The other day my girlfriend posted an Instagram photo of the family pet crab hanging out in his tank. I was trying to figure out what I was looking at in the photo as I could see the crab was a very light almost transparent pink color, but behind him was another bright red crab. As I pinched and zoomed my screen in and out, what I was really looking at wasn’t another crab at all. He had simply outgrown and shed his shell. Wow, what a simple lesson that nature had just taught me. If the crab had remained in his shell he would simply die. He had no other choice but to shed his old shell to make room for his new growth. Life is a continuous movement of progression whether we choose to move forward with it or not, it is still happening. We all experience it, we have birthdays, we see loved ones pass on and babies born. The circle of life is happening every moment.
“Time is the only commodity that we don’t get back!”
With the new year still upon us I felt this was such a good time to reflect on the previous year and where I am currently at in life as time continues to march on. In doing so I hope you will reflect with me. A couple questions come to mind in doing this exercise. Are there areas in your life that you have grown to the potential of taking that next step, whatever that may be, but you just need some gentle self encouragement? What could you potentially be holding onto that is no longer serving you and keeping you back from being your best self? Do you have a dream that you are not acting on? Is there anything in your past that emotionally is holding you a prisoner from progression? Are you tired and stressed out because you are taking care of everything and everyone else? If you have answered yes to any of these questions I am here to tell you that you are not alone and we all have untapped potential. Maybe it is time to explore that.
Recently I have been involved in a program that is called “Create Your Purpose”. It has been so insightful. Some of the things that we have been talking about in our class is goal setting, having intentions and time blocking. These items are nothing new to me, but have been refreshing to start utilizing them again. I wanted to share a couple tidbits that could assist in shedding the old shell that is no longer serving us and make some small steps in moving forward.
Intentions
Intentions are declaring what you want to do. Simply write 1-3 intentions that you want to do for yourself this year. Mine has been, “I take time for the things that matter”. This is a simple statement that could mean many things. The results are already showing. I can prioritize activities that provide self care that refuels my soul and body. This creates inertia toward other intentions that have turned into goals and time blocking my schedule for me.
Goals
I started a notebook where I have written down a couple goals. Designate a notebook and start to write a few things in it. Big or small goals can be that step to a happier healthier life. Below are some helpful tips on goal setting.
- Decide what it is you want to do or work toward.
- Write it down in your designated notebook.
- Tell a trusted friend that you know will keep you accountable.
- Write specific bullet points or steps of how that goal can be attained this is the most important piece. Have measurable items that you can check off while you are working toward your goal.
- Celebrate the wins.
Time Blocking
Time blocking is one of the most successful ways to plan your day around productivity to include necessary tasks, breaks and taking down time for yourself to recharge.
- Write down your to do list first.
- Break it down by day and time slots.
- When first starting time blocking you will want to over exaggerate the time of the task. Interruptions and distractions will happen when you are first doing this exercise.
- If you get off track don’t be frustrated this takes time to learn. Simply recreate your new to do list and task that was derailed with new time slots.
- Keep going there is satisfaction in crossing off the to do list.
There are several options available for time management. One phone application that can be downloaded onto your phone is Productivity – Daily Tasks. Some of the features of this application are:
- Allows you to follow your plan to make daily progress.
- Plan your day by the hour.
- Shows your progress in percentage toward getting your task done.
- Daily routines can be added to structure your day.
- Track and prioritize your tasks.
- Timer with start and stop features.
- Select goal categories like Work & Career, Health & Wellness, Love & Relationships, Money & Finances, Family & Friends, Projects and etc.
However, a physical planner also works really well. Use the system that works best for you.
I wish you all the best in setting your new intentions, goals and utilizing a time blocking system. Shed your shell and make room for your new growth. If you are open to leave a comment about your intention(s) I would love to see them.