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What a Difference a Duplicate Can Make!
Having duplicates of certain items really is a game changer.
Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Sometime I wonder how many times I need to learn the same lesson.
You make recall I wrote a whole blog about the value of duplicates. Instead of always having to pack a phone charger, just keep one in your purse and keep one in your travel bag.
Life changing when you remember to implement this! Yet, so easy to forget.
Getting Started
I often wear a fanny pack around the house, so that I can keep track of my phone.
When we go outside to wait for the bus in the morning, I would wear my fanny pack with my phone and then also need to remember to grab my purse with our keys, so that we don't get locked out. (See where I’m going here?)
I know, I know. I try to leave the door unlocked - we’re only at the end of the driveway! - but sometimes I forget and once I locked us out and had to call my sister to let me back in.
One day it occurred to me, why don't you put a house key in the fanny pack! (There it is!)
Such a simple solution that has removed a whole step in the morning routine!
It has also simplified me taking a walk outside, which I don't do enough these days, so that's an even bigger win! Kid on the bus, phone and key in my fanny pack, hello, 10,000 steps!
After adding the house key to my fanny pack, I realized I needed to buy an additional step stool.
Short people problems - I can't close the blind in my bedroom without a step stool. So every night I would steal the step stool from the bathroom to close my blind and then have to put it back. As a result, sometimes I never opened the blinds.
You guessed it -- a second step stool -- problem solved!
Where does having a duplicate of something make sense in your life? Or in your kids’ lives as you get ready to send them back to school? Does a duplicate item in the locker and at home make the most sense?
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
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Are you Late?
And, I don’t mean late for a meeting.
Photo by Canva.
Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
I recently took this amazing training with Dr. Ross Greene on Collaborative and Proactive Solutions.
The idea is to work together with kids (or anyone really) to understand the problem and find a realistic and mutually satisfactory solution. His book, The Explosive Child is a great starting point. And, no, your child (or co-worker) does not need to be explosive for this to be a game changer.
One of his mantra's is "Don't be late." By this, he means you need to go back to the original problem and solve that.
While this seems so simple, I feel like this is where we often get it wrong.
Getting Started
Below is an example of a recent problem in our house where my first instinct was to solve the late problem.
As I walked out of the bathroom, my daughter threw a wooden hair brush at me, hard enough that it snapped and broke on the floor. I became frustrated because she threw the hairbrush, which was both dangerous and caused damage. But her frustration started long before the brush was thrown.
When I sat down and thought through what happened, below are all the frustrations that build up and caused the behavior that then frustrated me.
We had gone into the bathroom to begin our nighttime routine.
She had finished showering and brushing her teeth calmly.
As we do every night, she started brushing her hair, while I took out my contacts.
While brushing her hair, she got really frustrated.
That didn't phase me. We all get frustrated. I told her it was fine to stop and I would help her when I was done.
But she didn't stop and her frustration rose.
Then she started yelling at me.
I calmly asked her to take a few breaths and redo her words.
She was able to redo her words kindly, but then slammed the door as she exited the bathroom.
As I left the bathroom a few minutes later, that’s when she threw the brush.
Immediately, the problem I wanted to solve was her throwing the hairbrush (and eventually, that action does need a response).
After taking a few moments, I realized that was LATE. Very LATE.
The problem we needed to solve was difficulty brushing her hair.
We did solve it together. It's been two weeks and so far so good! :-)
What's interesting is that I feel like I am referencing this mantra all the time.
A student having trouble getting to class on time. The early problem is the student can't turn off the video games to go to bed before 3:00AM.
Making an unhealthy food choice while going out to dinner. The early problem is that I hadn't made the time to eat a protein filled lunch.
Frustrated and stressed that you have to create and give a 30-minute presentation in 4 hours. The early problem is that you didn't take the two minutes to add the presentation to your calendar, when you originally read the email from your boss.
