Too often I find myself looking at the coming week and creating a plan to survive. That isn’t a great mindset for beginning a week. So, lately, I have been making an effort to determine how I can set-up my week for success and actually thrive — instead of just surviving. Here are a few of my thoughts.
There is rarely enough time to do everything we want to do or all of the things we think we need to do. That is why we have to prioritize. Focus on the things that are most important — those that will have the most significant impact.
Things that matter most, must never be at the mercy of things that matter least. – Goethe
We may (or may not) be proficient at something, but we are always sufficient (I learned this from a student). Just as we should be patient with others, we need to make sure we afford ourselves plenty of grace. I know I make a lot of mistakes. I struggle in my efforts to keep people happy. I sometimes “drop the ball.” I misspeak. Get frustrated, and don’t always act the right way. But, that is okay as long as we own it, do our best, and stay focused on doing what is right. We must remember that we are enough. Just as we are.
You are a person of infinite value.
You are enough…just as you are.
You can be yourself.
Your mistakes do not define you.
You get a fresh start.
There will be things we encounter during that week that we can do something about. There will be other things that happen that are beyond our control. It is important that we recognize the difference and act accordingly. Take positive action when you can. Let go when you need to.
If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. – Maya Angelou
If we are not careful, if we do not remain mindful, our days will be ruled by chaos and the “tyranny of the urgent.” Do your best to stay in the moment. Takes things one at a time, and give the present your full attention (much easier said than done). Remember, there may not be time to finish everything, but with a mindful attitude, you can accomplish what is most important.
It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your natural fussings and frettings; coming in out of the wind. – C.S. Lewis
Don’t be fooled into thinking that little things don’t matter. They do. It is easy to see opportunities for kindness, to encourage others, as potential distractions — things that may upset our schedule. However, at the end of the day, if all you have accomplished is kindness, encouragement, and empathy it has probably been a pretty good day.
Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. – Desmond Tutu
Remember that each day is a new day. Every morning is an opportunity to start fresh, renew our outlook, and be determined to make a difference.
Every day is a new day, and you’ll never be able to find happiness if you don’t move on. I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning. – Eleanor Roosevelt
Have a wonderful week!
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