2017's Word of the Year: Prioritize
It's not a very glamorous word, but this year I need practical, not fancy. I have Plans. I want to Do Things. I also had a really full plate at the end of 2016 that had me working at a high level that is pretty much unsustainable. I was grouchy and snapped at my family, stressed out all the time, and felt like someone had scraped out my insides with a melon baller.
So let's not let that happen again.
Here's how I'm hoping "Prioritize" can guide my 2017:
• I've assigned myself three daily priorities: health, family, and writing. I am thinking of them as pillars as I build my days.
Writing: I have big writing plans this year. I want to continue writing different types of projects for different levels of readers, but, in years past, I have struggled with making time to write. I got better about that in 2016, and this year I want writing to be one of my three daily priorities. Each night, I want to be able to point to writing time or something done to develop my writing career. This pillar is crucial, especially since my youngest will be starting kindergarten(!) in the fall. I'll have more time and more opportunity to stengthen this area.
Reading: I read a lot of books (for me) last year, and am going to continue to read widely and use Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge to guide my categories. Prioritizing reading means going to bed a little earlier to get a few extra pages in, making sure I have a book with me wherever I go--in my bag or on my iPad--and choosing to read instead of look at social media when I'm waiting in lines, etc. I read to my kids every day, and I want to make sure they they see me reading more, too. This is a fun priority.
Health: This is never a priority for me. I'm a mom who puts herself last all. The. Time. Fortunately, all of my important "numbers" are really good. And I want to keep them that way. I'm no spring chicken anymore, and doing something for my health every single day needs to be one of those major pillars for 2017. And beyond. So, whether it's the new workout I just set up at the gym, a walk with the dog, yoga, or playing in the yard with the kids--health is where it's at this year. I know I'll be better for it.
Family: My kids are at really fun ages, and spending quality time with them and my husband is a must-do. When deadlines pile up, I frequently disappear during the weekends and go out to write at night...and lots of times that's just how it is. But I want to make sure that I am setting aside clear family time to spend with these people I love. Last year, I wanted to take the kids someplace new each month, and I'll be carrying that over. I've also started an ater dinner family board game each night. So this is another pillar for 2017.
Financial: In 2016 I was determined to get a handle on our finances. Keeping with our program is definitely a priority for 2017. I tend to lose interest on this stuff, so I'm hoping to find more ways to engage and grow our goals.
Okay. I'm ready for 2017! Goals set, priorities aligned, optimistic as heck. Let's do this!
So let's not let that happen again.
Here's how I'm hoping "Prioritize" can guide my 2017:
• I've assigned myself three daily priorities: health, family, and writing. I am thinking of them as pillars as I build my days.
Writing: I have big writing plans this year. I want to continue writing different types of projects for different levels of readers, but, in years past, I have struggled with making time to write. I got better about that in 2016, and this year I want writing to be one of my three daily priorities. Each night, I want to be able to point to writing time or something done to develop my writing career. This pillar is crucial, especially since my youngest will be starting kindergarten(!) in the fall. I'll have more time and more opportunity to stengthen this area.
Reading: I read a lot of books (for me) last year, and am going to continue to read widely and use Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge to guide my categories. Prioritizing reading means going to bed a little earlier to get a few extra pages in, making sure I have a book with me wherever I go--in my bag or on my iPad--and choosing to read instead of look at social media when I'm waiting in lines, etc. I read to my kids every day, and I want to make sure they they see me reading more, too. This is a fun priority.
Health: This is never a priority for me. I'm a mom who puts herself last all. The. Time. Fortunately, all of my important "numbers" are really good. And I want to keep them that way. I'm no spring chicken anymore, and doing something for my health every single day needs to be one of those major pillars for 2017. And beyond. So, whether it's the new workout I just set up at the gym, a walk with the dog, yoga, or playing in the yard with the kids--health is where it's at this year. I know I'll be better for it.
Family: My kids are at really fun ages, and spending quality time with them and my husband is a must-do. When deadlines pile up, I frequently disappear during the weekends and go out to write at night...and lots of times that's just how it is. But I want to make sure that I am setting aside clear family time to spend with these people I love. Last year, I wanted to take the kids someplace new each month, and I'll be carrying that over. I've also started an ater dinner family board game each night. So this is another pillar for 2017.
Financial: In 2016 I was determined to get a handle on our finances. Keeping with our program is definitely a priority for 2017. I tend to lose interest on this stuff, so I'm hoping to find more ways to engage and grow our goals.
Okay. I'm ready for 2017! Goals set, priorities aligned, optimistic as heck. Let's do this!