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How to actually “start on Monday”

by | Jan 7, 2021 | Uncategorized

Of all the times I psyche myself up ready to “start on Monday”, the actual NEW YEAR is the biggest psyche up of all!!! Do you use the New Year as a fresh start? Do you hope that this New Year / fresh start energy is what you need to finally propel you forward and make that change? Well, read on for how it went for me, and how I believe we can all ACTUALLY make that change.

I was excited and set to have a morning routine, a work routine, a food plan that spanned weeks into the future with my groceries on auto delivery and any recipes in date order ready to be easily accessed (can you tell this is one of my BIG time and brain drains?!), a cleaning schedule – shared amongst everyone in the house, reminders to buy gifts well in advance, an evening routine with some self care such as slapping on some moisturizer and prepping my lunch and snacks for the next day, oh…and some fun – schedule that in too!!!

As we were approaching December 31 I had put a lot of thought into all those things. Lots and lots of thought. But no actual plan. But I gave myself some grace. That’s OK I don’t have a beautiful scheduled plan laid out and ready to follow. I do have some ideas in my head on what I can start with like “there’s no need for dessert EVERY day (read every meal), just get this week of meals planned and I’ll shop it all in one day, stick to “dry January”, and moisturize girl!!! It’s important at your age!!!!!

So, I’m set like a racehorse in the starting gate ready for the fall of the ball to mark the start of the New Year, and I’m confident in my ability to get a great start and just keep running. Just get a good start, OK?? OK!!

So, as I woke on New Years Day and started my day I was metaphorically let out of the starting gate, on which I promptly tripped on that gate and fell face first in the mud. Not the start I was preparing for!

At first I berated myself for not winning the mental arguments of “pour the wine down the sink, you said you wouldn’t drink in January!!!” vs “but there’s only one glass left, it’d be a waste, what will one glass hurt???” and also “we’re cutting waaaaay back on sugar” vs “but this chocolate was a Christmas present, can’t waste it!” But quickly I said “that’s OK. I can pick myself up, brush myself off, and get back in the starting gate ready for Monday”. No wonder Monday’s get a bad name – So. Much. Pressure on Mondays!!

I didn’t start Monday.

Is anyone with me on this struggle? Of course you are. Everyone struggles with some level of this.

So, what is the answer? Well, firstly, good for you for wanting to be better. Let me expand on that a little – if “better” is for YOU and not for someone else or some perceived societal ideal. Be sure what you are striving for is hitting the right mark and it is something you want or need to make your life better.

Next, know why you want it. Sounds quirky but visualize the outcome. Picture who you are when you have what you are striving for.

Next, be the person NOW that you see in your future. Because the “you” in your future that wants to be able to hike an hour in the woods is not the “you” that says “no” when a friend asks if you want to join them for a 20 minute walk around the block. Apply that scenario to whatever you want – be the person that achieved the dream NOW. It is 100% in you.

And – here’s a biggie – know you deserve that ideal outcome. Know it. REALLY know that!!

A few Jim Rohn classic lines to get you thinking:

  • “For things to change, you have to change,… for things to improve, you have to improve…”
  • “Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced very day.”
  • “Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.”
  • And a great mantra from Brendan Burchard: “Raise my ambition. Deepen my Discipline.”

So, be kind to yourself, and know that sometimes that means tough love on yourself because kindness is getting to that future version of yourself and having everything that you want. And remembering that you deserve everything you want.

Now go make a plan. You’re worth it!

((Hugs))

P.S. If you are looking for a gorgeous planner cover for your big beautiful plans check these out. They each hold up to 6 x A5 / Half Letter sized notebooks. Perfect for planning different area’s of your life, or tracking your progress. Check them out.

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Let’s Talk 2021.

by | Dec 3, 2020 | Uncategorized

Are you stepping gently in to 2021, somewhat like “if we just slip in at the back, it won’t even know we are here and won’t give us any trouble”? Or will you loudly proclaim your doneness with 2020 and challenge 2021 to up it’s game?

Either way, 2021 will happen. So will all the years to follow. Time ain’t stopping for nobody. So what’s your plan?

If you read our posts often you’ll notice the recurring message of “have a plan”, “don’t coast through life”, “clarity is key” and “go after your dream because YOU’RE WORTH IT!” That’s because your friendly leather maker is also a certified life coach and I want you to live your best life while accessorizing with style.

It’s simple, when you feel good, you do good. So leather is always a great idea!

Do you know what is also a great idea? Dreaming about your future! Now more than ever.

You cannot control what will happen in the world in the upcoming year but you can control how you show up. And that is where your dream and plan come in. How will you need to show up in the near future to get you closer to your dream?

What do I mean by this?

Your results are because of your actions which are because of your thoughts and therefore your feelings.

For example, 2 women want to start their own small business:

The first woman has a lot of self doubt and allows her brain to run wild with thoughts like “the family needs me now”, “I don’t know how to start a business”, “what if I fail?”, “what will Wilma think of me?”, “I don’t have time for this now, maybe later”.

The second woman also has lots of self doubt but she is working on conditioning her brain and thoughts to behave better than before and she is thinking “I can be around for my family AND do this for me”, “I don’t know how but everything is figure-out-able”, “I could fail, but I could also succeed, either way I will grow”, “it’s none of my business what Wilma thinks of me”, “I deserve this and I deserve it now!”

Thoughts ——> Feelings ——> Actions ——> Results.

One of these women is in a better frame of mind to take better action to get better results.

Which brings us back to how will you show up for your dreams and plans? Reverse engineer the above. What are the results you want? What are the actions you need to take? What do you need to feel to move into action? What are the thoughts you need to be thinking to get those feelings? Nothing will change if nothing changes.

As for 2021, step forward boldly because you are standing a little straighter because you have a plan!

And because YOU’RE WORTH IT!

Hugs,

How to Stick to Your Plan.

by | Dec 3, 2020 | Uncategorized

But Vicky, I don’t have a good track record of sticking to a plan.

Making a plan is a FANTASTIC start, as long as you don’t set it and forget it.

How many times have you made a wonderful plan and had “in the moment” excitement and commitment to that plan? Of course you will execute the plan because you really, really, REALLY want that end result.

So when, after a matter of days, you have reverted to a time when you never had a plan, you feel that it’s useless and you are doomed never to change.

Now I’ve read A LOT about psychology and the brain, but you don’t want to know all those details – just know you are absolutely perfect and you are doing great!!

So, what is a super fast fix?

PLAN IT, READ IT, ACT ON IT. REPEAT.

You have to read that plan and imagine your end result – EVERY DAY.

Make time for this in your morning routine, while you are sat munching breakfast, or taking care of bathroom duties, whatever works for you. Once you’ve read over your desires and plans then you can plan your day from there, before you get decision fatigue that will be along shortly when you get into your day.

Put first things first. Yes, I am talking about YOU. This plan is important to you. Schedule it at the top of your priorities for the day.

Put yourself on your priority list. You’re worth it!!