"If you solve the early problem, often the late problem goes away." Dr. Ross Greene.
What is currently frustrating you? Is it LATE?
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
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Schedules are a Guide
Look at schedules as more of a guideline to your day or week.
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
As you may have read in an earlier blog, Mondays are my laundry day.
I chose Mondays for two main reasons:
Monday's allow me to go away on the weekend and not fall behind on my weekly tasks.
Secondly, by doing my laundry on Mondays, I always start the week by accomplishing something useful, even if the rest of my day or week goes to hell.
Over the last few months, we have been spending more time at home on the weekends.
So on those weekends, when we are in and out of the house, I have been getting started on our weekly laundry.
Some weekends, I get it all done. On other weekends, I get the towels and my daughter’s laundry done, leaving mine for Mondays when she goes to school and I get back to working with clients.
There is no pressure. But boy, does it feel amazing when Monday arrives, and the laundry is either done or well underway.
I like our schedule. I want to keep Monday as our official laundry day.
But some weeks, doing the laundry on the weekend works better.
Schedule's are a guide. Don't be afraid to make adjustments or revisions.
In fact, you may find a schedule that works even better!
Getting Started
Pick a day of the week that makes the most sense for you to take a look at the weekly calendar and what’s upcoming. Is there a day during the upcoming week when you’ll be home on Zoom meetings all day? Maybe that becomes the day to do household administration - pay bills, make appointments, and place your online grocery order. That frees up another day when you aren’t tied to your home to get other errands done or to go out and have fun without worrying that you’re “off schedule.”
In my opinion, the summertime is the best time to put this into practice. We’re all a little more go-with-the-flow and have fewer “must-dos” on our plates.
Schedules are meant to be a guide to make your life easier. Feel free to make adjustments or revisions. I dare you to! In fact, you may find a schedule that works even better!
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
Follow Me
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The Magic of Noise Cancelling Headphones
Photo by Canva.
Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
This week, I was reminded of the value of looking at how you can change your environment before trying to change yourself.
As Gretchen Rubin says, "It's easier to change our surroundings than ourselves."
Without getting into the details, there has been a lot of noise in our house these past months. As a parent, I’m sure you have heard the phrase, “You’ll miss the noise and mess!” from your parents or grandparents. I often think, “Okay, but right now, I have a headache, and the noise is too much!”
It's a common sentiment among parents to feel overwhelmed by the constant noise and activity in the house. It's perfectly natural to crave some peace and quiet, even while acknowledging that you might miss the chaos one day. Craving peace and quiet isn’t just for parents. This can be true for folks who have returned to the office or are working a hybrid model, and the click-clacking of their cube mate’s keyboard is becoming a little bit like torture.
It doesn’t matter what the trigger is; it can be difficult to focus, remain calm, and complete tasks.
Getting Started
I have tried SO MANY methods to remain calm among all the chaos that is life.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
Sometimes, I may remain calm on the outside, but I am anything but calm on the inside.
A few weeks ago, enough was enough. I needed to look for something - anything! - that would help me focus. I bought noise-cancelling headphones.
This week, I finally broke them out. What a game-changer!
I still hear the "noise,” but at a much more manageable volume.
I didn't have to fake being calm. I didn't need to take deep breaths or give myself a "time-out.” I just needed a way to lower the volume.
Maybe it isn’t noise cancelling headphones that will drastically change your day-to-day and help you focus better. Perhaps it’s Creating a Laundry Schedule, or Making Meditation a Habit, or even Making Time for Movement in Your Day that will drastically change how you will improve your day-to-day life.
What’s “the thing” that can improve your life?
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
Follow Me
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The Art of Delayed Gratification
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
In a prior blog, we talked about how work ethic is a skill.
Today, I want to discuss delayed gratification. It’s a skill you can grow, leading to vast long-term benefits.
Wikipedia defines delayed gratification as "the resistance to the temptation of an immediate pleasure in the hope of obtaining a valuable and long-lasting reward in the long term."
