The beginning of September is a great time for new routines and to look at what routines have been established over the year. It’s also a good time to look at the goals you set at the beginning of the year and re-assess if needed. Goals usually do change. Some get done and new ones can also become important. They are meant to be looked at and re-evaluated on an ongoing basis. Would you like some help with productivity? Check out the tips below……..
Some fall updates that have changed my routines and goals.
- I have been focussed on healthier living goals which has meant daily yoga and walking and preparing and cooking healthier meals and snacks. It’s always a work in progress and of course I have had some slips but I always find that I can get back on track quickly. This goal for me has been so helpful as I feel better, have more energy and also feel more confident about how I look. I have been able to wear some clothes that were hidden in my drawers and closet. That feels pretty amazing!!
- My 91 year old mom went into a Care Home on September 1 and has her own Studio Apt. This is a big transition for my mom. She seems to be adjusting quite well. I now have to travel farther to see her so I tend to listen to something inspiring on the way. I have also had to find a few new stores to visit on my way there or on my way home to save on time. We will soon be cleaning out my moms house so I am sure I will share more about that when the time comes. Stay tuned!
- We have a 14 year old grandson staying with us right now so that he can attend the local high school. It is really a pleasure to have him but yes it has changed our routines somewhat. Getting up earlier to make sure he gets ready and to school on time. He starts at 7:55 a.m. Whaat?? Anyway, it has just helped me to get to bed earlier and I love the early start in the morning.
A few tips on Productivity:
Staying organized is the key to less stress. Planning for meals and snacks, keeping up with the chores, some decluttering and trying to get good sleep all help with feeling like I am being productive with my days. Being productive makes me feel so good!
Seasons of Love, Loss and Personal Power. This is the title of a chapter that is to be published in a book! I know right! I didn’t have a deadline but I knew it would come up eventually. It is 3000 words. What I did was I planned for 30 minutes of writing per week. Yes, thats all. I mean some weeks I would do more and some less. I used the Pomodoro technique. You can read more about it here if you like. This is such a great little hack for me. I now know that if I put my mind to something, I can finish it. I will share more about my chapter with you coming up soon.
Think about the best time of day for you. When do you feel most productive? Early morning or late evening? This is the time to focus on those tasks that you are wanting to tackle. They are usually not as challenging as you think. We can spend a lot of time thinking about doing something and keeping it on our “to do” list forever. I once had a task on my list that I kept moving to the next week and then the next week. When I finally decided to do it, it took me 20 minutes.
Are you noticing new routines during this season? What are you noticing? How are you doing with your goals? being productive? Would love to hear from you.
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I agree that we often spend more time and energy avoiding tasks than it takes to do them. Setting aside time to stay on top of those can really help us feel amazing!
So true Janet! I think its a really great reminder too. Thank you
Oh, when will high schools stop doing this? Right at the age when kids naturally need more sleep, they have to get up at crazy o’clock to start school when their brains aren’t ready to learn. Meanwhile the elementary kids have been up for hours, bouncing off the walls while they wait for school to start!
I’m glad your mom is adjusting to her new routine, and it sounds like the increased travel time to see her has opened up timer a fun addition to your routine with the inspiring listening you’ve added in while you get there and back. Love when routines change, which can be difficult, but something great comes out of the change like that!
Hi Lucy, I hadn’t really thought about that but its so true. I remember as a teenager sleeping in until 11:00 or 12:00. My mom is slowly adjusting and I am not really too happy about the increased driving time but I am trying to make the best of it. Maybe something great will come of it. It does give me some time to myself.
September is always a time for me to renew and revise. My husband and I got married in September as well. It is my “new year” instead of January, and it is the time of year that I revisit various things in my life.
I am glad to hear your mother is doing well and that you are taking care of yourself. It’s so crucial for us who help others to take care of ourselves as well.
Thank you Sabrina for your comment and for sharing. I love that you think of September as your “new year”.
That topic of the productive time of day has come up a few times for me recently. It seems like night owls struggle more than early birds. I’m not exactly sure why, except that perhaps most professions require an early start. My friend who is a performer finds it is a good fit with a night owl mentality, as that is when she needs to be alert and “on.”
Night owls also seem to thrive in college, when most people are up late.
I do believe there is value is accepting the biorhythm you have instead of trying to force yourself into one that feels wrong. At least try and take advantage of the hours you are most productive, right?
Love your comment Seana, I mostly love mornings. It is so great to get an early start in the morning. I feel like I can get a lot done too. It is great if you can go with your own natural rhythm for sure. Unfortunately, the world isn’t always so accommodating.
Kim- So many changes for you right now between your eating, exercising goals, grandson living with you, and mom moving into a care facility. It makes sense that with these changes, some routines would shift. I love how you embrace change with an open mind and are adjusting to your new needs. And who knew how much you’d enjoy getting an earlier start to your day? That’s awesome.
Wishing you all the best as you navigate the undulating waters.
Thank you so much Linda – It’s a work in process for sure 🙂