Enthusiastically, Dawn

…behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

I know you are thinking I am off my rocker with a title like Oh, Monday- How I Adore Thee, but it’s the truth. Mondays are a Planner Person’s dream come true. There you have the whole week ahead of you, fresh…new, unmarred! Nothing has happened to mess up your weekly view or perfect planning. Of course once the alarm goes off, all bets are off. But stay with me in the moment for the newness of the week. Cast your vision. Look at those 7 beautiful days stretched out before you, and take a breath.

As a coach for many years, as I would sit with a new client, I would ask them to do an exercise for me. It was their homework and trust me it did not take long before most would realize how seriously I took that little assignment . Let’s just say those who were non-compliant found that extra squats, lunges and “un-timed” planks would appear on the day’s Fitness Training Menu. “Oopsy, sorry, I forgot to start the timer, just keep holding that plank and tell me all about  that homework assignment you did not do for me.” I found that most of my students would quickly see the wisdom in doing the homework assignments I requested.

What was that homework assignment you wonder? The homework  was to plan the ideal day and week in detail. However it included looking at commitments and must do’s as well as well as the idealistic expectations and want to do’s. I did this to gain a perspective of the individual’s life so that I could help them overcome obstacles that might hinder their ability to meet their fitness related goals. This little exercise combined with conversation gave me a “quick peek” into their schedules,  general perspective,  attitudes and pre-conceived ideas. In a word I was able to quickly see their priorities. This allowed me to effectively guide them, create a realistic program of exercise and to plan for short and long-term success in light of reality.

The reality is, life happens while you’re busy making your perfect plans, friends. So when it’s Monday you are in a beautiful position to plan well and plan your priorities for the week. What are your priorities? What matters most to you? We cannot do everything. We have to choose what we will strive for today. This week. In light of what is most important for this time of our lives.

Tomorrow and this week, I will be touching more on this topic…doing what matters in light of now and forever. Living your mission, keeping first things first. But for now…It’s Monday! Do you know what your priorities are?

pri·or·i·ty

noun \prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē, –ˈär-\

: something that is more important than other things and that needs to be done or dealt with first

priorities : the things that someone cares about and thinks are important

: the condition of being more important than something or someone else and therefore coming or being dealt with

A Practical Tip: Ponder your ideal day and week. What are your have to do’s for others, and self. What are the want to do’s. Make sure you write them in your planner (if you haven’t already). Notice what you are leaving out. If you have been wanting to read, write or get to the gym, walk outside for ten minutes, pray for 15…have you included it specifically in your plan? Planner? If not , why not? Write it down, and you are more likely to get it done.

A  Quote or two to Ponder:  “Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work.”  ~H. L. Hunt

A  Prayer for  Today:  Lord, you are the Maker of Mondays and every day, I receive from your hand this day with thanksgiving- whatever is given or withheld. I ask for the ability to prioritize what matters most in light of your Truth. Guide me into the right priorities and perspective today according to your good purpose. I ask in Jesus name, Amen.

This is Day 6 of the series Planning with Purpose: 31 Days of Planner Tips

I wrote an INTRO POST here explaining everything!

I have also made designated a PAGE for it. Hope this makes it easy. I am happy to tackle a topic, or issue with regard to your planner habits.

Feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me. 

I pray this series is a blessing to you.