In society, we often classify people who can resist temptation as "better," "stronger," and "having higher morals and ethics."
However, we don't classify people better at math or writing as better people with higher morals and ethics. They simply have more math and writing skills.
In part, what makes delayed gratification so hard to master is that it involves all of the executive functioning skills.
Getting Started
So, we’ve delayed long enough - see what I did there?! - what skills do you have to grow to improve at delaying gratification?
Delayed gratifications incorporate:
Planning / Prioritization
Task Initiation
Sustained Attention
Organization
Time Management
Goal Directed Persistence
Flexibility
Working Memory
Response Inhibition
Emotional Control
Metacognition
I recommend focusing on one skill at a time. Work on it consistently for short spurts.
Remember, we learn new skills every day—even hard skills.
Which skill do you want to start with?
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
Follow Me
Share this post
The Price of More
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
We live in a culture where we are always taught to strive for more.
We want to purchase the newest trend.
We want a house with one more bathroom.
We want our kids to have all the toys and gadgets we felt we never had.
Getting Started
Having more means managing more.
More to find space for.
More to clean.
More to argue about when it's time to clean up.
This is equally true for responsibilities.
How many more hours a week will you need to work if you get that next promotion?
How much sleep will you have to give up if you take on that new volunteer role?
How many soccer games will you have to miss if you choose the job with travel?
Choose wisely.
Often, less is more!
"The more things you have, the more things you have to manage. Simplicity isn't merely cheaper, it's easier."
- James Clear
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
Follow Me
Share this post
Is It Worth It?
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Is it worth it?
We know that time is our most valuable resource.
Yet, we have so many ideas that feel exciting, valuable, and worth it.
How should we decide where to spend our time?
One way it to ask yourself, "If no one else knows I am doing this, would it still be worth it?"
Getting Started
Are you choosing to write a book because you want to add it to your resume?
Do you want to get that master's degree from Harvard, so that you can say you went to Harvard?
Do you want that fancy car, so that everyone can see how successful you are?
We should be proud of our accomplishments.
We should be proud to share our accomplishments.
However, we should work towards our accomplishments because it's worth it to us. Not to prove something to someone else.
What if your list of accomplishments for this year includes all things that no one, other than you and a few close friends and family, will ever see? Things like organizing your pantry, cleaning out closets, and getting your finances in order. Those accomplishments are all very much worth it - to you, to your family, and, likely, to your mental health.
When planning your next list of goals, as yourself, is this worth it and why.
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
Follow Me
Share this post
Be the Cheerleader
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
As a kid, I loved gymnastics. I loved doing it. I loved watching it. I loved cheering for my favorite gymnasts. Special shout out to two of my childhood heroes: Dominique Moceanu and Vanessa Atler!
Ironically, I never wanted to be a cheerleader. I didn't like the idea of cheering on the boys’ team. After all, no boys were cheering on our girls’ field hockey team.
As an adult, I feel differently.
I love being a cheerleader.
Being a cheerleader provides the feeling of joy when others succeed.
Being a cheerleader gives you a front-row seat for the journey, through the highs and the lows, and the opportunity to learn many valuable lessons along the way.
Getting Started
There isn’t a big secret in how to be a cheerleader for your friends, family, and colleagues. Simply show up. Send a text or a call on a day you know there’s something important happening. Send cards just to let them know you’re thinking of them. I have a friend who will send $10 through the Starbucks app on mornings she knows her friends have big presentations, job interviews, or just need that extra love.
I believe that the more we work together and support others, the more likely we are to succeed.
Enjoy the journey and surround yourself with those you believe in!
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
Follow Me
Share this post
Annual Photo Book
Photo by Canva.
Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Annual Photo Book
We live in an age where we take photos all day long, but those photos almost all live in a digital world. We have to make a cognizant effort to print photos and display them in our homes or offices (assuming you still go to one). One way I love to capture and relive memories is by printing out an annual photo book.
