New year, same old everything else? It’s time to shake things up and have that super productive year you’ve always imagined (and are totally capable of living)! Make this your year of YOU.

What are your intentions and areas of focus for this year?

How do you want to make the most of the next 350+ days?

 

 

My action plan? It’s all about considering where I want to focus my energy. Here’s a peek at what my process looks like.

 

 1. I list my goals.

 

I brainstorm and write down both personal and professional goals–whatever comes to mind. I include everything from publishing my book and expanding my email list to spending more time outside and meeting like-minded people. 

 

2. I categorize my list into daily themes.

 

For me, this generally looks like: writing, business development, health, social, and so on and so forth. Then I assign each category to one day (sometimes two) of the week. This year, my week looks like this:

 

Monday + Tuesday: writing

My week starts with content creation as I want to publish 1-2 books plus regular blog posts and newsletters.

 

Wednesday: learn and apply

This day is for learning, creative play, updating designs, etc. I always like to leave space in my week to learn new skills, tools, and techniques.

 

Thursday: business development

This might include creating an online class or product or exploring (and applying) strategies for growth.

 

Friday: outreach and promotion

I cap off the workweek by socializing. I schedule social media posts, connect with others in my field, and share share share!

 

Saturday + Sunday: days OFF

I turn O-F-F on weekends to focus on: outside, family, and friends.

 

 

3. I schedule my priorities.

 

I create a schedule for each day based on its theme. Now this always begins as an experiment. The schedule I start with January 2 might not look the same by December 31 or even by March, but it sure helps to have a starting point!

Monday and Tuesday are my writing days, but I don’t plan to write from dawn ’til dusk. I don’t have the time (or energy) for that.

 

 

4. I create an action plan.

 

Ready to create your action plan for a productive year?

One of my aspirations this year is to expand my teaching. Practicing self-care has transformed my routines and lifestyle, and it’s something I’m passionate about sharing.

That’s why I spent New Year’s Eve publishing my very first online class. It’s now published on Skillshare and today it’s officially live! (Oh yeah, and it’s totally free.)

If you’re not familiar, Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of classes on everything from business to graphic design to fashion – it’s the Netflix of learning.

My class, Self Care for Productivity: Creating an Action Plan for Wellness at Work, will help you start your year strong and keep it that way.

 

In it, you will:

01. Perform self-assessments to identify your needs, goals, and progress

02. Create your daily self care action plan to manage stress and build healthy habits

03. Utilize mindful and practical tools to maintain consistency and lasting success

You’ll also create a personal action plan for your self-care practice through self-assessment, scheduling, habit stacking, and more!

I’m really proud of the work I’ve put in and the class I’ve created. If being more self-aware, balanced, and productive is important to you, I truly believe you’ll benefit from this class—both in the office and in general.

Please watch and share with anyone else that’d be interested to learn about (and act on) a productive self-care practice.

And if you really dig Skillshare, this link will give you 2 months free!

 

 

Act on this:

 

Ask yourself, “When can I make the time?” and then schedule it in! Whatever your plan, make it yours. Keep these 3 P’s in mind:

01. Make it personal: what investments do you want to make?

02. Determine your purpose: why is this area or investment important to you?

03. Keep it practical: how can you start today to set yourself up for success?

 

Leave a comment!

What’s your action plan for the year?

How will you make it personal, purposeful, and practical?