Part of reflecting on the past year
includes looking at what didn’t work.
What didn’t work for me last year?
Balance
Since I was working full time on my business, I felt I should work every day, all day. There were days I was spinning my wheels not really accomplishing anything. I also felt a bit burnt out at times. I scheduled my business but not my life. I didn’t take time to do projects around the house or in my garden. I hardly read for fun and I rarely went biking or hiking. I had a feeling that I needed to be working constantly.
It felt good to be in charge of my schedule when a few friends had emergencies. I was able to help them when they needed me. I didn’t even question the time I spent with them.
Reflecting has made me realize I need to make time for myself. This is a time in my business to set boundaries. I need to learn to close the office door and be done for the day. Learning balance in my work and my life. That is this year’s work.
How am I going to change this year?
It’s time to experiment and find new ways to work. I have a few gurus I follow so I am taking some of their advice.
Each Sunday I schedule my week. It takes about 15-20 minutes. This is something I started last year to get each week started off with a plan. I like a plan.
To get balance, this year I decided to add hobbies, including house and garden projects, to that weekly plan. Scheduling all aspects of my life will help me include them on a regular basis. Instead of thinking about my life stuff as extra, I need to make it equal to my work. This will give me more joy in both my life and my work.
Learning balance takes some conscious effort.
I can already see how adding life to my schedule each week is making a difference.
So far this year, I have been more efficient in my work. And I am really enjoying the time I spend doing it.