The Need to Simplify: How to Create More Simplicity When You are a Go-Getter

In a world where multitasking has become the norm, and the demands of daily life seem to increase exponentially, the concept of simplifying has never been more relevant. As we navigate the complexities of our personal and professional lives, it's essential to take a step back and reflect on what truly matters. This year, my Word of the Year (WOY) is "Simplify," chosen in response to the overwhelming feeling of being spread thin and the need to focus on the essentials.

Before diving into the details of my current WOY, let's take a quick journey through my previous words: Contentment, Intention, Connect, and Alignment. Each of these words played a crucial role in shaping my mindset and guiding my actions. However, the evolution of my life's challenges and experiences has led me to the realization that simplicity is the key to unlocking a more profound sense of contentment and intention.

Have you ever considered adopting a Word of the Year for yourself? In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the power of a single word to anchor our intentions and actions. The need for simplicity arises when we find ourselves overwhelmed, saying "yes" to too many commitments, and spreading ourselves too thin.

Contemplating the adoption of "Simplify" as my Word of the Year involved a conscious decision to start saying "no" more often. While I considered implementing monthly challenges, reflection on my priorities paved the way for a more intentional and focused approach to life.

To bring my commitment to simplicity to life, I have chosen to implement the 12-Week Year methodology (based on this book by Brian Moran), focusing on only three goals in different areas of my life.

1. Health Goals: Sleep 8 hours, Eat a salad/day, and Intentionally move my body daily. UPDATE: I decided to simplify this even further and am focusing ONLY on intentionally moving my body for at least 20 minutes each day.
2. Relational Goals: Connect more with my family. To make this goal SMARTER and to simplify it, I changed it a bit by making the goal to carve out weekly 1:1 time with my husband and go on a date with a different child each week.
3. Business Goals: Work smarter, not harder by using the Power of One to create momentum. Not specific enough! I decided to focus on repurposing each video/podcast episode in at least 5 different ways- something within my control and aligns beautifully with the Power of One!

Reflecting on the past year, where I had a bucket list of 18 things and accomplished only five, I realized the importance of setting fewer, more meaningful goals. Quality over quantity has become my mantra for success.

To integrate simplicity into my life, I am adopting a multi-faceted approach:

1. Focus on Fewer Goals: Concentrating on a limited number of goals allows for deeper, more meaningful progress.
2. Declutter Physical and Mental Spaces: Simplifying my surroundings and thoughts creates a conducive environment for success.
3. Assess Resources: A thorough evaluation of my resources, from time to support systems, ensures I have what I need for success.
4. Build a Support System: Surrounding myself with a team, including business buddies, therapy, family communication, and hiring a coach, provides invaluable support.
5. Tracking Progress: To stay on course, I've created a chart in the back of my planner to track progress. This visual representation serves as a constant reminder of my journey towards simplicity and success.

As we embark on a new year, I encourage you to consider adopting your Word of the Year. Whether it's Balance, Flow, Joy, Family, Forgiveness, or, like me, Simplify, a chosen word can be a powerful guiding force in shaping a focused and fulfilling year ahead. Embrace simplicity, and watch as it transforms your life in ways you never thought possible.

If you would like help with selecting your word of the year or you'd like to learn how you can transform your relationships (with your partner, your children, and yourself) this year, I invite you to schedule a call with me. Together, we can make the next year absolutely amazing!