Turning A New Leaf š
Two concepts I'm working on to improve my life.
As the CEO of your life, do you ever just want to fire bad habits and bring in a new team of values? Because, same. Recently, Iāve been thinking a lot about how I can show up in my life that will not only make things easier but also more enjoyable. The outcome? ā
I want to show up in a more positive light on the internet.
I want to actually complete tasks/projects from start to finish.
Let me explain.
Showing up in a More Positive Light on The Internet
At dinner, I told my husband that I feel like Iāve been really negative on social media recently. For anyone following my motherhood journey over the last year, it may seem like I have hated every part of it (I havenāt by the way!)
Then, the other night the baby was having a rough time and I was exhausted. Instead of just going to bed and coming back in the morning with a clearer mind, I took it to Instagram and shared my frustration.
Donāt get me wrong, I love having a space where other moms and parents feel comfortable sharing their stories and relatability with me. The connections Iāve had recently have been incredible. However, I feel like I really do need to start sharing more of the positive things. Not to mask anything online, but so that I can train myself to see the good in the not so fun situations. You know?
I love making my baby smile, enjoying my morning coffee, and watching the sunrise spill through the kitchen window. I love spending time with my husband, organizing my home, and taking control of my health. I love our healthy meals, designing templates, and decluttering unnecessary things. I love watching QVC, snuggling in blankets, and watching my dog sleep.
But I donāt share enough of those things on social media.
Instead, Instagram has felt a bit like an afterthought. āI havenāt been on in a while, let me share a picture of my living room window and tell the world how tired I am.ā āThe baby is fussy so let me share my frustration.ā āAnother doctor appointment, let me complain about it to strangers who have enough going on in their lives.ā
Iāll be honest, I love following those accounts on social media that share their morning routines, the behind the scenes of a project theyāre working on, their fitness routines, crochet tutorials, etc. Instagram is a space for me that I like to unwind ā kind of like a cheesy romantic comedy book.
When I see posts and reels that are positive and uplifting, I feel more inspired and motivated to do good for myself. It puts me in a better mood. You, too?
So, thatās a goal I am working on for myself:
ā Social media is not a journal for me to spill my feelings about my child, stress, relationships, etc. There are some things best kept for myself.
ā Think before sharing. If I donāt want advice or input from others, letās reconsider.
ā Share more of the things that bring me joy! I want to be a light for others, too, even in the tough times.
Completing Tasks From Start to Finish
Ok, I am the queen of starting ten different projects at once and not completing a single one. Then wonder why I am so stressed at the end of the day.
Believe it or not, there is an endorphin release that comes from completing single tasks in their entirety.
I have several crochet projects (which are often referred to in the crochet world as āWorks in Progressā), sitting on my shelf. Because I tend to start new projects half way through, I also have an entire closet full of yarn. Subconsciously, the piles of yarn bring out bits of anxiety for someone who also wants to have a minimalistic home. Itās a double edged sword. If I just completed one project at a time, I could purchase extra yarn as needed, and avoid the overwhelm.
Likewise, my Canva design library is exploding with social media content, ebooks, PDFs, etc., that I just keep creating but never sharing. Imagine the relief Iād feel if I worked on a piece, shared it, and moved on to the next. Is that even possible?! Lol.
Iāve written several blog posts for my business that sit in the draft folder because I want it to be done to perfection before I hit publish. When in reality, the content I wrote would likely be helpful for several people out there the way it is.
Books are a way of escaping for me sometimes (especially because I love a good beach read!) Recently, I got a library card from our local library so I could read books on my kindle for free. I love that. BUT, a bad habit for me is checking out a book and having 21 days to complete it before it automatically gets returned to the library. It seems like every time Iām met with a warning, āYour book is scheduled to be returned to the library in 2 days.ā
Before I know it, Iām knee deep in 20 different projects and leisure activities that I donāt feel good anymore, I feel overstimulated. Not to mention, stressed.
I absolutely underestimate the power of completion. I think they call this the 90% club. You do a task 90% of the way before quitting and moving on - therefore, never getting anything done.
So, hereās what Iām going to work on:
ā First, finding my halfway done projects, choosing one, and completing it. I have a crochet project in mind that is so close to being finished.
ā Creating a running āto-finishā list. This way I can slowly check things off as I complete them. Giving me the most satisfaction possible.
ā Donāt spend money on another hobby/project until I have completed the others. I bet I could save quite a bit by doing this!
I know this post was a mixed bag of thoughts, but itās been on my heart and I find that if I write it down, Iām more likely to follow through. Look at me, completing a Substack post in one day! Ha!
Today, Iām challenging you to reflect on your life and find two things that might bring more joy and relief to you. Then, set a plan in place to accomplish those things.