I love how inspiring Jemma’s posts are. Whether it’s selling her artwork or growing her blog, she seems to work tirelessly going after her dreams. So if you read her blog, I’m sure you’re an inspiring lady with big dreams, too.
I KNOW what it’s like to want something desperately but still never seem to make it happen. That’s why I want to share a simple tool that you can use to help achieve any goal.
It can be busy to keep all of my projects going while also working a full-time job. I write my blog, work with clients one-to-one, create digital products, and I have a podcast and ecourse that are both launching next week. I'm also married, have a busy social life, and prioritize making time for myself. This might sound like an impossibly busy schedule but I've learned a couple of very simple tools that allow me to keep moving forward without getting burnt out. And you can apply them to any goal you might be working towards.
This year I promised myself that I would go balls-to-the-wall making my big dreams happen. By this time next year, I want to be running my business full-time. I've made enormous strides towards this goal. I've achieved some pretty big things in the past: starting my own magazine, traveling across Europe, and moving to the other side of the world, to name a few. But this year has been different. I've kept up my momentum in a way that I never have in the past.
Often I'd dive head first into a new project or goal and go full steam ahead for a couple of weeks and then it would peter out. But not this time. I've gotten planning and reflecting down to an art. By implementing short, simple reflection rituals every week I'm able to keep myself focused, celebrate my accomplishments, note where I can improve, realign as necessary, and plan my next action steps.
This is a deceivingly simple ritual that has an enormous impact. I've outlined how to get the most out of this process below. And because planning is more fun with pretty stationary, I've created a free printable that walks you through the exact reflection questions I use to check in with myself. Just pop over to my website if you'd like to download it.
Create a sacred time.
Choosing to do your reflection at the same time every week will build it into your routine and make it something you prioritize. Carve out 30 minutes and recognize it as an important act of self-care and a crucial building block for your dreams.
I like to do my reflections on Sundays, usually in the early evening with the week still fresh in my mind. It's also the perfect time to set myself up for the week ahead. But the key is to find a time that will consistently work for your schedule.
Add a sense of ritual.
Creating a sense of ritual around your routine will make it special and also something you look forward to.
I like to brew a mug of hot cocoa, light a candle, and sit down with my favourite pink pen to think about the days that have just past and plan the week ahead. This has become one of my favourite times of the week and adding in these small rituals has made it feel sacred.
Reflect on your achievements.
Actually write down everything that you accomplished this week, whether they're items from your to-do lists, starting a new book, trying a new creative medium, cooking healthy meals everyday, or anything else that seems worthy of note. Think about what you learned, anything you changed about your routines, or events that were particularly interesting. Write it all down and take a moment to feel proud of everything you accomplished.
Think about what you could have done better or whether you need to realign your vision.
Reflecting also allows us to see where we could have done better to make progress with our goals. How could you have spent your time more effectively? What would you like to let go of? Could you have reacted differently to a situation? Make a note of these instances and decide what you would like to do differently next week.
Create a plan for the following week
You can use your reflections to guide your plans for the following week. When we create a plan we're more likely to follow through, and when we build this into our reflection ritual.
Most of us work best when we have one main focus for the week and dedicate our actions towards it. Identify what one thing you could do this week that would move your goal forward the most. Then break that down into bite-sized tasks and schedule them in your calendar. You'll also want to move any outstanding to-dos from last week into your schedule if you still think that they're important.
Creating a weekly ritual reflection has drastically changed my life for the better. I now achieve my goals more quickly and with more ease. This process helps keep me focused and motivated. Whether you want to start an art journal or a magazine, taking time to plan and reflect each week is one simple, powerful step that will help you get there.
But just sitting down and telling yourself to "plan and reflect" each week might make your mind go completely blank.
I've put together these worksheets that walk you through the exact reflection questions and planning steps I use to work towards creating each of my dreams. Plus, they're pretty and flowery! You can just hop over to my website if you'd like to download them.
And while you're there, be sure to tell me what goals you're working on. I'd love to hear!
xo,
Sarah
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