Putting "First Things First"

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We are halfway through January- How are you doing with those resolutions?  If you are like most people, you have lost some momentum.  Don’t get discouraged- there are bound to be hit or miss moments along the way to making lasting change.

It will help for us to look at our habits: The good, the bad, and the ugly- procrastination.

                                     

New habits take thought, practice, and time. Dr. Stephen Covey (1932-2012) was a habit expert.  His book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People has over 15 million copies in print.  I have two of those copies, one fell apart from being re-read so much. Covey's work is my favorite go-to-guide in the area of time/life management.

                                               

Our most popular resolutions focus on habit changes in health (lose weight, exercise more), relationships (socialize, keep in touch), or work ( job changes/improvements, education, recreation).  Each big goal is really a series of small habits.  Goal planning is important but not urgent.  There are many things that can distract us from our goals- some are important, others are . . . just distracting.

Covey directs our attention to the important (but not urgent) goals with the good habit  of “Putting first things first.” We must intentionally plan for success.Without a plan we will bounce from other people's deadlines and crisis to soothing but brain numbing activities.

Do you want a crisis oriented life in 2015? If not, planning will help you get the balanced (healthy you, healthy relationships, meaningful work)  life you want.

Take time for a well-being Check Up:

•        Are you satisfied with your 2015 goals? 
•     Set aside a brain break to write/revise your goals to identify the small habits that will lead to     big change.
•     What new habits can you schedule into your day/week?
•     How will you be accountable? (calender, friend, reminders)
•     What bad habits are holding you back? 
•     What would your week of good habits look like?
•     Are you ready to put “first things first?”

The good habits of planning your time and tracking your progress will make 2015 different than 2014. 

Grab your Shiny New Calendars and Let's Plan!

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Researchers have studied parent child communication to evaluate the quality and quantity of dialogue in families.  The results might startle you.  Once we remove the "Brush your teeth" directional speech and "Please look at me when I am talking" correctional language, our American families are clocking in at less than 8 minutes a day of meaningful conversation.

Here is what is taking up our family time:

1. Structured Activities/Sports
2. Homework/Studying
3. Internet/Cell Phone
4.Television

You could make an argument that all of these things have varying degrees of importance to your family.  You do not necessarily have to eliminate any of the time consuming activities to create time, but you will probably have to develop some limits on activities that are competing with meaningful connection as a family. 

How are parents beating the national average? Intentional planning!

Some ideas for scheduled family time are:

1. A certain number of at home family dinners per week.
2. Stay up late night for each child for undivided parent time.
3. Taking your child out to lunch (or dining in the school cafeteria).
4. Family outings on the weekend.
5. Volunteering together.
6. Special projects (Organizing the play room?)
 
Don't feel guilty - chances are you are already doing some planned family time, but I bet you can improve on family time this year. I like to start off my new year with a shiny blank calendar.  The little boxes are fresh with possibilities. 

What's your story for 2013? How will you spend your time? Will those empty dates get filled with meaningful commitments?  The choice is up to you.

Please share your 2013 thoughts about family time.