This is the perfect time of year to set yourself up for success in creating a photo book for 2024 (or 2023 if you want to work backward).
Getting Started
I keep it simple.
My iPhone photos back up to Google Photos.
I go into Google Photos on my computer and click "Make a photo book".
Then I select all the photos from that year that make me smile.
I don't worry about the order. I usually keep it simple with one photo per page.
I spend a little time adding a note to any photos that have a memory attached that I want to remember.
Before I know it, I have a beautiful and fun way to remember all the great memories.
I have a friend who chooses to lay out her book every month. She backs her photos up to Shutterfly. Then, each month she sets aside 10-15 minutes to go through and upload the photos that she loves from that month. She then orders photo books and calendars for family and friends in November or December as holiday gifts.
How do you keep your memories alive?
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
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Managing Expectations
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Managing Expectations
In business, it's key to manage client expectations.
When I am supporting a family with unpacking from a move, I need to be realistic with how long unpacking is going to take.
If I am supporting a coaching client with learning and implementing a new habit, I need to be sure they understand that forming the new habits takes a LOT of repetitions.
If I am supporting a student in learning new study skills, I need to reiterate how learning new skills is hard and takes time; they need to be kind to themselves and be willing to go outside their comfort zone.
Getting Started
Do you know where it's equally important to manage expectations?
YOURSELF
If you feel like a failure because you set your expectations too high, you may not continue to push yourself.
When planning a new project or implementing a new skill, start with you. What is a reasonable expectation for the amount of time you can commit to the project in the beginning? If this is a new business venture, what goals do you have in 30, 60 and 90 days that you want to attain? What do you actually need to attain?
How we feel about our effort and performance will drive or kill motivation.
Life is about the long game. Life is about overcoming obstacles.
Be kind to yourself, set reasonable expectations and reach for the stars!
“Life is harder when you expect a lot of the world and little of yourself. Life is easier when you expect a lot of yourself and little of the world. High standards, low expectations."
- James Clear
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
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Work Ethic is a Skill
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
I love my work with students. I have the opportunity to support them in growing into their bright futures.
The more I learn about how to best support students, the more I understand how "character traits" are often actually skills that can be taught and learned.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines work ethic as, "a belief in work as a moral good: a set of values centered on the importance of doing work and reflected especially in a desire or determination to work hard."
This definition describes work ethic as a moral choice.
Getting Started
What I have learned and experienced with the clients that I have worked with is that work ethic, in practice, is a skill that can be learned.
In fact, I would break it down into three separate skills.
In developing your work ethic, you would need to grow the following skills:
Task Initiation
Sustained Attention
Goal Directed Perseverance
If you have described your partner, your kids or yourself as lazy, I challenge you to reframe it.
Most likely one, two or three of the above skills are not fully developed.
We learn skills everyday. Even hard skills.
Work at one skill at a time. Work on it for short spurts, but most days.
Keep it simple and consistent.
Work ethic is not something you are born with. It's a skill you and your kids can learn.
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
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How Steve Jobs Defined Focus
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
How Steve Job Defines' Focus
When thinking about productivity, the focus (no pun intended) is usually on prioritization and spending time on what matters most.
There are a million techniques, tips, and tricks.
Have you tried the Pomodoro method?
Have you purchased the newest planner or app?
How's Time Blocking working for you?
I am all for new methods, tips, and tricks. However, I think we often lose sight of the forest for the prettiest new tree.
"People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on. But that's not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I'm actually as proud of the things we haven't done as the things we have done. Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things."
- Steve Jobs
Getting Started
What I love most about Steve Jobs’ quote is how simple it is and yet how it highlights what is most difficult about true productivity.
You have to let go or at least put on the back burner many good ideas and valuable efforts in order to achieve what is most important and what really matters.
What good ideas are you willing to let go of in order to achieve greatness?
