This is one of those photos I saved because it appeared in my queue after taking a hundred or more pictures during a long walking day in Rome, Italy. It reminds me that life out of focus can sometimes be enchanting. But we also need focus in our lives, right?
Lately, I have found it difficult not to focus in general, but to discern what to focus on. Have you been there?
As we round out the third quarter of this year, and head into the fourth (btw WHAT?! How is this possible?) I think of the goals I've set and what may lie ahead. You may remember that I became a grandmother this year, and I don't know that anything will ever top that. It's not really something I accomplished myself, but it feels pretty amazing to watch the adults my children have become and see the magic another generation brings to this life!
I shared a post on Instagram asking about wins you've had so far this year. If you want to join in the conversation and celebrate yours, check it out here!
But back to focusing...see what I mean? I find myself torn between reaching for (and hitting) big goals, and accomplishing the things know I can get done in a day.
Does that make sense?
So, this month, I'm sharing tools and tips that are (mostly) helping me stay on task and will hopefully allow me to end this year strong. If you missed the previous months of our favorites list, you can check them out here and here.
Calendars
I have begun to put everything in separate Google calendars and it's changed my life! I feel like I'm more organized than ever. You don't have to be a teacher to follow Michelle's videos online, but she has the BEST how-to video for Google Calendar beginners I've found! If you want to get more focused with the help of scheduling, check out this tutorial!
Morning Routine
I know it's been said time and again, but a good morning routine always helps. Here's the thing, though...mine looks different in different seasons of life. One routine that's really working for me right now is using an app called Insight Timer. There are encouraging talks, meditations, live teachings, relaxing music...and all for free. Plus, if you love an artist or teacher, you can tip them. How cool is that?
Bedtime Routine
My husband and I just talked about this on our walk yesterday. For some reason, I had been sleeping with my mouth open and instead of using a tape method overnight (hey, it was news to me too!) I decided to try the intention method. It's not a woo-woo concept like some people will claim–it's said to be proven in science.
So, I started to add an intention list to my nighttime routine. Before I go to sleep, I think about what I intend to remember the next day, I intend to sleep with my mouth closed, and I imagine doing these things successfully. And let me just tell you, since I've started this, I haven't woken up with a dry mouth once! To learn more about how this works with our brain, check out the video! (Btw, Insight Timer has sleepy-time music and meditations too if you want to add it to your bedtime routine as well!)
Business Focus (A Podcast Rec)
If you've followed me for a long while, you may remember me mentioning Cathy Heller. She's a force! Most people don't realize she's only been hosting a podcast for a few years and started without a social media following. She's now interviewed people from actor Alicia Silverstone to former first daughter, Chelsea Clinton. If you're looking for a way to get clarity and encouragement in your life and business, She's one to follow!
Books
When I was writing my second novel, I. Got. Stuck. And this book did me a HUGE favor. It delivered what it promised. If you're looking for motivation (and concepts) to help you get to the end of a project, read this book! My biggest takeaway: choose what to bomb right now. When you're trying to get a specific something done, you can get everything done! Simple. Profound. Practical help. Get your copy here!
Focusing on the future is what I'm doing. What are you focusing on right now?