Every year at this time, I break out a checklist of the 20 things that I would like to complete by the year’s end. (Only 63 days till 2024)
If we have been working alongside one another for any length of time, you have probably seen it. I find this checklist rewarding to use as it is a good day-to-day reminder of what little things to be focusing on that can ultimately add up to significant, positive results. Over the next 60 days, we are distracted by so many things. Work, family, holidays, health, finance. I have found that if I can identify some key things that I can focus on during the final 60 days of the year, it can help me achieve a sense of balance in my life and help me to invest a little time in areas that are in alignment with my values. Once again… I share with you.
- Be aware of everything you put into your body.
You know how this time of year kind of creeps up on you? There seems to be a dish of candy, a plate of cookies, or an extra bottle of wine almost everywhere we turn. A little nibble here, a small bite there, an extra glass now and then. Next thing you know, it’s January 1st and you are making a resolution to rid yourself of the extra 5-10 lbs. that miraculously showed up over the course of November/December. Be mindful.
- Mend a broken relationship.
You know exactly who I’m referring to. Pick up the phone, reach out to them, and fix that relationship that you know needs fixing. Even if the call doesn’t result in the desired outcome, you’ll feel better having made the effort. Go ahead… you can do it.
- Send a thank you card.
The power of the simple thank you is immeasurable and amazingly underutilized. The handwritten thank you card is even more appreciated by the receiver. Imagine doing one a day for the next 60 days?
- Release others’ expectations.
It’s one thing to have expectations of oneself and frankly, I hope yours are high. I’m not talking about your boss’s expectations here. (You want to make sure you keep your job) I’m talking about others’ expectations. To be honest, I’m talking about the effort that will never be appreciated by certain people. We try so hard sometimes to please others. Don’t be attached to the in-law who criticizes what you are wearing or how you’ve decorated your home. They don’t like your cooking?… tough. Hey, let it go. Enjoy yourself and your family and care less about others’ expectations.
- Perform a random act of kindness each day.
It’s the little things. Open a door for someone or pay the cup of coffee for the guy behind you. It’s the little things that put smiles on people’s faces and you have the power to make people smile.
- Acknowledge your staff, colleagues, and friends.
These people are our support systems. Whether you are at work or in the arms of a consoling friend, these people are paramount to your success. These are the people we share challenges with and collaborate with. These are the people we share a cup of coffee with, laugh with and cry with. Let them know how much they are appreciated.
- Buy yourself something special.
What the heck… you deserve it. Be nice to yourself. Get a new pair of shoes or a manicure. You don’t need to run out and buy a new car or a Rolex, but I’m guessing there is something that you really would like to have or enjoy. Maybe you’ve had that massage gift card in your sock drawer for a year and just haven’t taken the time to schedule it and enjoy. Go ahead and do it.
- Fix that thing that needs fixing.
The gate that won’t latch, the watch that stopped, or the smoke detector that has a dead battery… fix it. You know exactly what I’m talking about.
- Drink more water.
You know why… it’s good for you. Never enough water. Drink up. I just bought a Hydro Flask to have on my desk and set my alarm to ping me every 30 minutes to make sure I intake 100oz. a day. We all know the benefits of drinking more water so let’s make that a priority.
- Have a family dinner.
I’m not talking about all of you in the car at the same time as you go through the drive-through. I’m not talking about one kid in the living room eating one thing, while the other kid is in the bedroom eating something else, and you are eating while standing in the kitchen. I’m talking about, once a week, family together, at one table, at the same time, enjoying a meal together. And dare I say it… no cell phones. If done with authentic intentions, everyone… including the kids, will appreciate it.
- Make the effort to remember my name.
You know how you met me at a holiday get-together? I come up, extend my hand, and say, “Hi, I’m Terry… nice to meet you.” And then one minute later you have no idea what my name is. Let’s get better at this one. There are lots of good resources on the topic. Check it out: “How to Remember Names”
- Leave a little earlier and be on time.
“Oh, but I’m just a late person.” No, you’re not, you’re just being rude. Don’t make people wait… be on time. Check it out: “Never be Late Again”
- Make that doctor’s appointment.
You know… the one you are supposed to make when you are 40? 50? Or just because there is a funny-looking spot on your shoulder… make the appointment. You owe it to yourself and your family to get this done. No excuses when it comes to making your health a priority. Start by making the appointment.
- Exercise
Take the stairs. Walk instead of ride. It’s easy to make excuses. Stop! If you just take a 10-minute walk over the next 60 days, that’s 600 minutes, or 10 hours of walking. The average person burns about 300 calories per hour of walking. Seems like an easy way to burn 3000 calories.
- Schedule a seminar
Could be a motivational topic. Perhaps something on financial planning for the future. Maybe a church retreat. Do the research and find where the event(s) land in the 2024 calendar. Then schedule it.
- Do the right thing.
Seems obvious to most. We all have that occasional opportunity staring us in the face. No one is looking. Who would know? Do the right thing… consciously.
- Use less fuel.
Ride a bike, and shower more quickly. Put on a sweater and turn down the heater. It all adds up. I’m all about consumption for comfort, but I also feel better about consciously shrinking my carbon footprint. My kids appreciate it.
- Make a duplicate set of keys.
One of the best time management things I have ever done. Make a duplicate set of keys. Can’t find your keys? Grab the spare set and be on time. The lost set will turn up later.
- Don’t overspend.
I cannot emphasize this enough. We all want to participate in the spirit of giving this time of year. If you don’t have the money, don’t spend it. You don’t need to increase your revolving debt for me. There is nothing worse than getting through the holiday season only to be left with a spending hangover. A nice batch of homemade cookies or a nice card will be just as appreciated. And if your little ones don’t understand that concept, perhaps you need to educate them on financial realities and responsibilities.
- Pray
I’m a believer that the power of prayer is immense. Spend more time with your higher power, whoever or whatever they may be. Faith is one of the greatest things in this universe. Hope is restored to those who look to their faith. The world is a better place when we are in regular communication with those we love and with those who love us. Prayer is a mighty thing… but only if you practice it.
I hope you can use this checklist. Or better yet, put together a checklist of your own. Stay focused on it and have a little fun in the process.