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
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The Cost of Negativity
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
The True Cost of Negativity
One of the best parts of owning your own business is you have the privilege to choose who you work with.
You can choose to work with people who are supportive, respectful, and who choose a win-win attitude.
You can choose to earn revenue and enjoy the journey.
You can also choose to say enough is enough and move on with a client or an employee that better aligns with your values and brand.
Getting Started
I understand how hard it is to turn away clients. Or, often worse, to let go of an employee who is good at what they do, but no one wants to be around.
Sometimes this is straightforward. If a client is keeping you up at night, they likely aren't a good fit. If you dread seeing an employee when you walk into the office in the morning, you probably know it's not the right fit.
However, sometimes it's less obvious.
Have you ever had a client let you know they no longer needed your services and then you realized how much unnecessary stress their business caused?
Have you ever had an employee quit and then realized how much happier you were picking up the responsibilities they left behind?
We often underestimate the cost of negativity.
Negativity is unmotivating.
Negativity changes the atmosphere.
Negativity reduces creativity.
Are there people in your personal and work life that you don't look forward to seeing, spending time with, and working with?
How much is this costing you?
How would you feel if they were no longer in your life?
Would you benefit from being more proactive about who you spend your time with and energy on?
I know I would!
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
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New Beginnings
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
We are quickly coming to the end of the first quarter of 2024. I’m not sure if you agree, but for me, that time went very quickly, As a society, we focus a lot on the end of the year, and resolutions for the coming year. Today, I challenge you to look at 2023 and the first few months of 2024: what's not working? Is now the time to jump-start those new habits, routines, and systems?
Getting Started
This week, take 20 minutes to review your calendar.
What activities bring you joy? -- Make a list
What activities support your growth? -- Make a list
What activities build connection? -- Make a list
What activities fill your glass -- Make a list
Write down a plan for how you are going to make these activities a routine part of your life.
What activities cause you stress? -- Make a list
What activities are time sucks? -- Make a list
What activities make you feel bad about yourself? -- Make a list
What activities empty your glass? -- Make a list
Write down a plan for how you are going to limit or eliminate these activities.
Happy Planning!
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
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Is Your Curiosity a Driver or a Distraction?
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Is your Curiosity a Driver or a Distraction?
How do you think about curiosity?
Curiosity is key to driving new ideas, learning new information, and feeling motivated.
My curiosity about productivity and growth is what makes this blog fun. I have an excuse to discover new ideas, systems, and methods, which I then share with you.
Being curious as a student drives interest in the subject matter.
Being curious as an employee drives job motivation and satisfaction.
So when does curiosity shift from a driver of success and growth to a distraction and road block?
Getting Started
Curiosity is a great driver to obtain new knowledge. However, you may want to ask yourself what you plan to do with that knowledge.
If you are researching the Kardashians as a form of entertainment in your free time, research away.
However, if you have spent the last month at work researching the best system for your new initiative, but haven't implemented any of your research, it's likely your curiosity has transitioned into a distraction.
Is your time spent on research taking away from time spent on other equally or more important tasks?
Keep your curiosity. It's what makes life worth living.
However, be mindful not to get so lost in it, that you lose the meaning of all the amazing information you glean!
Let's be honest, curiosity may be the most fun form of procrastination.......until it's not.
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
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Give Each Day of the Week a Theme
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Give Each Day of the Week a Theme
I firmly believe that setting priorities is at the core of living a meaningful life. By setting and holding to boundaries and priorities, we give ourselves the freedom to live a full life.
One FUN way to SET PRIORITES is to give each day of the week a theme.
Getting Started
Before you can decide on your themes, you need to identify your priorities.
Take a few moments to write down your priorities.
