Don't get me wrong, the last year has provided me with some really wonderful memories. I became a new mom, I've really enjoyed my time with our little family, walks in the park, reading books and singing in the rocking chair, etc.
BUT
When it comes to getting things done, I seem to do them when it is convenient for Preston. OR he gets neglected so I can get them done. How I managed to write and record a new album in this last year is beyond me. Oh wait, that's right, it took a lot of extremely late nights, putting Will in charge of being Mr. Mom, and not getting much else done.
Not any more.
This morning as I drove myself to the gym to work off some more pregnancy weight that I'm still carrying around, I had a little chat with myself that went something like this...
Me: "Jenni, you could be getting so much more done during the day."
Me: "Okay but how do I do that? I feel like I just fly by the seat of my pants all of the time."
Me: "Three words: Get. Up. Earlier."
Okay, now getting up early has not really been an option for me for the past year because in case you didn't get the 411 on our little guy, up until recently he has never been the greatest sleeper. He only started sleeping through the night once he turned a year old, and even now, he still struggles.
Granted, he's made HUGE strides in the sleeping department but he's still got some issues (like waking Mom and Dad up at 5am every morning!).
But my point is, I feel he's made enough improvement sleeping that I am actually finally getting some decent sleep myself. No more waking up 5 times a night and nursing. Nuff said.
So back to my chat with myself in the car, I decided that I'm going to take my life by the reigns and get in control again. I'm going to really try harder to improve my time management skills.
How am I going to do this you ask?
Well, checklists have always worked wonders for me so I figure that is where I'll start. My brilliant mother must have known that because this was my checklist when I was 3 years old.
Things that I want to improve about myself will be included, such as:
- Practicing the piano every day (playing lullabies for the last year does wonders for downgrading your playing skills...haha)
- Setting aside playtime with Preston everyday - whether going to the park, reading books, or just playing.
- Going to the gym EARLY in the morning to get it done.
- Doing something nice for Will every day and having quality time together.
- Reading and praying.
And every day, hopefully, there will be a check, check, check, and another check.
I think the absolute hardest thing for me to do will be getting up early and going to the gym. Right now, I usually go during Preston's naptime around 10 or 11am. BUT (sigh), as Will is buckling down harder on his job search, I need to make sure he has adequate personal time during the day for that and so I've got to get my workouts done earlier so I can watch Preston the rest of the day.
Seriously, I am NOT a morning person, I don't do physical activity well in the morning, and I love staying up late at night. This. Will. Be. A. Challenge.
Anyway, I just feel like I have more potential inside of me to be a better person physically, spiritually, socially, mentally, EVERYTHING. I don't want to be just mediocre. No more flying by the seat of my pants and just living out of convenience. Time to shape up and push myself.Watch out, Jenni veresion 2.0 will be coming soon....LOL
5 comments:
Ah Jenni - I love you! You're adorable. I can totally attest to getting up earlier really WILL help you get more done. And turning OFF the computer. (that's for ME!) If I keep it on to just periodically check my email, I get sucked in and then the whole morning is gone. I need to set a timer or something.
I'm such a checklist person too! Funny how much we're alike.
I wasn't a morning person for years, but after doing it for a while, my body adapted. I feel better, have more energy, and get more accomplished during the day, especially if I get dressed and ready first thing (after the gym) because staying in your pj's send a message to your body and brain. Not that you do that... but... I was actually talking about this with a friend just yesterday! Not YOU but getting up early and getting ready right away.
The first few weeks are going to be tough, just keep it up. I believe in you! Once you set your mind on something, you strive until you achieve it. You go girl!
As you work on eating better, you'll notice that your mornings get easier. Best of luck on getting to bed earlier. It's a tough struggle, but it makes SUCH a difference.
One tip on the checklist: use those star stickers (or whatever shape catches your fancy). Make a chart, or just use a certain color for a certain activity on your calendar. That way, when you're feeling defeated, you can look at your calendar and see days and days with a bunch of stars on them, and know that you're doing SO much better than you used to. That's what I do, and it makes a world of difference.
You're awesome, Jenni. You can do it!
Jenni I know that you can do anything you set your mind to. I am sure even Preston will adapt to your change. I know Will will.
Jenni, you are an inspiration. I know you can do it and I think i'm going to use your check list for myself. Except it will say play with Gwenevere instead of Preston and do something nice for James not necessarily Will.
I have a hard time getting up early too so I know how that goes. But like Lori-ann said it will make a difference.
One last thing. I agree with Lori-ann, I spend too much time on the computer just checking blogs and so forth. I think I'm going to have to start a time period for internet use.
Like I said your blog was an inspiration to me. I've got a lot to learn. Good luck and keep us posted on how you are doing.
So your awesome. And inspiring. Thank you.
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