The Motivation Journal

Do you remember the old high school journal?

You know:
"Dear diary,
Today Thomas looked at me. He actually noticed I was there!"

Aahhh, the good old days of simplicity. When your most complicated issue was making sure you had studied for your maths test or that your best friend had stopped talking to you.

Either way, I know that my journal got me through so much of it all. Recently, I started a motivation journal. I guess in a way it's like the good old high school journal, but it's purpose, is to give me a kick in my procrastinating butt and make me take action.

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I struggle with motivation. I'm the first to admit I can be a little lazy at times. I am also easily overwhelmed. This is when I'm least likely to take action. So when I have an issue, or a big project, I sit down with my motivation journal and think it out, I make plans.

This is also where I keep my "vision pages". I don't have space for a vision board, so in its place I cut out pictures of things I want and glued them in to my motivation journal. I feel so young doing some cutting and pasting!

On Me and My Munchkin's Facebook page I used to post one thing I was grateful for on a daily basis. That dwindled away when I got busy or forgot to post, so although I don't do it on Facebook, I still try to get in my journal at least once a week and make a list of things I'm grateful for. My most recent list was things about me that are great. I've been having a few problems with self love the last few weeks, so this was perfect.

The motivation journal is very similar to a regular journal, but I make sure it's much more positive. I found with previous journals they could be very negative, only speaking of problems. I make sure to include things I'm excited about, wishes for the future, and if I have an issue to write about, I always make sure that I write a possible solution to the problem.

So do I have you convinced? Want your own motivation journal? My only advice is to make sure you pick out a pretty notebook to use. I always find it so much easier to write when the journal is pretty!

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Did you keep a journal in high school?
Do you keep one now?

It's Friday so I am flogging my blog over with the lovely Grace at With Some Grace, head over there for even more awesome bloggers!

Lists, Lists and More Lists!

I have been talking lately about being a little time poor, and having awful not so good time management skills. Well, I have been tackling these issues the last few weeks, and I must say, so far I am pretty proud of my results.

The first thing I did, was start writing lists (oh lists how I love thee!)

I started with a list of what needs to be done on a daily and weekly basis. My daily list included things like meals, exercise, washing, and preparation for the next day. The weekly list included grocery shopping, changing the beds, housework, etc.

After that I mapped out Master A's schedule. He already wakes, naps, has dinner and goes to bed at the same time each day, I just needed to add in a time to make sure we are ready for the day by, and morning and afternoon teas (more info on Master A's food and meals to come in a later post).

I then did a list of Monday to Sunday and scheduled each job that needs to be done (including studying and blogging, which are my real issues right now) into a day. Friday is my housework day, Wednesday I need to do some reading for Tafe and some blogging, etc. I don't have set times for these. With Master A's age, it really is too difficult to schedule my time and jobs around him.

The last lists I made were morning, day and night routines. I have aimed for us to be dressed, ready to face the day by 8:30am. The morning routine tells me what needs to be done for that to happen. I should mention that as of next week, I will be getting up an hour earlier than Master A to get myself dressed, have a healthy breakfast and have his all ready to go for when he wakes.

The day routine consists of things like ensuring a load of washing goes on in the morning, going for a walk after Master A wakes from his nap, or after lunch and making sure dinner is prepared for the night.

The night routine is pretty straight forward. The only things I have changed is to add a quick tidy of Master A's room and unpacking his bag and repacking for the next day.

As you can see I typed these up in word and printed them out for convenience (and just coz they looked prettier!)

I am now trying to tackle my procrastination issues. Not so much of my day spent on Facebook or sitting around watching TV, which I have been so bad for since the renovations started in our kitchen.

I have a plan for the day in my motivation journal - more on this later this week and I make sure I make time for the fun things with Master A.

Do you have routines in your house?
If you are a work at home/study at home mum, how do you balance your time and still get time out?

And of course because it's Friday I am linking up for the first time in a few weeks with the gorgeous Grace over at With Some Grace for Flog Yo Blog Friday...

... And also the beautiful Bree over at Twinkle in the Eye for Flash Blog Friday!

