mental and physical greatness, I am my best self when I’m up before the rest of the house. Hubby and I are in E2M. It is a fitness program that incorporates daily workouts. If I don’t do the workouts in the morning, I don’t feel like it in the evening. Working out in the morning gives me more energy, therefore making me more productive during the day.
Early morning workouts for the win!
It doesn’t hurt that I lost 20 pounds in 8 weeks on the program. I can’t wait to see the results from this round. When you look good, you feel good, and then you do good. I truly believe exercising daily is going to be super beneficial for more reasons than one!
Plan on the go!
You guys already know I love to pen to paper. I have a planner that I love. However, it isn't easy to have it on me all the time. These days I’m in full-blown planning mode, trying to make the best use of every moment I don’t have tag-a-longs (kids, not the cookies). I decided it was time to move to a virtual planner. A few weeks ago, my long-time friend posted about a virtual planner called Artful Agenda. I would trust this girl with my life, so I had to try it if she raved about the agenda! AND I love it!
With Artful Agenda, I can see my schedule and tasks in monthly, weekly, and daily views. It has a simple interface that is visually pleasing. My 2 favorite things about this virtual planner are that any incomplete daily to-dos are automatically added to the next day (insert mind blown emoji), AND it’s always in my pocket!
I can even use the planner on my Chromebook. If you are in the market, consider using my referral code: RD331961.
Track the mental soundtrack
Here I go again, not putting pen to paper, but hear me out. Anyone who suffers from anxiety knows that there is an endless soundtrack playing in your head. Full blog posts have been written in my head. I replay conversations on loop (and practice what I should have said) in my head. A running grocery list lives in my head. Songs are constantly playing in my head. Business concepts and ideas are running through my head.
Now listen, I know people who do not have anxiety have mental soundtracks. The difference is all of these things (plus more) are playing at once or in succession without an intermission, all while you are physically trying to do something of importance. I’m exhausted just thinking about it.
I was telling Hubby about this, and he said you should use voice memos. YOU GUYS! This is a whole free app that I have never used before, and I am kicking myself for it. Now I can record the mental soundtrack, replay the voice notes, and dictate my thoughts (ah, pen to paper).
Put it all together and what do you get?
The perfect morning (emphasis on perfect)... get up, workout, shower/dress, get the kids off to school, then coffee and ‘me time. 'Me time' is taking time to review and set up to-dos in my planner, dictate voice notes, and write my affirmations. Now that the daily intentions are set… it’s GO TIME!
Couch, favorite blanket, drink, beloved notebook, and planning away!
I’m looking forward to seeing the things I can accomplish while the kids are in school. This blog is my accountability post. I’m counting on you guys to check on me. Comment and let me know how you keep your productivity up. I am taking any and all recommendations.
Grace, Space, and Love,