Below are some ideas:
Priority: Being Financially Responsible
Goal - Build an 8 month emergency fund
Goal - Save 10% a year for retirement
Goal - Setup a Roth IRA and contribute the annual maximum
Goal - Pay off all credit card debt
Goal - Pay off student loan
Priority: Be Healthy
Goal - Do weight workout 1x a week
Goal - Walk outside 3x a week
Goal - Eat less sugar
Goal - Eat whole foods
Goal - Be in bed by 10:00pm
Priority: Be Creative
Goal - Write for 20 minutes 1x per week
Goal - Sign up for a ceramic class
Goal - Take guitar lessons
Goal - Sign up for a improv class
Goal - Try out for a play/musical
Priority: Grow and Learn
Goal - Attend an educational conference
Goal - Take a college coarse
Goal - Listen/Read books
Goal - Hire a coach
Goal - Join a mastermind
Priority: Build Connections
Goal - Prioritize phone calls with friends and family
Goal - Schedule Date Night 1x per week
Goal - Join a book club
Goal - Join an adult sports league
Goal - Volunteer
Once you have your priories, have some fun giving each day of week a theme.
Below are some theme ideas:
Money Monday
Financial Fun Day
Strength Day
Cooking Funday
Sing-a-long Sunday
Author Wednesday
Back to School Day
Fun Fridays
Whimsical Wednesday
Date Night
I think it's amazing to have creative themes, but it's likely just as effective to use straightforward themes.
Below are a few of the themes I currently use:
Mondays - Finance Day, Laundry Day (read more about how liberating a laundry schedule can be here)
Tuesdays - Write Blog Day, Weekly Planning Day, Strength Day
Thursday - Project Day
Friday - Reading Day
Weekends - Outdoor Hike, Family & Friend Brunch
Once you have your themes, add them as an "All Day" Appointment on your calendar.
Keep in mind, while themes are great reminders of your priorities, your THEMES will need corresponding PROJECTS and NEXT ACTIONS, for you to reach your goals.
If this strategy works for you, you may want to also consider giving each month a theme!
If you have some fun theme, we would love to hear them!
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
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I Can Do Hard Things
I find that this is a lesson that I keep learning over and over again
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
When Something is Hard, Find a Way to Do It Every Day
I find that this is a lesson that I keep learning over and over again as a new parent.
I have mentioned this before, but last year I became a foster mom to TWO fourth grade girls.
One of the girls hates to shower. I used to make exceptions, because after all, they are only fourth graders and what's the big deal if they don't take a shower every once in a while.
Yet, every time I tried to be nice and make an exemption, I would get pushback on showering for the next five nights.
Now, we shower every night and it's pretty much a non-issue.
We also do a lot of activities in our house to help improve communication.
One activity is that the girls write in a feelings journal. As you probably already guessed, this was a non-starter when we tried to use it as a tool when they were having a hard day. Now, the girls write in their feelings journal five out of seven days a week. It's a normal part of their routine and also allows for days where life happens. And, when they are having a hard time, there is time set aside to write about it.
While this is a great parenting lesson, it's just as effective for all of us.
Getting Started
Make a list of the things you find hard. This can be anything from paying bills and budgeting to fitting in a walk, grocery shopping, or hey, even showering!
For me, I can get in a rut about reaching out and scheduling conversations with people to connect. This can be both personal - I’m one of nine kids! - or professionally. Then, I make a point to reach out to one person every day.
I have a habit of pushing off admin and marketing tasks for Happy Spaces. Which is why I do my best to work on an admin or marketing task each day. Even if it's a 10 minutes task.
One of the easiest ways to make sure these tasks are done is to simply schedule it. Adding these reminders to your calendar is the equivalent to making a meeting with yourself. You wouldn’t be late or blow off a meeting with your supervisor, so don’t do it to yourself either.
What part of your work day do you find the most challenging?
How can you work on what's challenging for you for a few minutes every day?
Let us know if you try this strategy and how it works for you.
Happy Planning!
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
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Give it Time!
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Give it Time!
How often have you tried something new and then decided:
It's just too hard.