6 Month Goal Update

I am now at my halfway point for my 6 month goals so I thought I might do a little update and let you all know how I'm going. I am actually quite proud of my current progress, and excited to continue on with them!

1. To build Master A's immune system up and get him back into a sound routine.
Master A's routine is going pretty well. It is not set in concrete, which means it is flexible, and I like that. He gets up at around the same time every day, naps at around the same time, eats his meals and goes to bed at the same time every day. You can read about our bedtime routine here. 

His immune system unfortunately is still not great. To be honest though, mine is just as bad, and both of us need to focus on building our immune systems so that we don't get sick as often!

2. To become totally comfortable in my own company.
I have become much more comfortable in my own company. Though I do still feel lonely, particularly on a Friday or Saturday night. This is when I need to keep myself busy by blogging, watching a favorite movie or TV show, or finding something to do around the house. On the whole though, I am definitely feeling a lot more comfortable on my own.

3. To be organised and efficient in various areas of my life.
I am not a naturally organised person. I work hard to be organised, and I love it. I'm a total control freak and this gives me that sense of control in a chaotic Mother's world. I am slowly becoming much more organised throughout my life. These are a few lists and charts that I use already to help make life easier. 

I have done a bit of sorting and organising in my room and Munchkin's room to make things easier. I have also started a major clean out that I am in the middle of. I am reviewing my current weekly routine and also my budgeting. I would like to think I am well on my way to living a fairly organised life. Now I just need to find a man that doesn't think I'm crazy!

Do you have goals that you need to do update on?
What do you think; don't tell the men I meet that I am as crazy "anal" as I am until they have already fallen helplessly in love with me?

Linking up with the awesome Bree from Twinkle in the Eye for Flash Blog Friday!

The Not-too-Strict Parenting Plan

You all know how much I love goal-setting. I have worked out my personal 6 month and 12 month goals. One area of my life that has fallen a little behind is my parenting. So I thought that if I set a few small goals I may be able to change that, and just maybe, I could become Supermum! OK, so maybe not, but still, any positive change is good for my little Munchkin. And you can never stop learning things as a parent.

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My first goal is spending more time doing fun things at home with Master A. Not getting distracted by the computer, housework, TV, or anything else. It's time to pull out the blocks and the train set and start playing!

My second goal is to get Master A's food under control. There is a reason why going to the Grandparents house is such a treat. Because they have all the treats. The cupboards are stuffed full of biscuits and lollies for when the grand kids come over. The problem is, when you live with the Grandparents, and Grandad has a problem with saying "no", this makes for meal time dramas! No more continuous snacking throughout the day and refusing to eat meals for this little Munchkin!

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My third goal is to socialise Master A more. He is in day care once a week, I am looking to start Kindergym this term as well. We do have plenty of play dates however I want something a little more structured. Weekly fun scheduled in the diary.

I do have my fingers crossed that these goals will turn me into Supermum, and Master A will look at me with those adoring eyes usually reserved for when he hurts himself. That medal I mentioned earlier this week would be a welcome surprise (I have even practiced my acceptance speech!)

I will, however simply accept having an even stronger bond with my Munchkin. What more could I really ask for?

Do you have a "parenting plan"?
What would you say in your best mum medal acceptance speech?

Linking up with With Some Grace for Flog Yo Blog Friday

The Ideal Life

I have started on my "big clean out", and while wading through many water damaged boxes in my parents garage, I came across one of my favorite organising books: It's all too much by Peter Walsh.

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It's all too much is a brilliant book about de-cluttering your home and life. Of course, once I found it, I had to start reading it again. Peter Walsh is an organisation expert, and when he is with clients he starts off their journey by asking them what their ideal life is, in every aspect. Their home, health, relationships, experiences, activities and career. I started to think about my ideal life, and what I want from it.

My living situation is a lot more permanent than I had planned when I moved back home with my parents 8 months ago. In my ideal life Master A and I are living in our own place. A unit with a little back yard would be perfect. My friends are extremely important to me so I would love to focus on my friendships. Spending time with them and entertaining at home, being that having a small child means I can't always go out.

