The beginning of the year is a time to strategically organize and plan. This is very important particularly for us as women. Whether we admit it or not, we are the engine room of the home. The moment we don’t plan, things quickly go south and burnout looms in the corner. We carry many invisible loads and I have come to realize the burden is lighter when it is written down, structured and planned. In this article, i share 5 Tips to help you plan and start the year on a great note.
Having a plan or at least a framework for the year helps you have a sense of control. ( Note: ” a sense of control”). I included this caveat so that you can remain open and flexible. I’m sure by now, you know that having children has a way of throwing spanners into your well-laid plans. That said, having a plan for you and your family for the first 3 months of the year to begin with is still extremely important. You are able to focus on the most important things as against throwing your energy in all directions. Not having a plan opens the door for confusion and low productivity. It shuts the door to fresh ideas and inspiration. My first tip is closely linked to this
1. Shut down the Tabs – I understand the festivities has had you cooking, cleaning and arranging and generally ensuring everyone but you is fine. It’s time to find time for yourself no matter how short. As Moms, we give so much, we must find time to refuel and refresh so we can have a full cup to keep giving. The interesting thing is that regardless of how full or empty your cup is, your family, work and Business will keep withdrawing. You don’t want to start the new year feeling empty. I Love how one of my instagram Faves captured it – “Rest so you can rise”! When you take time off to rest and just breathe, you have fresh energy and your rising is guaranteed! When you feel better, relaxed and refreshed, then you can whip up your notepad or tab and start drafting your goals for the year. If you need a quiet place to go to and you are in Lagos Nigeria, I highly recommend House of Prayer. A serene environment where you can relax and refresh. It’s an order take that weekend off! Lool
How do you start planning?
2. Start with you – What personal development goals do you have? Which Books do you want to read? Where do you want to travel to for the holiday? What financial goals do you have? What are your keywords for the new year? What do you want to do better in the new year? Which knowledge gap areas have you noticed in your leadership style, career, communication, Home Management etc? How can you level up in these areas? It is important to ask these questions and nurture yourself first so you can be better positioned to nurture your kids and your family as a whole.
3. Move to your Family – Where are your kids lagging behind? What have you noticed that needs improvement? What are the top 5 Priorities for your family and your kids? Do you want to improve the critical thinking skills of your children? Do you want deeper spiritual roots for them? Do you want them to have a better understanding of your culture and language? The answers to these questions will help you decide the kind of books, resources, activities they should engage in or how to better guide your support staff to implement your vision.
4. Revisit your Family Values – As children grow, we may have to revisit the values of the family. Every Stage of a child’s development comes with its own peculiarities. The needs of a Toddler for instance are completely different from a teenager. While they both need an assurance of your love, the approach to give them this completely differs. I highly recommend our Family Values Guide. It will help you think and create values unique to your and your family.
5. Involve the entire family – Depending on the ages of your children, get them involved! Infact, the entire clan of possible. It is important to make sure everyone is on the same page with you. Have a family discussion. Speak to your Partner about this first and get his buy-in. Let your expectations on how you will love him to support you be crystal clear. Then spread it to everyone that makes your family fictional. Inculuding Grand-parents and care-givers if the kids would be spending a significant amount of time with them. Grandparents for instance need to know the key areas of development you are focusing on for the year.
We have a carefully crafted Goal Planning Guide for Moms – Create with God. If you are interested in more tips that would help you create with God and plan strategically for in the new year, Click here to get a guide we created for you.
Finally never forget what Proverbs 16:9 says “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Make sure to keep an open mind as you go through the year! God still holds the steering of your Life. Speak to him about all your plans and be open to his guidance.
Wishing you a Beautiful New Year
With Love, Morolake