I got up at 5 am this morning, which I never do, so that I had enough time to get to the gym before I took on 3 coaching call sessions + an on camera interview with The Womens CEO project. I'm feeling pretty accomplished today and I'm not even finished working yet. I still have my design clients to tend to and blog posts to write.
During my interview today, I was asked how I manage my time with all my design projects, coaching clients, traveling, family, etc. This got me to thinking about all the things that I have been doing to prepare myself for next year, so that I can accomplish my goals and feel good about my life. ( Learn more about my coaching here ) So, I thought I would put together a little list of all my secrets, to show you what I do to keep me energized, organized and feeling my best to tackle my days.
ONE: GLAM-SHUI Yes, I coined my own little phrase. It's basically Feng-shui but I put my own little twist on it. Not everything has to be so "zen" to create harmony and happiness in the home, glam has impact too. I've got a whole course on my glam-shui systems but the two most important keys are to DE-CLUTTER and INJECT GLAMOUR into your space. It's pretty much that simple. Get rid of anything and anything that feels like clutter and you don't use. Then, put some things that make your home a little bit more glamorous so you feel better about your space (example: hand soap with a pretty label or a pretty dispenser for it). When you feel good and organized at home, you feel better at life.
TWO: GET A PLANNER or CALENDAR or anything you can use that will help you write down and schedule all appointments. You want to have something where you can keep everything together. A messy desk may look cool in photos but truly you want to invest in how you organize your life and your time. In my business, I try to stay very organized and I keep record of everything I do, every project I work on and I like to do it in style. I've carried around a Graphic Image planner along with my python notebook for the longest and I love them, but for 2016 I'm moving to the Filofax system.
Love this get up by Grit and Glamour. Get your planner here...
THREE: SET SOME LIFE GOALS To be truthful with you, I am kind of over the whole "new years resolutions" thing. I am more of a GOAL woman. I've talked a lot about making 3 month and 6 month goals. I find that its just easier to stick to and makes things feel less intimidating. I like to make them according to each area of my life. Here's a little chart I like to refer to. . .
FOUR: READ INFORMATION As much as I love to read a great novel, I've started to love reading informative books more than just a good story. It helps me to feel a little more ahead of the game and like I have a good competitive edge. It makes me feel like I'm filling my mind with information that will work with me and my life. Even if you don't really enjoy reading, try reading this Sophia Amoruso article. A quick but good read.
FIVE: MAKE TIME TO MEDITATE You don't have to get crazy with it but its so important to take time out in your day to breathe deep and clear your mind. I like to go to the sauna at my gym, clothes my eyes and breathe deep for about 10-15 minutes. I am telling you, it will help you to get your cells going, clear your mind and get you in a state of being ready for new ideas to flow in. I swear by meditating and I also coach most of my clients to create a chic little meditation zone in the home where you journal and meditate/pray. Check out some of my favorite spiritual spaces.
SIX: GET IN THE HABIT OF COMPLETION Start paying all your bills on time, writing down your appointments and going to them, finish your to-do list, make that phone call you've been meaning to make, etc. Make sure that you are getting yourself in the mode where you do what you say you are going to do. This will prepare you to walk into 2016 with an accelerated energy of getting stuff done!
SEVEN: GET MORE SLEEP Winter months are harder on us and much, much darker. Don't over work yourself, allow your self to sleep when your body needs it. Listen to your body, it will let you know what you need. When you make sleeping well a priority you are giving yourself the gift of self-care. You'll feel more alive and renewed than ever, which will pay off in your life.
EIGHT: GIVE TO SOMEONE ELSE I believe that when you give, its really getting. To energize your heart, give to something or something else. Try to do it at least once a day and feel good about it. Sometimes we are made to believe that we shouldn't take credit for when we give, that if we do it without any attention it means we are "good" people. I sort of disagree. When you give to others, do it excitedly and with enthusiasm and let yourself feel awesome about what you just did. Try a few of these, give a compliment to 5 people, buy someone a coffee, call your grandma and tell her you love her, thank your boss for all opportunities he or she provides, pet an animal you see. All of these things will help you to put a pep in your step. You will walk into the new year on fire!
NINE: ADD SOMETHING NEW TO YOUR ROUTINE If you don't do some type of exercising, try and add that into your week. Or if you already go to the gym, try taking a new class. Maybe if you have wanted to learn photography, sign up for a class. If you want to try my life coaching sessions, that's fun too. If there is anything that you have wanted to do, make an effort this month to sign up and do it. Throwing in a new activity in your life is just good for the soul. You will meet new people, get new ideas and ultimately increase the happiness in your week!
TEN: CELEBRATE It's so important to celebrate even the smallest achievements in your life. If you finally pay a bill you've been meaning to pay, feel proud and say so. If you go the gym and work out for 20 minutes longer than usual, treat yourself with a healthy juice or indulge yourself in a nice long bath and face mask. If you pass a test, try a new class or don't scream at a car in rush hour traffic, toast yourself with a glass of champagne or buy yourself a treat. It's imperative that you celebrate even the smallest success in life. It will enrich and empower you to keep going at life with gusto and have the best year ever!