I want to have the time to do something for me; yoga, scrap booking and exercise are all things that I would love to make the time to do. Having an organised and clutter-free house would give me the space and time to do so. I would be working part time in a job that I enjoyed and studying.

I know that it seems I am trying to have it all, but this is my ideal life!

So now that I have my ideal life in mind (it is a little more complex in my head, I just skimmed over it for you) I am getting set on clearing out the junk. Anything that doesn't fit in with my "ideal life" doesn't stay.

It has given me the chance to sit and really think about what it is that I actually want in my life. Even the simple things like hobbies and interests. Not only in terms of big goals.

Have you ever thought about your ideal life?
What kinds of hobbies/interests would you love to make time to do?

Linking up with Diary of a Stay at Home Mum for IBOT

Getting Back on Track

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In recent weeks I have lost my focus and direction. I have been walking around each day, with definite goals in mind, but no real motivation to get to them. My days have been a mess, and things are not getting done. Responsibilities are falling behind and I am a little unsure as to whether I still want the same things. My 6 month goals and 12 month goals are still the same, however I have been a little unsure what it is I am working towards in my personal self. What I am doing it all for, the big picture.

After sitting down and having a think about what it is that I still want for my life, and how to fix things like my weekly schedule so that I am working toward this, I have come up with my current focus in life.

Getting my life running more organised and smoothly. I have let a lot of my routines and systems fall behind and life has been a little chaotic because of it. Living with my parents means that there is 3 adults and a toddler all living under 1 roof. My dad is known as a bit of a hoarder. This is particularly hard on myself, being such a tidy-nazi. It also makes it hard to keep clean myself and keep systems in place when you are living amongst clutter. I am going to assist my Mum in clearing the clutter, to make the house a more pleasant place to live in for all of us.

Raising a healthy, happy and independent child. This is a life-long goal. Master A has had a pretty bad run when it comes to illness, however he always comes out on top. He is also a very happy, social, and fearless little toddler (as a lot are). I believe that it is essential that children grow up with some degree of independence. I am working hard on this and always will.

Furthering my study and career. I have been toying with the idea of studying for a couple of years now, and found it all went out the window once I had Master A. His father insisted that I work, and whenever I spoke of cutting back hours to study I was shut down quickly. I was only able to quit work once I had separated from him. Now that I have been home for a couple of months I am looking at studying again. I love budgeting and accounts so will be applying to do a Tafe course online for Accounts Administration in the second semester. I have then been tossing up the idea of applying to do a Bachelor of Accounting through Open Universities. These plans are not set in stone, but things I am thinking about.

Expressing myself through my blog. I  have only been blogging for a little over a month and I am already loving it. I love helping other mums feel that they are not the only ones that feel the way they do some days. I love explaining things from a single mum's point of view. I can not wait to build my blog and plan on doing this for a long time yet!

Bringing down the debt. The entire reason I moved home with my parents was that I was not financially able to support us, after walking away from my relationship with the majority of our debt. It is not something I am proud of, but it is something I have to wear. I am slowly but surely climbing out of the hole, and although I have a long way to go, I know that this is what I am working towards.

I know that this is very similar to my goal blog posts, but the difference is that I have lost my focus, what I am doing all of this for. This is what I want from my life. I just have to take it one step at a time, just me and my munchkin.

Have you ever lost your focus in life? Forgotten what you are doing it all for? I would love to hear about your experiences and how you put yourself back on track.

The Next 12 Months

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Following on from last weeks post on my goals for the next six months, I have my goals for the next twelve months! These goals were a lot harder to set, as I am unsure what my situation is going to be in 12 months time. I may be living in my own place, I may still be living with my parents. I may be working, or I may not. So I have just come up with some goals based on my situation at the present time, assuming that nothing changes. The beauty with this is that if my situation or circumstances change, I can adapt my goals and change them to suit. It is good to allow your goals to be flexible so that you aren't disappointed if something happens and you have to change them, or come up with new goals altogether.

