There are some habits I experimented with this past year to be more present, prosperous and at peace that I want to take into this next year with me and I want to share them with you!
P.S. I got a little extra and made 2 versions for your aesthetic preference!
Since becoming a mom, very often, to-dos, special occasions or holidays seem to sneak up on me. There they are, the same dates every year but somehow I’m scrambling to gather the supplies, groceries or gifts to make it happen at the 11th hour. I’m usually beating myself up in the process and I’ll get the deadline but it can take the joy out of anything.
It’s important for me to mention that my youngest is now about two and a half. That comes with more time and sleep that allows for more planning and organization. If you are a new mom, have a little one, or are in a season of life where much of your time is not your own, I suggest reading THIS POST (has a printable) about getting the priorities done and don’t get overwhelmed with the crazy of this post. You are amazing and there is time for this soon enough.
BackPlanning
I have been experimenting with a form of preplanning that many successful businesses, entreprenuers, chefs, moms and prepared people use and that is “backplanning.”
I’m someone who thrives on: choices, freedom and winning so this style is a super great fit for me. If you live by the seat of your pants, this style can also benefit you in specific goals. You can reach for this tool when you need it!
The key concept is to set realistic timelines for what is possible and what can get done. If you want to send 1000 gifts for Christmas, but when you plan it all out, you’d have to work on it starting in February, do you whittle down your list or start in February? You have the educated choice! Free yourself from the feeling of failure when you know what is actually possible.
It’s when you look at a deadline or event date then plan the steps backwards in time. As long as you stick closely enough to your plan, you should have everything prepared in time for the event without feeling like it totally put you out.
I majorly saw this magnificent system shine during this holiday season. I started my gift lists early, purchased items ahead of time and even left 2 days open with zero plans to catch up on anything else. I officially scheduled in our “cookie day,” where we all make cookies for neighbors and friends.
I am not a robot
PS a couple Christmas’s ago, I got a cold and “cookie day” didn’t happen. I recall having cough attacks all Christmas Day and was so excited to get back into bed that night. I did have to sleep sitting up though. This is also something I have gotten better about accepting: The plan is to have a plan and chill as much as possible if and when the plan can’t happen that way. Sometimes you get a run of productivity and then you embrace the rest, equally with grace and some curse words, oh and always a little yelling.
Also, I sound really perfect in this article (Wink wink) but there were late or forgotten gifts, missing signatures etc. I’m just a lot nicer to myself about it these days.
This particular year, I decided to do holiday cards and took on a self timer family photo at home some time in October (I think or maybe early November).I LOVE professional family photos SO much but I wanted to check this off early, we had guest coming into town in November and my work is very busy that month so this solution was a happy win for the family.
less stressing with planning ahead
I find that I waste more time than I’d like:
worrying about what to get my Mom for her birthday as I see it approaching later in the week. This year, I looked around my house for something she would like and had it sent to her early.
I make agreements with myself and this year I told myself that I’d release myself from the fear of giving a bad gift. PS I have no idea what my Mom thought of the Grecian Plant holder bust but she had something to open on her birthday.
How to use this system
My theme this year is “Create.” I have a lot of writing and art that I’d like to do this year. I have so many goals for kids, family, relationships too and I’ve created a “journal” type printable for you to print and fill out each month.
In addition to the Journal Sheet, you have 2 sheets to pull inspiration from:
The first sheet is an Idea list on systems to self cultivation.
The second sheet is a monthly list of items based on the season and holidays.
Some years, spring break is right around the corner and I’m like, “Wait, where are we going or are we doing anything fun or have we even taken off work for that week?” This monthly sheet is to give you a reminder of what’s to come so you can plan accordingly.
You can put it on the fridge, tape it to your planner or pin it to your bulletin board. I made it colorful so it feels fun (I sound like Monica from Friends and I’m accepting that part of me).
Even having them around to glance at could help you get a Mother’s Day card out early and get you feeling invincible! That’s the point of all this, a little head start. Not telling you to be the CEO of Moms. 🙂
Journal Sheet
The in his wildly popular book, Atomic Habits (I highly recommend), James Clear talks about how Identity has the biggest impact on how we proceed with our habit and therefore our lives. Take a moment to “role play” your identity. Here’s one: Fun Mom who does basics brilliantly and lets the rest wait.”
Next, there is something that will make the biggest impact on your whole vibe and that’s the first block. Fill it in, face it, do it and reward yourself for it!
Commit to improving a system in your life like laundry. This is how we do it.
Deep Clean and Declutter one area a piece.
Make moves toward your goals
Cultivate yourself (check the idea list). Time for chiropractic or acupuncture. Meditate, stretch!
The good ‘ol To-Dos.
Meals: jot down some ideas for you to put on repeat this month. Here are some of our family faves and you can make them ahead in batches to save time.
Idea List
Systems take time to thoughtfully set up. Sometimes is quick and other things take more work but they are investments in making your life flow smoothly. I’d love to say we could minimize by getting rid of them but mail and kid art are a part of life!
I add deep clean and declutter so you can add one per month. This way you aren’t overloaded for “spring cleaning” or “guests arrive next week!” Add one a month and break it up like one shower a week for that month. If you’re cleaning the fridge, do a couple shelves here and there. I keep things simple where I can so I clean our whole house with this.
Monthly chart
The monthly planner allows you to look ahead a few months for things like travel plans and a month ahead for things like making Halloween Costumes.
I’d love to be that cool mom, floating on a lotus leaf and saying “Don’t worry about the list, just live your life,” except I have three kids, a husband, a house, goals and I’m the kind of person who has to write it all down.
Make notes for what worked, how much food you needed, times or dates that were best. Take note of your best practices to save you time next year!
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biggest takeaway
If you can backplan one task or event this year, that would be amazing! This is here to give you a little support friend, not a list of what to live up to. I go through seasons of “Living by the List” and then days when I don’t even get one thing done. I’ve had years of NO PLANNER because that was way too overwhelming. This is an incredible exercise of life, Motherhood! A gift and a pleasure. I hope you enjoy this!
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