A few weeks ago, I did something I’ve never done before. I went to the dark side and bought a planner. Yes, you heard me right. A planner! Mind you, I’m not talking some online version. This a spiral-bound behemouth, and I intend to carry with me everywhere.
Despite its thickness, I decided to spring for the daily planner. Created by Danielle LaPorte, this one asks me to consider, “What I Will Do to Feel the Way I Want to Feel.” Time is a precious commodity. I like the idea of organizing my hours this way.
Perhaps to some of you, the act of buying a planner is no big deal. If this is you, I can only assume you’re one of those organized people. Uh-huh. You may be one of those, the type who writes a list of tasks, then actually GOES AND DOES THOSE TASKS.
If you were standing in front of me, I’d be eyeing you suspiciously, trying to figure out what magic sorcery you’re hiding. For me, motivation doesn’t show up systematically. No, it comes through inspiration. Sure, I can appreciate a good system, but not for system’s sake. If the structure serves a wider vision, though, then you’ll get my attention.
I look foward to filling out prompts like this every day. If we all planned our days around core desired feelings, how might our lives improve?
And so I ask: How do you want to feel this year? Pick a word. Then choose three more. What actions can you take to feel this way, at least more of the time? Consider how you can arrange your time to make it happen.
For me in 2016, word number one is empowered. I’ll say it again: I want to feel more empowered this year. I’d also like to feel vital and rested and centered. And so, here I go. One day, then the next, then the next, I’ll think about this as I fill in my calendar.
Whatever words you select, I commend your goals. (Unless you happen to be Donald Trump and have also chosen empowered. In that case, I have to believe you’ve already got more power than you know what to do with. And, hey, what the heck are you doing on a blog for women creatives, anyway?)
As it happens, today is my blog’s one-year anniversary. Or is it a birthday? Either way, I wanted to commemorate it. More than any single thing in 2015, starting a blog has made me feel empowered.
Planner or no planner, I hope in 2016 you find lots of ways to honor your chosen feelings and live them out. And I really do want to know the words you choose, so feel free to let me know.
Like you’re crawling through my head! I considered a small planner so I can create those pockets of time needed to accomplish all the things I’d like to do. And the yucky stuff too! Best of luck and happy 2016.
Ha, I loved reading your comment, Linda, it made me smile. Good luck with your planner. Appreciating the value of pockets of time is something I could benefit from, yes!
Congrats on your one year blogiversary – mine was in December and I’m loving this blogging world! My word for 2016 is “embrace” because I want to take in and enjoy anything that comes my way – not being scared to try new things – I think “empowered” has a similar feel to it xx
Hi Suzi – I left a nice long comment and it seems to have gone into cyberspace! Congrats on your 1st year blogiversary (mine was last month!) and I love your word – I chose “Embrace” for my word for 2016. I’m doing a link up on Tuesday on my blog with the others who are doing one word posts for 2016 if you’re interested xx Leanne
Ooh, thanks, Leanne, I’ll check it out Tuesday. I’m intrigued for sure! And thanks for taking time to comment again. I’m so glad you did! Congrats on your anniversary, too. Yeah.
Congrats on your blog birthday:) Empowered is a great word to begin the year with. I’m not sure what my word would be…maybe happy. That makes me smile, so I’ll think I’ll try it out for a bit.
Love your planner’s prompts. It looks awesome!
Here’s to a year of happy for you, Leenna. 🙂 Yes, the planner is really encouraging; time will tell if it’s too heavy to carry everywhere. But I love it.
Thank you, Suzi:) Enjoy!
Ooh, I love the words you’ve chosen for this year! They’re great words! Happy 2016, and happy blog-iversary!
Ah, and a wonderfully happy 2016 to you, Sonja! I was just looking at your shot of the Marimekko + Xerea dress. Man, is that a stunner or what?!
Nice! My word is alacrity for 2016 – I’m super excited. (And if Trump chooses any word I hope it’s quit. 😉 )
Trump = quit. I love it, Jacqueline. And I’m super curious to hear how you use alacrity this year. Sounds exciting!
Great post. I love the way the prompts on your planner help you to make sure that your word and your tasks are aligning. That is so great! I’m starting to see that the stuff I spend my time on is often to avoid the work I’m afraid to do. My word this year is also empowered and after reading the comment from Jacqueline I also think alacrity. I had to look it up – and it is definitely a word I could use.
I like empowered. It’s positive and forward thinking. Determined is my word. I was going to write focused, but that’s too hard. I’m determined to keep working toward being the best I can be (whatever that is). Congratulations on your year anniversary!
Determined. Lois, I picture you undeterred by outside influences, listening to your voice, and moving foward anyway. Nice pick!
Great choice of a word, Suzi. My word of choice for 2016 is ‘Simplify’. Good luck to us both!
Simplify. That’s powerful, Corinne. Ooh, imagine the space it will provide in your life . . .
Well I try not to make big plans on January 1st. But I am constantly planning something for the day, or week or month. So I guess I am close. I did plan to do a RTW Fast last year and it went so well, I am continuing this year! Good luck with your planner, Happy Blogversary, and Happy New Year to you!
Thanks, Linda, for introducing me to the term “RTF Fast.” Wow, I’m super impressed. I’m sure you’ll learn so much and devise lots of inventive creations. And chunking plans by day, week, or month is helpful indeed!
That looks like a terrific planner! I didn’t think I was in the market for one (I usually make do with a plain spiral notebook), but maybe I am.
I decided I wanted to be more intentional about my time, went looking for planners, and boom, found this. It’s not cheap, but I figure if I use it every day, it’ll be worth it. Whatever route you choose, here’s to a 2016 9f meeting your intentuon.
🙂
My past 2 posts are about being empowered this year as well! And I’m a huge planner addict! I took a good chuck of December to research 2016 planners and ended up going with the InnerGuide planner! It has similar prompts to the ones you described! Which reminds me I need to get to planning out my week before my work day ends! I’m still debating on my 2016 word. 2014 was SHINE or SHINE ON. 2015 was ACTION (with PASSION being the theme). This year I’m also thinking of EMPOWER or RISE (we rise by lifting others/ always rise higher).
Wow, Countryheartbeat! I love that being empowered is on our minds this year. I’d love to know more about how SHINE and ACTION took hold of your life. They sound like they could have led to some good stories. And I love how you’ve brought in RISE as well. Yes, I want to plan out my week as well. Thanks for checking in. Glad our paths crossed.