Christy Wright is the #1 national bestselling author of Business Boutique, host of the Business Boutique podcast, a Certified Business Coach and a Ramsey Personality with a passion for equipping women with the knowledge and steps they need to successfully run and grow a business. Since joining Ramsey Solutions in 2009, she has spoken to thousands across the country at women’s conferences, national business conferences, Fortune 500 companies, and her own sold-out live events. You can follow Wright on Twitter and Instagram @ChristyBWright and online at christywright.com or facebook.com/OfficialChristyWright.
Written by Christy Wright
Ever feel like you have a completely packed calendar and yet don’t really accomplish much at all? The struggle is real!
But the struggle is also our fault. We say “yes” far too much. We’re so afraid of disappointing people that we spend all our time helping others accomplish their goals. As a result, we have no energy left for our own goals. Then, we wonder why we’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and unfulfilled.
This is the year to stop that madness! Get your priorities, and your calendar, under control with these three steps:
Prioritize
First things first: Get crystal clear about your priorities. This will help you make quick and confident decisions about what to commit to. I promise, this is easier than it sounds.
Start by making a list of everything that’s important to you in this season of life. Things like getting your website off the ground, helping your toddler adjust to preschool, getting into a regular date-night rhythm with your spouse, etc.
Then, put them in order of priority adding the most important thing to you right now at the top, and so on.
Create
Next, grab a blank calendar and dream up what your ideal schedule would look like. Using your list of priorities, fill in each day on your blank calendar in this order:
- Anything you can’t—or don’t want to—miss (school drop-off, gym, full-time job)
- Anything you really want to be a part of your weekly schedule (family dinner, working on your business, etc.)
- Anything that would be nice to fit in if there’s time left over (weekly lunch with a friend, volunteering at your child’s school, etc.)
When you fill in a calendar in this order, every commitment has purpose and value—and moves you one step closer to your end goal, whatever that may be.
Implement
Once your ideal schedule is filled out, compare it side by side with what your current schedule looks like for the upcoming weeks. What needs to change about your current schedule to get closer to your ideal schedule?
Try making 30% of the changes every week over the next three weeks. In one month, you’ll be working and living off your ideal schedule. Imagine that!
Your calendar is sacred space. After all, time is the most valuable—and most limited—resource we have. It’s your right and responsibility to protect it.
If you’re looking for more help on how to take your dreams and turn them into goals for the season you’re in, this blog post will be a helpful resource to you. It will challenge, motivate, and inspire you to design a life you’re proud of!