We’re just about halfway through the calendar year, so let’s check-in! Did you set a New Year’s Resolution this year? If so, how’s it coming? A gentle reminder that January isn’t the only time for new beginnings. Let’s use this mid-year check-in to (re)set goals, resolutions, and possibilities! Here are a few helpful strategies:

1. Track Your Time: Start by reflecting on the past 24 hours or tracking your time for a day. How much time do you spend watching TV or scrolling social media? How much time do you devote to consuming content versus creating something – knowledge, learning, or working on your goals? Instead of “I don’t have time,” try saying, “It’s not a priority,” and see how that feels. Awareness of how we actually spend our time can help us live more intentionally in ways that truly align with our values and priorities!

2. Easy as 1-2-3: Sometimes having too many things on our to-do list can lead to “brain fatigue” or decision paralysis. Too many options can lead to procrastination. Consider deleting low-priority tasks or simplifying your list. For example, a method I use is 1-2-3: I start each day with a one-word intention, two minutes of mindfulness, and a list of 3 “non-negotiable” priorities that I make sure to get done that day. While I do maintain a longer list of tasks, I choose only 3 items so I can focus on the tasks at hand instead of feeling overwhelmed.

3. Calendar Accountability: Scott Mautz, the author of the books "Find the Fire" and "Make It Matter," suggests a color-coded plan to enhance productivity. Color coding your calendar can also help with accountability by offering a visual representation of how you spend your time. My color coding: work = blue, exercise = green, family = red, and self-care = pink. I also make sure there’s some blank space on my calendar so I’m not rushing from one task to the next. Another idea is to schedule 45-minute meetings, so you build in 15 minutes of transition time before your next meeting or task.

One of our 3 Core Principles at ithrive31 is to be deliberate with our time and resources. This is about aligning time and resources toward your goals, and being deliberate about what you say “Yes” to and what you say “No” to. It is about setting boundaries for your needs. What matters most? What do you want more or less of? It is about leading your life instead of letting your life (or your calendar) control you. What is one thing that you could implement to give you the greatest life with your time and/or resources?

Accountability is key for taking action. Action creates momentum, and momentum creates results. Let’s bring accountability, action, and good ENERGY to the world. Thanks for reading!