I hadn’t even realized I was in a funk. Apparently, for at least a few months. I’d have days where I knew I was, but otherwise, I was running on autopilot. Which was, in fact, the problem…
On one of the days when I felt like I was in a definite funk, I had a session with one of my coaches where I explained this to her. It was a day when I felt like I’d need to make big changes to step into my power again.
But I didn’t need to. After that session, I realized how small things were really what was keeping me stuck. I called them micro-decisions. I didn’t need to burn the boats and make big changes. I just needed to adjust small things that would make me feel more in my power again.
As we head into the new year, I share this because I think so often people feel that they need to take on the “new year, new me” journey. I don’t think that’s the case. I think resolving to make small changes that feel aligned can make a big difference.
And… these add up over time.
Let’s talk more about some areas where small changes can make a big impact.
Planning
One of the changes I made was in how I planned my days. Previously, I’d sit down each Sunday or Monday and plan out my week. I’d write down all the things on my to-do list and then slot them into days based on my schedule and deadlines for the week. I tried to keep it to three notable tasks per day.
I allowed myself to pivot a bit throughout the week, but during weeks where other priorities popped up (either work or personal), I would start to feel bad if I fell behind on these items. “How can I not keep up with three tasks per day?” I would think.
Then I started using my weekly planning as a foundation for daily planning. Each morning, I sit down at a mini dry erase board and write out all the things I want to do for that day. I don’t limit it to work. I include housework, social plans, walking the dog, etc. When I started to see everything that I have to do in a day, I started to feel way better about what I could accomplish in a day. This helped me to set more reasonable expectations for myself and feel like I was actually getting ahead on work rather than chronically being behind.
Yes, this is just a mindset shift. But it’s a powerful one. It increased my motivation to do more work because I wasn’t feeling constantly overwhelmed. Making small changes in how you plan or the expectations you set for yourself can make a big difference in your productivity.
What’s one small planning change you can make heading into the new year?
Routine
You can also make small changes to your routine. This has a double effect. First, it feels like you have a little more variety in your days (at least at first), and secondly, it will also help you both work and relax optimally.
I flipped around the order of my morning routine slightly. I realized that I hadn’t changed it since getting my dog. When I got him, I had just added extra steps into the routine. But by rearranging the order of my routine a bit to accommodate the things I need for myself and the things I need for him in a way where I could group tasks together better, I actually gained more time and more focus in my mornings. This is crucial for me to get my morning writing done.
I also adjusted my calendar for when meetings are scheduled. In the summer, I prefer to take meetings in the morning. But every other season, I prefer to take meetings late morning or in the afternoon. I hadn’t adjusted my calendar blocks to reflect that, and by doing that, also got productive time back in my day.
Changing our routines doesn’t have to mean changing our lifestyles. We can actually do all the same things but just change up the order a bit to make a big difference. Or we can add small, new facets to our routine that make us feel good. Maybe 15 minutes for a walk? Ten minutes to meditate? 30 minutes to read?
What small changes could you make to your routine in the new year to help you feel more productive and energized?
Variety
I’m someone who craves variety but also thrives in routine. This isn’t something I was consciously aware of until recently. It seemed to be a curse. And I could never figure out how to reconcile the two. It’s just who I am.
But it turns out they can work together. I can add small bits of variety into each of my days while maintaining my routine. And when I feel like it, I can add big variety like a vacation. But on a normal day-to-day basis, I can still have variety by sprinkling in little things I love. Maybe a Diet Coke from McDonald’s, dinner with friends, walking my dog on a new trail. These things add novelty into each day and break up the monotony while also allowing me to work within my routine.
I know I’m not the only person who craves both routine and variety. As with most things, we can have it all. We just need to be intentional about how we go about that. By making small adjustments to our routine and being grateful for the small varieties we can add in, we can satisfy both desires!
What easy variety can you add to your days in the new year?
All that being said, it’s great to set big goals in the new year as well! But those big goals can be additive to lives we’ve already built for ourselves. We can be grateful and present while still striving for more.
If writing a book is one of your goals for the new year, let’s chat to see how I can support you on that journey!
Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences with those who may find them relatable and helpful.