When planning your year, don’t forget to add life to it.
It is easy to focus on work. We are trained to concentrate on our career or business.
I know that in the past I relied on hobbies to keep me busy when I had spare time. I freelanced in film so there was definitely down time. In fact, when I first started freelancing, I didn’t have many hobbies. I have always had a lot of interests but planning time for hobbies or travel wasn’t my focus.
Now that I am the only one in charge of my schedule, I don’t want to ignore this part of my life.
I looked at last year’s evaluation. One of the things that was missing was the hobbies and the travel. I did do a quick trip in August and a bit longer one in November. But by the time I did these trips I was beyond ready. Before I took the trips, I didn’t realize how much I needed a change of scenery.
One thing I promised myself this year is to take a trip once a quarter. It can be a quick camping trip or a weekend visiting friends but I need to get away regularly.
One of my clients falls into this trap too. She gets a project and it is all consuming. Her schedule completely changes. When she gets busy, all of the things that keep her sane including yoga, getting outside to walk, and sleep get ignored. It has been interesting to watch her fall out of the good habits she has created in her life.
I understand, I have been there.
In film production when I was on a tv show or movie, it became my life. It was hard to foster relationships and exercise was an afterthought. Sleep seemed to be a major factor in keeping me sane. By the weekend I had to do something different like hike, bike, go to movies or museums. That was my way of taking care of myself. If I did nothing but rest on the weekend I was frustrated the whole next week.
My client gets frustrated. Her creativity wanes, her relationships suffer and she needs to start all over again when it comes to exercise, yoga and hiking. By the end of the project, she is spent. These are not good ways to live. This is not sustainable.
I believe in balance. Keeping the balance in my work and life is something I constantly monitor.
What about you? How many trips do you want to take this year? What new habits do you want to start? What about exercise, friends, your home and garden? Think about all that is important to you when you make your plan for the year.
To get what you want, you need to know where you want to go.
I encourage my clients to make a five-year vision statement. A vision statement is basically your dream for the future. I encourage and help my clients dream big in their careers and their lives.
I believe if you dream it, you can make it happen.
What are your dreams?
How are you going to make them happen?
I am here to help when you are ready.
Sign up for a free consult call. We will make a plan for you to live your best life!