You can Accomplish More with Less Stress
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
Do you make resolutions? Keep them? I have so many things I’m gonna do, people I’m gonna visit, calls…you get the picture.
I can proudly say I have made and kept mine! Okay, so I know the year is young. But, seriously, for me this is life-changing. I believe these tips will help you, too. Trust me. I do NOT want you to make a year’s resolutions. This is far better and more fun! (Wait ’til you see what takes priority in my weekly schedule! This is more than doing everyday chores.)
There are legitimate reasons our plans go awry. Schedules are interrupted, health and finances change, priorities change. Let’s face it, we simply forget them in a week or so.
Are you ready for my secret? First, I must tell you, my kids sent me a Paula Deen 8.5 qt Air Fryer for Christmas. So my first priority had to be to clean and clear my small countertop to give it a proper home.
Here is the bottom line. I am able to do more with less stress this year one week at a time! Seriously. With a blank page for each week in January, I first listed my daily priorities: Bible study, prayer time, preparing to lead lessons. Then things I should be doing each week such as healthier eating habits and a reasonable exercise routing. Finally I choose two or three mor major things I would like to accomplish.
IMPORTANT: High on my list are people. Russell and I “meant” to visit so many, yet somehow never “find” the time. I determined to choose one person/family each week to visit. Into the fourth week, I have had three amazing visits. Two are homebound and were elated to show their family photos and memorabilia. This, for me, will be a priority each week.
I ADDED DOLLARS TO MY BANK ACCOUNT. For over a year when we got our satellite provider bill, we talked about calling them. It seemed to get higher every few months. Because I put their number on my list of projects for last week, I made myself take the time to call them. I now have an extra $30 a month to pay on bills (or lunch out). It only happened because I had it scheduled.
A PERSONAL NOTE HERE. Russell has been gone for over five months. I do not have more time than those working outside the home. I manage DCASB office in my home, plus I have my writing schedules. I actually have less time. Scheduling myself one small week at a time has made life so much easier. I have peace and contentment even though there are a plethora of projects that I may never finish. To be sure, I will do the most pressing first and what isn’t done is okay.
Your list will look different from mine. Daily I have Bible reading, prayer, study lessons I am to lead. I list calls I need to make to banks, companies, etc. I chose one (only ONE) cleaning project. Cabinets the first week. In the second week, organize my desk.
I schedule exercises I need to do for strength and mobility. Not every day for me right now, but say three times this week. For the correspondence, I write down a few names I want to send cards to this week. If too many, I move some to next week; the same with any unfinished projects. As those get done, I can add more.
God has enriched our lives with families, friends, homes and jobs. Whatever our physical or financial situation is, we have much to praise Him for. Pray with me that we make sharing Jesus our number one priority; Heaven awaits.
Hugs,
You are awesome. Sorry I love the way you make list and do them.. I have been snowed in also and been doing a lot of put off things. Be careful LOVE YOU!!!
Thank you so much for commenting! I notice this week I have slacked off a bit. I’m giving myself permission to do that, if I put unfinished business first on next week. I’m snowed in until Monday I think. Want to do church Sunday but depends on temps and road conditions. Take care of you. Love and blessings back.
Not sorry I love the way you make lists and do them. I,m sorry that I,m not that way. I make list but never look at them again.
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Funny!! Thank you for clearing that up! I’ve never been very good at actually sticking to lists. This time I figure if I do one week at a time, I will do better. Time will tell. I’m thinking you do well with what you do anyway.
Sally, Sounds like you have a good plan! Have a great year.
Thanks, Maryetta. You are such a blessing. I appreciate the reply. Yes, it is a great plan. Pray with me that I will stick to it week in and week out. I have a habit of fizzling out after a while. In my first year as a single, I plan to be more diligent. Already feel closer to the Lord and His plan. Blessings
Hi Susie! Love the artical. Maybe when it warms up I will.take the time to walk the 1.6 miles to your house and visit.
Miss you and love you!
Thank you, Andrea. Miss and love you, too! Thank you for taking time to comment; that means so much. And, yes, we WILL get together soon. Hugs,
Susie, you always inspire me to greater things. By greater I mean – don’t keep my chair so warm. I am tackling a pile of filing and such that wound up on the top of my file cabinet for two to three years now (sometimes because it was hard to get to the drawers). How pitiful is that? The pile is much smaller now and an inspiration in and of itself.
I love you and know it’s not any easier for you than me to get that brain thinking and that body moving! God be with us and give us a “well done” hug as we accomplish even one little thing on our lists.
Regina, thank you so much for the encouraging words. I “found” space in a filing cabinet as well; amazing! Honestly, my fourth week was not to brag about. The good news is, I am not giving up. Week five should be a real winner.
Together, we can win the world…with Our Friend with us. I love you; praying for each of us as we tackle 2022.
2.8.22 just looked and saw post. Great ideas I have been doing some of that since snowed in I may try list I think I have finished dresser cedar chest and 2 closets and desks as well need to do pictures and file cabinet I am limiting appointments to 1 a day if possible God bless love Cheryl
Thanks, Cheryl, for commenting. It’s amazing what doing just a few things a day will do for your home and your morale.
Good for you on limiting appointments; you are a busy woman. I think sometimes it is difficult to actually schedule time for our own needs. Women tend to put them last. Blessings and hugs and thanks.