How was your year? I know, we’re not finished with this year yet, but I think we’re close enough to the end we can start evaluating what worked and didn’t work, what plans we kept and what fell by the wayside—maybe even before January was over, what we wanted to accomplish and did, and what we wanted to accomplish and didn’t. And just like the book, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” looking back and evaluating always makes me start looking ahead and planning.
Have you heard of Money Saving Mom? Actually, her name is Crystal Paine and I am impressed by all she accomplishes. But it’s not really the “What,” that inspires me; it’s the “How.” She has a couple of courses I’ve worked through, Make Over Your Evenings and Make Over Your Mornings. She also has Make Over Your Year which I am going to start January 1st. I read recently, “…find out what other successful people do and do the same things until you get the same results.” Here’s what I’ve found, successful people–whether you quantify spiritual success, physical success, mental and emotional success or all of the above–successful people have a plan for their days. I’m talking successful homeschoolers, stay at home mommas, business owners, writers, even religious in monasteries have a well planned day.
What I appreciated about Crystal’s courses was their simplicity. Now, please do not confuse simple with easy! Her methodology is simple. Her actionable steps make perfect sense. But implementing them is not always easy. I honestly believe an effective tool we have access to is friendship. A group of like minded people with a common objective or goal in mind can be a powerful force to encourage and support its members.
There are definitely some things I would have done differently in the last year. You too? Well, I can honestly say when I think about the things I would have changed and consider what and how I want things to be done differently in the new year, it all comes down to discipline–my personal discipline. Ugh! I hate it when it all comes down to something I need to work on.
When I consider why I need to be more disciplined, I consider the big picture and long term reasons. Then I work backward to my short term goals and what my day-to-day needs to look like. I know what my day-to-day looks like now and I also know the less than stellar results some of those days produce–my laundry pile, clean and dirty, attest to some of my less than stellar results.
I hate falling into bed at night feeling my day ran me…over. I hate feeling like I failed before I even got out of bed. I hate knowing I’m not putting in the effort to be the best me I can be–and I hate confessing the same slothful sins over and over. God–the God of peace and order–created me in His image and likeness. He did not create me to be rushed, panicky, forgetful, tired all the time, grumpy, late, and living in a constant state of feeling defeated.
So I am making a commitment to myself to approach my days proactively instead of reactively. Oh, you liked that huh? Yeah, raise your hand if you spend your days reacting. It doesn’t make for a great day. It doesn’t make for a joy-filled day. It doesn’t allow me the room to shine for God–instead, I’m probably all hot and bothered over minor inconveniences.
If I do this for my kids, they may not appreciate it (ahem) and then I’ll get discouraged and blah-blah-blah. Same if I did it for Chris. The thing is, it’s not about them. They benefit, but this is all me. And I want to do and be better.
When I started thinking through how I wanted my year to go, I started reading ridiculous amounts of “Do this…Don’t do that.” I remembered Crystal Paine and her Make Over Your Year/Evenings/Mornings Courses. I had done the mornings and evenings course years ago. Then Chris was gone 8 out of 12 months and not only was I solo parenting, I was solo everything and momma took the first–and largest hit. I feel like I’m just now coming out of that awful fog of 2014-2015.
I’ve decided to revisit the courses. I loved them the first time around and I know they work. And then I thought about y’all. Quickly, let me tell you this because this is how I thought of it. Maximilian and Leo are four years apart and right now, at 8 and 4, they are the best of buddies, until they aren’t, but then they quickly get right back to it. But the sweetest thing is, when Leo gets something–any treat or privilege, he tells Maximilian so he can get in on some of the good stuff as well. And that’s how I thought about this “Make Over My Life in 8 Weeks” idea; I wanted to share with y’all. I also wanted someone alongside me to encourage me when I slip or get discouraged.
For those who purchase all three courses, I will give you access to a Private Facebook Group where we will all meet to encourage, discuss, and hold each other accountable for the next 8 weeks. *The first accountability class has been filled.
So there you have it, How I’m going to make over my life in 8 weeks. Can I tell you, right now my biggest struggle is mornings. Part of this is because I stay up too late. Part of it is I’m not committed to a good morning plan. I get busy doing one thing when I should be doing another or I get lost in doing something for “just a minute” which is one of the biggest lies I tell myself and my kids. My days are spent just going from squeaky wheel to squeaky wheel–reactive instead of proactive.
Leave a message in the comments telling me what your biggest morning or evening struggle is right now. Order the courses and let’s be ready for all the new year has to offer or throw at us. Click below to order
Make Over Your Year
Make Over Your Evenings
Make Over Your Mornings
email proof of purchase to [email protected] to join the private Facebook group. *The first class has already been filled.
Chrissie says
I need a discipline make over. I’m hoping to join you guys after Christmas. My bathroom isn’t bare to the studs, but my kitchen is currently without permanent countertop and is being mudded to make way for me primer and paint.
God’s blessings as you step out in faith to put first things first!
Angela F says
Hi Jenny,
I sent you an email; loving accountability and encouragement would be so great!
clarefcj says
I love the late nights…and consequently am not a morning person…Yes that’s me too “Just one more minute…” I’ll be with you all in heart and prayer…
Rebekah says
This was a great reminder… I really want to prepare for this new year and work on being more disciplined. I’d never heard of those courses, may have to check them out!
Jenny says
I need the discipline to be more disciplined! If you purchase all three let me know and I’ll add you to the private FB group.
Sarah Damm says
I love this idea, Jenny! But I fear that I wouldn’t do it 🙁 Yeah, I’m one of those women who feels defeated before she even begins. I have a track record … I purchased the “Make Over Your Mornings” course, and I think I made it through Day 1. Ugh! But I hear you, it’s all about self-discipline and good habits for me. I am just so tired of failing! Will pray …