First Quarter Update

Like the last couple years, this January I thought about what word I wanted to use to set the tone for the year. And like prior years, intentional came to mind. However, unlike past years, where that thought stayed a thought and didn’t get put into motion, this year I wrote it down in my Commit30 planner. And in addition to writing it down, I’ve decided to make some goals and do my best to achieve those goals. Yes, having a goal minded planner has been a HUGE help in that venture. But I also decided that this year was the year things would finally be different. I’d become more organized. I’d become more strategic and, there it is, intentional with my time and energy. I’d focus on the things that help calm my soul rather than rile it up. I’d get back into reading, cut out extra sugar, buy less and live more. So, as I stand at the beginning of April, I am feeling pretty good this far.

As many of you know, my Commit30 goal for January was no personal spending. I nailed that, even when it came to buying coffee and lunch during the work week. It felt really good, and you know what else? I still bring my lunch almost every day, and bring coffee from home half the days. I think it really changed the way I think about that stuff. It was a fun challenge and very helpful because I tend to over-buy a lot. And even though I’ve done this a few times in the past, I felt like I learned a lot this time around. Even though I was buying less, I was gaining so much. Time saved from shopping all the online sales. Awareness that I really didn’t need everything I thought I did. Knowledge from some awesome podcasts regarding less and simplicity. Money in the bank because I wasn’t spending it. And finally, an overall sense of accomplishment when it was over and I had succeeded!

On a little side note, while I was busy not spending in January, I discovered podcasts. And wow, if this wasn’t the year I had really planned to be intentional, I think it would’ve happened anyway after all the experience, tips, and ideas I’ve discovered from the various podcasts I’ve been listening to since the beginning of the year. Most mornings on my way to work, I listen to a podcast. It is incredible how focused and motivated I feel afterward. It’s fun to hear others talk and encourage about topics I’m interested in, and that are relevant in my life. I feel inspired to tackle new tasks, and what’s even better, is that I’ve actually started taking steps to make things happen. If you haven’t ever done this, please go check out the Podcast app that comes on your iPhone. I don’t know about other phones, but iPhones come with an app for them, and it is amazing.

February was all about reading (an actual bound book) for 15 minutes a day. Sadly I only finished with about a 70% success rate, but I read more in February than I have in a long time. And that felt really good. I’m even considering doing it again later this year, partly because I want to have a higher success rate, and partly because I really enjoy reading and it was nice making time for that most days.

Enter March... boy. That was the most difficult challenge yet. I decided I wouldn’t eat extra sugar for the month. I’m didn’t even go as far as worrying about sugar in condiments, sides, etc, but only counting legit sugar items like cookies, candy, donuts, and coffee syrup. And wow, is that stuff ever addicting. The worst was right after lunch when I wanted something sweet. I can’t tell you how many times I would subconsciously go to get something sweet. It’s FAR more often than I’d care to admit. And the fact that I don’t want to do this challenge ever again proves that I probably should! I went into March thinking it would be hard for a week and would then taper off, but that last week I was literally counting down the days until the challenge was over.

My March Commit30 ended JUST in time for Easter. 

But I’m going full circle here, so hang with me. I just finished my third challenge, with nine more to go this year. And they have been difficult at times, and definitely test my strength and self control. But I like that it pushes me. I like that I’ve been more thoughtful and intentional about my life and my time. I’m not just going through the same old motions another year. I’m trying to create new ways of doing things in my life that will have a better impact on my future. I’m trying to streamline tasks and simplify my life so that I have more time for the things that matter and less time spent on cleaning, buying, organizing, etc. I started my very first capsule wardrobe on April 1st, which I’ll touch on more on a later post. But now even picking out an outfit for the day has become more streamlined and simple. And I don’t feel the need to constantly buy clothes, because I have what I “need.”

This month I’m committing to journaling. Even if I only write for 5 minutes, I want to spend a little time articulating my thoughts. I often have a lot of ideas in my head, and while some get written down, they don’t always, and I want to capture the things I’m thinking about, the plans I have, and what is going on in my daily life. Hopefully it will help me blog more, which I also love to do.

I’d love to hear what goals and plans you had at the start of the year, and also how are those going for you. Are you finding success or struggling through? I’ve never had such a plan at the start of a new year, so this is all new territory for me.