Are You a Purposeful Planner?
When someone says something about being more purposeful in my planning, I tend to want to shut down my brain. Until recently, I’ve been scared of what being purposeful may actually entail. I may have to plan something in advance. I may even have to commit myself to something. What if I don’t feel like doing it when the time comes? I may not be able to procrastinate like I tend to do. I may even have to think hard about it. I’m likely to get a little bit uncomfortable.
Are you being purposeful?
In all reality, being purposeful doesn’t have to be hard. It is a way to accomplish dreams. It gives you direction and provides you with the means to be more productive for the Lord and with your families. As I’ve been thinking lately on how to become more purposeful, I’ve tried to focus on the benefits that would come along with it. If I plan for it, I can accomplish more. Here’s some examples:
- My school schedule could be all laid out and ready to go so that school flows more easily.
- Our chores would be minimal as we’d be doing them regularly in short bursts, thus taking less overall time..
- My toddler would have direction during the day and not trying to eat candy and watch movies all day long. (yes, she’d love to do this….we rarely let her, but……it’ll be nice to have a plan of what she CAN do already lined up).
- Our family can work together on goals that are important to us.
- We will know what those goals are and how we should achieve them.
- My 12 & 15 year old can delve into deeper Bible study & study books and I’ll know exactly which ones I want to focus on first.
- I can focus on having a plan in place to help all of my children to own their faith before they are grown.
I was recently given a review copy of the e-book Purposeful Planning by Phylis Sather. In it, she tells of how she and her husband & family went away each year on a fun little getaway to plan their lives. They would set goals, dream great big dreams and pray over the direction that God would be taking them. During that weekend, the goal is to focus only on the goals of the family and throw in some relaxation and fun, too! Sounds amazing doesn’t it? A set time to talk about and plan all of the things that we feel that we should be doing, but never take the time to do. Purposeful planning! I’m ready to take my trip next week! :) I love having my husband’s undivided attention and I know he loves the same from me! Of course, in order to be purposeful in your planning of your life, you don’t have to do it exactly like the author of the book did it. You can figure out a way to make it work for your own family, in your own unique circumstances. If it’s unrealistic to take a trip to plan, you can do it right at home. Just listen to the Lord’s leading!
As I read through the book, I realized how our family has been somewhat aimless in goal setting. There’s some areas that we do great with. We are firm believers in teaching children a good work ethic. I believe that we’re doing OK in attaining that unrecorded goal, as our children generally are hard workers. But there are many goals that I would choose to have, that I keep putting off. Life is going by too quickly. It’s time to get serious!
Here’s a motivating excerpt from the book:
I recently heard this quote:
“Most people spend more time planning their family vacation than they do their life.” Anthony Robbins
Is this true of you? Do you really want to get to the end of your days and not have accomplished all that the Lord has for your family to do?
I know that I don’t….and I assume the same is true for you as well. That is why it is important for us to focus and plan. Be a bit organized and know exactly why we are doing what we’re doing!
In her book, Purposeful Planning, Phyllis walks you through all the aspects of what you should plan at your planning meeting. She gives you great hints of where to go, what to do, if you should take your children, what to talk about, how long you should spend planning, and the many different topics that you should discuss. She even suggests that you discuss your marriage. It sounds strange to sit down with your husband and talk about what we’re doing to keep the marriage strong, but I can see what a benefit that would be to get on the same page and really understand the needs of your mate. It would also be a motivator to do well, knowing that you will discuss it again next year!
Buy It!
If you’re interested in purchasing the Purposeful Planning e-book, she sells the e-book for $10 and the Purposeful Planning Handbook that holds all of the printable forms that you would need for your planning weekend for $5.95.
If you know of any military families, she’ll gladly provide them with a free copy! You just need to have them email Phyllis at Phyllis@Phyllis-Sather.com.
Win It!
I have good news! Phyllis is going to be participating in our Mommy Time Facebook Party on Tuesday evening. She will give away one Purposeful Planning Bundle!
She’s also planning to give away this piece of jewelry from her store Gilded Gears.
Isn’t it beautiful?! $25 value! The pendant measures approximately 3/4″ wide by 1 1/2″ long (including heart charm), and comes on an 18″ chain with lobster clasp.
Gilded Gears is Victorian jewelry with a twist. You should take a minute to look at all the beautiful pieces that they have in their store!
Please come back during the Mommy Time Facebook Party on Tuesday, August 21st at 8 PM Mountain/9 PM Central to enter for your chance to win each of these items!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Don’t forget that if you have questions regarding organizing and cleaning, you can submit those questions on our RSVP form. By RSVPing, you are entering to win $50!
Phyllis Sathers provided complimentary product for review and giveaway. However, opinions are 100% my own and a favorable review was not required. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Open to residents of the USA (unless a digital product) only. The act of following a page on Facebook is not necessary to enter. Facebook is not affiliated with this giveaway and is held harmless of any fault should a complication arise. Winners will be selected by Rafflecopter (Random.org) on August 27th and will be notified by the email provided on their entry. If winners do not respond within 48 hours, new winners will be selected.
That it will have a mobile app and sync with google calendar!
I just love to plan. I have taken time management classes in the past and they have done amazing things for me. But….it is time for a little refreshing for me in the area of planning!
Thanks for the opportunity to learn more & to enter!