we are still in that “reset mindset” mode even if we are ¾ of the way through the month. Keeping that in mind, I want to share a few simple things with you that will not only help you live this year with more clarity and intention, but it will also enable you to live more inspired and more fully.

 

When I think about the fact that we are gifted a new year each year that represents some sort of reset, I think about how we have a responsibility to make sure that we really do make the required changes so that ultimately we refrain from living the same year over and over.

 

To make this happen we must take inventory of what didn’t go well, what did, what we want to change, and of course put a plan in place to make it all happen. This topic is hot on my mind after a recent conversation I had with a leader I am mentoring in a beauty based network marketing company. She was telling me about how she needed a minute to rest and reset to gear up for a year of growth— I shared with her three areas to focus on as she wants to really “work smarter and not harder” as a leader. 

 

Do you ever feel that way? Do you ever want to find a way to work smarter, not harder? I think we all do. I think we all want to avoid burnout, fatigue, and exhaustion. I think we all want to find ways to simplify our efforts and simultaneously increase our results. 

 

So to make that happen we need to make sure we do three things;

• Establish Clear Goals 
• Develop Successful Strategies 
• Set Boundaries 

 

Set Clear Goals: 

 

It is impossible to get anywhere if you do not know where you are going. This is why we have to set clear goals. What do you want to accomplish? Where do you want to be 3-6-12 months from now? Often we think about where we want to go, but we never write it down, define it, map it out. We just hope that because it’s what we want, it will happen… and well that just doesn’t happen. FOR ANYONE! So take some time to think about, and then write down and declare the goals you have set of for yourself this year. 

 

Develop Successful Strategies: Most people have goals, but most people never accomplish them because they fail to put a strategy in place. 

 

Now that you have the goal in mind, ask yourself what you need to DO to make it happen? What changes need to be made, what is the best way to make it happen? What challenges might you encounter, how will you respond? What mini milestones need to happen by what date to keep you on track and on target for those things? What time needs to be allocated? What things need to be scheduled? What will have to change about your focus and discipline? What measures will need to be put into place to make sure it all works out? These are the questions you need to ask yourself to develop a strategy for reaching the goal you set for yourself.

 

Set Boundaries: 

This is a big one!  Boundaries are required for success in anything and everything, and it’s often the thing that most people forget about. Boundaries are limits and rules we set for ourselves. Sometimes we set boundaries for others to protect ourselves, our energy and our time. Boundaries matter and they play a huge roll in progress. Boundaries help us identify what we are willing to say yes to, and what we are willing to say no too. They keep us on track and in alignment. 

 

Here are two simple questions to help you start to think about the boundaries you need to put into place: 

 

What/Who causes me unnecessary stress or discomfort? 

What/Who do I look forward to vs. what do I dread? 

What/who gives me energy? 

What/who are things that steal my time?

You see, the things that cause unnecessary stress, drain you, or take time from you are things and or people that you need to limit and put boundaries on to protect your energy and mindset. This also prevents us from living a people pleasing life, and allows us to take back our power and have more ownership of our time. Be confident in reiterating and upholding your boundaries, the people who will struggle with it most are the people who are used to pushing boundaries with you. This is about helping you become better, not helping those around you feel better. With that, be sure you don’t adjust the boundaries you need to match someone else’s comfort level. Boundaries are designed for protection of you, not rejection of others. 

 

Now that I have shared this information with you I want to share how simple it is to put into action by sharing a personal example with you.

 

The goal: Spend more meaningful quality time with my children 

 

The strategy:

Plan one weekly dinner together (this is hard with kids and sports) so we settled for Sunday Family dinners.

 

Schedule 1 family outing together monthly: movies, bowling, etc. 

Schedule 1 Family weekend away per quarter

Schedule 1 family vacation each year

Schedule one: one time each month with the kids. 

 

The Boundaries: 

• No technology at the dinner table 

• Not allowing other events/work to interfere with fam events such as work calls or texts 
• No phone calls in the car
• Not allowing other friends or fam to participate in events (mine or theirs) 

 

By doing these things I am setting this goal up for success by giving it life and terms to make it all happen. If I just wanted more quality time with them, I am pretty sure the year would just go by and that wouldn’t happen because I failed to actually put a plan in place and pre-establish boundaries to protect the goal. 

 

So take some time today and identify a goal, develop a plan, and establish the boundaries that will make it an exciting reality and also create progress and growth in this area. 

 

With love, 

AG