Structured to Success
I could be falling off a cliff but if there was something due within 10 mins, I would manage to complete it. Time and time again I have found myself achieving small and big goals that seemed out of reach. I’m aware of the clock at all times. If tell myself that I will do this in x amount of time, I believe I can and I will.
The speaking things to existence is not a myth people.
However, I’m really annoyed with myself because I’ve been satisfied with being a mediocre human being by just half-a**ing everything. I mean look at me bragging about me, always getting things done no matter how much I procrastinate. I sit here and think, imagine all the other things I can accomplish if I used my time efficiently. Imagine how I can make something good to great if I just truly devoted the right about of time to it. Common sense right? I’m truly irritated with myself y’all. It’s okay because now I’ve learned the hard way and I need to get it together. Writing to you all has helped me better understand who I am and where I want to be. Focusing on my personal development and sharpening my work ethics is critical to my success. I have so much free time and I haven’t been using it to my advantage. I’m really trying to shift my thinking along with my work habits so I can pursue my passions.
One thing I truly take into the consideration is the lesson learned from my elders so I don’t repeat them. A common message I find while reading self-help stories and motivating articles is that people complain about not having enough time when time is really not the issue. In reality, there is plenty of it, we just have been letting it go to waste.
Although my free-spirit can do and a willingness to do attitude is there, I need major remodeling in my actions. My daily routine along with my time management needs a wake-up call so that things I consider important to my life my goals can come into a reality.
How can you and I make sure to stay consistent and ensure our goals are P O S S I B L E ?
(P)rioritize
This is the most important part. You want to know why? Because its about you and what makes you happy. We are so use to putting others before ourselves, that we neglect our own needs. I want to add structure into my life because I feel that I am out of touch of what I am really passion about. I’m coming to realize that I want to prioritize my health and my blog.
How is that going to happen if I don’t have the disciple or structure that points to putting my health and blog at the top of my to do list? I will have to create it ! Which goes into my next step…..
(O)rganize
Now that you know whats important to you, how will you keep track of it? Are you team digital or do you like physical planner in your hands.
For my Digital peeps here are some online apps that can help you organize your thoughts, plan your days, list ideas you may have, and set reminders that you need.
GoogleCalendar
Evernote
Trello
I like having physical planners. I recently got a special stationary gifts from my honey’s mom and I am super excited to use them. The 2018 Floral Foil planner is by Rifle Paper Co and honestly they have the best stationary items I have ever seen. Make sure to check their site out if you are in the hunt for really cute planners. My favorite thing about this planner is that its amazing quality in addition to its the perfect size. I can fit it in my finest purse and it doesn’t feel too bulky.
Here is the planner with a closer look! I really love the monthly tabs. This will help me navigate back and fourth much easier. I also love that the structure of this planner for it’s list form. The open square bullet is a great touch because it allows me to check off what has been completed for the day. I really find that when a planner is too chaotic in its functionally, it takes away the whole purpose of it. I don’t want to be overwhelmed looking at what I have to do. This planner is very simple and easy to navigate through! I’m so excited to use it!
Along with the planners, I got a “Getting shit done” List Ledger and a “Fu*cking Brilliant” journal by the brand Calligraphuck. The mini notebook is amazing for jotting down ideas when I’m inspirited or just for jotting notes. The “get your sh*t done” list ledger comes with 4 notepads that help you prioritize things you need to do in the order of the urgency.
I’m in love with all three items and know I will get so much use out of them. Talk about the perfect gift for a person who’s trying to add structure into their life!
(S)et up a routine
So now that I am organized, how will I set my day up to ensure my priorities are met? How will I make myself be accountable? How will I feel that I am managing my time efficiently?
- Making sure I get up early and go to bed at a decent time (while making everything in between that the most productive I can be)
- Set aside time for things that are important to me and tune out the noise
This was my first week getting back into a routine. I have been getting at 7:45–8 am everyday, heading to the gym 8:30 and staying there for the hour. I am proud to say this morning, I have gone 5 days straight to the gym. For my blog, I try to spare 2 hours of a day with no distractions and devote my attention. This still needs some working to do but I know this weekend will help me catch up and start off Monday with a bang!
(S)et deadlines for your goals
The point of me focusing on structure is so that I see consistency in my health and my passions. The planning and routine is made so I can see progress in those aspects of my life because that is truly so important to me.
Health
Short term goals:
Gym or outdoor activity: 1 hour daily
Take my vitamins daily
Be more cautious of what I’m eating
No eating after 8:30 pm
Long-term goal: Eat clean and maintain a weight of 114–118lbs
Blog
Short term goals:
30–40 blog posts by jan 1st
4,000 followers on my instagram by Jan 1st
working with atleast 2–3 brands
Long-term goal: Make blogging my full time job
(I)t’s not a race
Everyone moves at their own speed. Comparing yourself to others will do you no good because we are all in a different path. Worry about what you want, what works for you, and be proud of all that you are and all that you will be. This is a you vs you situation and you can’t outrun yourself. This is all about personal growth and what you are willing to do to get there.
“Don’t count the days, make the days count !”
(B)e consistent, its not always about perfection
If we wait to do something only if we feel “ready” or execute a plan only if it is “perfect” then we will be sabotaging ourselves big times. I think about how much time I have wasted not prioritizing my health and blog. I wish I could go back in time and give myself a pep talk. I was so focused on perfect and being “ready”, that I forgot to start. The reality is nothing comes unless we start to take action and just Start! Progress isn’t being perfect, its being consistent and facing every obstacle along the way. Being consistent allows you to see your full potential come to life. It is truly the key to success *DJ khaled voice*.
(L)earn to let your fears go
“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game”
―Babe RuthPursing your goals, no matter what they are, will not come easy. There are gonna be really good days and really bad days. There are gonna be days that your planning, organization, and structure will be compromised and life will knock you down. There are gonna be days you feel on top of the world, proud, and feel that everything you have done was worthwhile. I want to see that day for me. I daydream about it everyday. I view my obstacles as opportunities, not challenges. I’m not gonna let my fears stop me from what I want and I hope you don’t either.
(E)njoy the Process
Make sure to have fun. Make sure to experiment. Make sure to share with the ones you love what it is you want out of this life. Speak your dreams it into existence. Live in the moment and really enjoy yourself. I sit here and imagine my life a year from now when it’s really about focusing on tomorrow. Working hard today, prepares you for a better tomorrow. Don’t worry too much about the future if you are taking the right steps for you.
If you’ve read until this point, I hope your sub conscious was reminding you what you’re passionate about. What do you want to be when you grow up? What’s something you’ve always wanted to do? It’s never too late. Anything is P O S S I B L E if you’ve got enough nerve.
I’m rooting for you and I want the best for you.
Love,
Lulu ♡
