Some people say failing to plan is planning to fail. I'm planning some major success in 2018. I love planning. I adore planning and planners. I love the paper, the ink, all of the potential, and getting things done. I feel excited about the possibilities in a new year, the "blank slate" of it all. Every January we get a fresh start and a whole 12 months to accomplish some of our life's dreams. How fun!! When it comes to an actual planner, I’m both fickle and loyal. I change planners a lot, but I never give one away. And I usually come back to a good planner. I love paper systems, and I also like the efficiency of online systems. I tend to bounce around a little bit depending on if I’m working on big projects, or lots of little projects. I love this time of year, because this is when I plan my most ambitious, heartfelt, and visionary goals that are focused on me. That includes my business, my family and also my spirituality, fitness, and more. Right now I’m setting 2018 goals and outlining all the tasks and milestones needed to achieve those goals. The whole idea of wrapping up my future major achievements into a tidy list of “things to do” sets my mind and soul at peace. The dreaming part gives me a chance to be creative. I excitedly get my colored pens and pencils out, pick up a luxurious planner with beautiful, smooth paper and begin writing, planning, and organizing to my heart’s content. Ahhhh…. (click on pics for info) I’ve been a planner aficionado for decades I’ve tried them all - Levenger, Franklin, Filofax, etc. And I’ve used all the sizes. I even put tasks in Outlook for awhile. I never throw a planner out. I develop a love for each one, and I rotate through the refillables. Sometimes I look through my old planners that I’ve filled out for a ride down memory lane. During one year, I might change my planner depending on what I’m working on. I might be working on one very large project and need more of a “big picture”. Or I might be working on many small details and need more task orientation. In that case, I’ll change my format. Right now I am loving the Ink & Volt (I&V) planner and the DragonTree Dream Book (DT). They are both lovely and allow for annual planning that breaks down into chunks. When it comes to then planning daily tasks, I&V transfers to a notepad, while DT has the space for tasks in it. The DT planner incorporates more mystical and “woo-woo” recommendations like yoga and meditation for identifying goals and staying aligned. I like this, but it's not for everyone. This year I have fitness, business, creativity, and specific writing goals that I am outlining in my planner. I am starting with the DT planner which is very comprehensive. It reaches both ends of the “big picture-to-task detail” spectrum very nicely. I may stick with this planner for awhile, or I may transfer some of my daily to do list to either my Filofax or an online system that I like called Todoist. My hope for myself and for you that 2018 is a year of growth, learning, love, and success. I’m convinced that to the degree that we take time now to set our intentions, define a clear path, and prioritize actions along that path, one year from now we will be enjoying the fruits of our planning time. For now, it's important to plan like a frickin' boss. So, let's do this! I'm offering a free 30-minute consult specifically on defining your 2018 goals. Email me at lisa@lovingmylife.us for more info. I look forward to talking with you! If you're not ready for a chat, I’d love to just know what you’re planning, and what tools you use to help you. Please comment on this blog! You'll be helping me and others. Big hugs to you, my friends! Lisa
4 Comments
When was the last time that you laughed so hard that you almost peed yourself? If it has been a while, you have a problem. We need to get you laughing. Laughing is part of the human experience and feels glorious. Laughing is an intense, joyful reaction to something we find funny. It is a relief and a physical expression of strong emotion. Laughter relieves anxiety and tension. There are a lot of studies about how laughter reduces blood pressure and helps to release endorphins that help diminish pain. I don't know about you, but I'm in! Laughter is FREE, and available to everybody. Think of a funny memory, read a funny book or watch a funny show or movie. Some therapists and doctors prescribe "laugh therapy" to relieve stress and relax the whole body. Laughter can also increase blood flow and improve blood vessel function. Laughter has benefits in social situations. Laughter can diffuse tense situations and conflicts. It can also create or intensify bonds between people. Sometimes we think that laughing really hard and having a lot of fun is reserved for children. Everyone needs to laugh. And we need to laugh hard and regularly. I have a lot of respect for how much everyone is dealing with today. My clients have so many responsibilities at work and at home. Friends and family members of mine sometimes get overwhelmed with current life demands as well as everything going on in the news and media today. It can be easy to get overwhelmed. This is all the more reason why we need to take time for the things that are good for us, like exercise, hobbies that we enjoy, healthy food, good relationships, rest, and laughter.
How do you get your “laugh quotient” up? When feeling depressed or tense, take a minute to watch a funny YouTube video or take a walk and reflect on a funny movie or memory. Spend time with funny people. Think about what makes you laugh, and spend more time in that situation or with those cues. Find the humor in situations, and talk about it. And watch shows that make you laugh. Opt for these instead of watching violence or drama. Read articles, blogs, or watch videos of people who make you laugh. Whatever works for you, give your funny bone a regular dose of what it’s looking for. Keep laughing. It's good for your spirit and your body.
I laugh hard every day. You can too. Open yourself up to this amazing gift from the Universe. You will be glad you did. For more information on laughing regularly and loving your life, email me at lisa@lovingmylife.us. |
AuthorLisa Liszcz has over 20 years of experience developing leaders and teams in four different global organizations in a variety of industries. In 2014 she became an entrepreneur and is rocking her inner superhero and loving her life like mad. Archives
May 2018
Categories
All
|