It’s that time of year where we all stretch and yearn for a schedule that works. We feel like we need to do everything, when really all we want is the peace of what Everything in Jesus offers.
Today:
The kids go back to school and we yearn for routine.
Ministry kicks off and we look for time to accomplish all that needs to be done.
Our accountability partners ask where we are in developing our dream, we squirm, and search for a plan.
Our soul longs for more time with Jesus, but we’re too distracted.
Do you sense the pressure?
Are the sunny summer days full of fun and refreshment quickly slipping by and you need a new plan?
If you sense the stirring in your soul to take control, it’s time to create new habits that will lead you where you want to go. It’s time you plan to do more by doing less!
We often think of our habits – the good ones and the bad. But today we need to remember our daily routine can be a habit that propels us to where we want to be. Scheduled. Uncluttered. Controlled. Fulfilled.
Are you squirming thinking “I’ve tried getting control and failed every time. I’m tired of living on a guilt trip because I don’t follow through with my plans.” If so, don’t let the past keep you from your future!
Mary DeMuth writes in her fixing-to-be-released book Everything: (you gotta get it!!! just saying . . . pre-order here)
Tomorrow:
It’s alright to fail. In failing we learn. It’s just not alright to not try again.
Here’s 5 resources that can help you design the Fall schedule you need to breathe:
1. Find Your Routine — an awesome post that revolutionized my schedule last year. Written by Simple Mom Tsh, she shares her scheduling process as well as schedules from others — including Emily from Chatting at the Sky.
2. Create Margin in Your Life — we can all use margin in our lives as there is never enough time to breathe peacefully and enjoy what we love. Michael Hyatt describes margin in his life and give a great example of his “ideal week” schedule. My visual personality needed to see this!
3. Pomodoro Technique + Me = Productivity — an incredible post by Mary DeMuth about this awesome technique to help you quit lollygagging. Check out Pomodoro — free downloads!
4. Stop Working Harder — you need to check out this great website Habit Chef by Kendra Kinnison! Full of great recipes for success for faith fueled women. Kendra’s 1000 profiles project is a great resource.
5. My Morning Routine in 10 Simple Steps — take a look in to this writer’s morning schedule. Jeff Goins who just released a best-seller “Wrecked” offers great steps for creating that morning routine remembering that we are all different with different needs and personalities. Jeff also lists greats resources and articles from 5 others.
I hope you’ll take charge of the days before you realizing they are a precious gift!
Do you have a routine that works?
Please share in the comments so we can all learn. I’m all in to cheating and copying what works! It’s true – just ask my high school teachers.
Okay, so I missed the whole Wednesday at Ann’s being on habits thing. Sorry about that. But thank you for leaving a most gracious comment anyway. What a blessing and encouragement you have always been and continue to be to me.
And as for this post… I am bookmarking it in my “Worthy of Remembering” folder :) Thanks for all of the great advice and the links. I am definitely going to begin practicing some of these. I need to. I do not want to get overwhelmed by what’s before me, and miss out on enjoying life.
I love you, dear friend… sending {HUGS] your way :)
WOW – love that folder — Worthy of Remembering. I’m a thinkin’ I need one of those folders. I can’t wait to hear more about your trip. That video and your post wrecked me this morning. I’d love to take a trip like that as a photographer and writer. God is going to bless your socks off loving on those babies!!! love ya
Thanks for the sweet mention and highlighting my Pomodoro post! I so appreciate it.
Thank you, Mary! Love the way you teach and mentor us in all you do. You’re a blessing to me.
Regrouping and adjusting my routine as we speak. Thanks for the tips and links! :)
It must be in the air girl! Do you have any helpful hints?
Hi Alene, Thanks so much for stopping by my blog yesterday and taking the time to leave a comment; they’re always so fun to receive! My most faithful (and usually only) commenter is my mom. Bless her.
Thankfully, my expired inspection ticket doesn’t require driving school. I’m the same as you, though. My foot gets heavy when I get distracted… engrossed in good conversation!
This post is fantastic. I look forward to exploring all of those links – my daily plan is in need of tweaking.
I’ll be sure to visit again.
How cool your mom comments! I have family that pops in and out but they NEVER comment. Well – darn I was hoping we could do driving school together. :) The links are great. Perfect places to start if you’re looking to tweak your schedule. Blessings for the weekend friend.
Missed this post and found on 5-minute Friday. Need to develop new habits. Bookmarking this. And I remember that song….but it made me smile because the girls have watching Brady Bunch when they are allowed some TV time.
You’ll love these resources, Laura! They are great to get your mind flowing and a system that works with your personality and strengths. I’m so glad you’re a Brady Bunch girl. We gotta stick together!
I am a self-confesses lollygagger! Can’t wait to check out these resources!
I am a self-confesses lollygagger! Can’t wait to check out these resources! Thank you for taking the time to put together the list.
So happy to have found your blog. This week I had to say good-bye to my 16 year old kitty and it’s been difficult to let go of routines I had with him. Time to get some new ones.
The answer is no, not really. Other than cleaning up the kitchen from the morning rush, to making sure the dog gets his walk — my alone time needs to be more structured. I find it too easy to be drawn off task. That book sounds wonderful and your post had inspiring tips as well.
This is just what I need at the start of September! I’m always dreaming of the perfect routine but never really taken the steps toward implementing it. I think the key must be preparation, and then mustering the tenacity to stick to it.
I love this line: “don’t let the past keep you from your future!” Perfect!
I struggle with depression and chronic fatigue so some days it’s hard for me to just get out of bed. I’ve recently started a morning routine that’s helping. 1 – Roll out of bed and hit my knees for prayer. 2 – Make my bed as a signal to myself that I’m not getting back into it. 3 – Get dressed and brush my teeth so I’m ready for the day. 4 – Scripture study so I’m starting the day in the right spirit.
They are small steps, but sometimes that’s all I can do. And it’s a start.
Thanks for the tips. They are wonderful.
Happy Sharefest. I hope you have a fabulous weekend.