So here are my 3 goals for the next 12 months:

1. To be financially stable
Like a lot of people coming out of a relationship, I have walked away with a less than desirable financial position. I have accepted this and I am slowly working through it all. I hope to be back on my feet in 12 months time and working towards savings.

2. To have more professional photos taken of my munchkin
When Master A was about 2 months old, we had family photos taken. Now that he is almost 19 months old, I would love to have more done, and have made it a goal to ensure that some are taken in the next year. I have allowed a year as professional photos can be very expensive, and I want to be sure that I can afford to get the photos that I want.

3. To be looking at getting my own place
The support from my parents has been great these last 6 months, but I would love to have a place of my own to call home. So I am hoping that if I haven't already, I will be looking at getting a place, just for me and my munchkin!

So there you have my goals for the next 12 months. I am not expecting too much of myself, and these are flexible if anything should happen and they need to be changed. I would love for you to share how you work out your goals. Do you work out 6 and 12 month goals, or do you just do one list? Please take the time to share with us your goals.

The Next 6 months

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http://imprinttrainingcenter.blogspot.com.au/2010/11/from-wishes-to-dreams-from-dreams-to.html

I mentioned in my last post Attitude of Gratitude that I was undertaking a makeover of the soul. Since moving home with my parents, I have been a little lost, I have been lacking direction. Goals are a great way of getting me back on track. They give me something to work towards. Don’t get me wrong, goal setting is not for everyone. Some people don’t like the structure of goals, or prefer to just enjoy the ride, not focus on the finished product. Some people really aren’t disciplined enough to follow the paths to reach their goals. Sometimes I can be one of those people. If I overload myself with goals or pick something that is just attainable at this point in my life.

I have had a little bit of trouble with my goals in the last year so this time I am choosing to things a little different this time. I have come up with a number of goals that I want to achieve within the next 6 months. I will then form goals for the next 12 months, and then for the next 2 years. I do not want to go beyond that time frame as I am in such a temporary situation, and I am unsure how long I will be here, or where my life will be in 3, 4 or 5 years time.

Goal setting is really quite simple. You think about something that you want to achieve, and you break it down into small chunks, so that you have a plan mapped out for how to get there. These can be added to your weekly to-do list. It’s the same as planning a party. When you plan a party, you have to work out the food, the guests, the venue, the decorations, and these all get added onto your to-do list to make sure that they are ready for the party. The party is the goal, and the aspects of planning are the small chunks.

I have made 7 goals for myself for the next 6 months. These goals are from all aspects of my life. My schooling/career, my car, my personal growth and my sons health. I have chosen a few to share with you.

1.      To build Master A’s immune system up and get him back into a sound routine.

Master A’s immune system has suffered a real blow in the last 6 weeks, and it seems that he is catching everything under the sun. All of this sickness has caused his routine to suffer, meaning sleepless nights and a run-a-muck boy. I have chosen an immune-booster to help, as well as upping the amount of fruit and vegetables he eats. I will print out a copy of Master A’s schedule and stick it to the wall so that I can remind myself of his schedule and routine.

2.     To become totally comfortable in my own company.

Being a single mother can be rather lonely at times. Friends are a great source of company, and of course there is Master A, but what about the days when everyone is busy, or Master A is sleeping and I find myself checking Facebook on my every 5 minutes for something to do? I plan to make a list of things to do by myself that I enjoy and make me happy. I also want to make a list of hobbies that I would like to try, and hopefully I can find a new hobby to keep me busy.

3.     To be organised and efficient in various areas of my life

I am already a fairly organised person, but there are still a few things that need tweaking, and would help my life run a lot smoother, especially help with time management. I am a huge fan of lists (if you hadn’t noticed!) so I have lists and charts for everything. And what I don’t, I have them on my to-make list.

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http://beccisdomesticbliss.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/lets-get-organised-wk6-menu-planning.html

These are just a few of my goals for the next 6 months. I will be making my 12 month goals next, and will be sharing those with you once I am finished. Please feel free to give me a friendly kick up the butt and reminder to make sure that I am working on these goals!