It's not working.
I don't like it.
It's not for me.
We forget how long it takes to feel comfortable with a new routine, a new system or a new skill.
It almost always takes longer than we expect.
It's ok to try things and then determine it's not right.
It's equally important to give something new a real chance.
Only you know how long that will take.
Getting Started
If you decide to learn how to play the guitar and are only taking lessons once a week, it realistically may take six months to make an enlightened decision.
If you are changing the format of your one-on-one meetings with employees, how many meetings do you need to both see and feel the impact of the changes.
If you decide to shift your work schedule, how long do you need to stick to it in order to know the true benefits and draw backs.
The girls recently started gymnastic on Saturdays. While there has been a lot excitement around it, there has also been some nerves. One of them has asked a few times is she can quit. Every week they go, and at the end of the class they both say how much fun they had.
Last week, after about three months of attending gymnastics on a weekly basis, they seemed to simply enjoy it. No nerves, just fun.
This was made me think about how long it often takes to feel comfortable with something new.
If it took three months to feel comfortable doing something new that the were excited about, how long would you expect it to take to feel comfortable doing something new that is hard.
In life, the achievements we often feel most proud of, are also hard!
Give yourself a REAL chance to succeed at something new!
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
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50% is Better than Nothing
A little goes a long way.
Photo by Canva.
Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Fifty Percent is a LOT better than Zero Percent
Last week, we discussed tomorrow and how tomorrow often turns into someday. I shared that sometimes the only way tomorrow to happen is to just do it. For me and many of the clients I work with, starting is hard because what if I don’t give it my all, or see results, or finish how I want to?
I had this conversation a lot this past semester with the students I work with. I tried to explain that getting a 50% is a lot better than getting a 0%.
The students will start the homework, but not turn it in because they didn't finish it.
Not to worry. They will finish it this week and then submit it.
But this week, there is new homework. The student never gets around to finishing the prior week's homework. Their homework just became a someday - or in many cases - a never project.
And by not submitting the homework, the student gets no credit, despite the homework being partially completed.
Getting Started
I realized how relevant this scenario is in so many situations.
We don't complete our Estate Docs because we are uncertain about one aspect of the Estate Planning.
However, it’s better to have some plan for your estate than no plan at all, right? Wouldn't it be better to complete the Estate Docs based on what we know and have decided? Then we can update them when we are clear on what we are unsure of.
We don't open a Roth IRA because we are not sure of where or how to best invest our money.
Wouldn't it be best open a Roth IRA and contribute the annual maximum into an S&P 500 Index Fund, until we have a clearer idea of how to invest our money? Guess what? Not investing means zero dollars. Investing in something means we’re ahead of the game, no matter where we decide to go next.
We don't make the doctors appointment, because we don't know the best doctor.
Wouldn't it be better to choose a doctor that someone recommends and then switch doctors in the future if you find someone better?
As Sheryl Sandberg said, "Done is better than perfect.
50% completed is a lot more than 0%.
50% is a great start to keep building on in the future!
Is there a project that you could easily finish at 50%?
How would you feel in a year if you completed this today?
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
Follow Me
Share this post
Tomorrow...It's Only a Day Away
Why are we waiting until tomorrow?
Photo by Canva.
Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Tomorrow is only a day away, right?
I will start eating healthy tomorrow.
I will start exercising tomorrow.
I will start meditating tomorrow.
Getting Started
I am willing to admit that I am SO guilty of the tomorrow statements. I know the right decision is to start (or start again) now, today, right this minute, but the easier decision is to start tomorrow.
I also know, even though I have the best intentions, that I am NOT to be trusted. Tomorrow means someday. Someday I will make the healthy choice and get back into the habit and routine.
What is interesting is that while I am SO guilty of this with my health, I rarely struggle with this when related to productivity and work.
Of course, there are times I push off projects until tomorrow. However, even when I do that, I check the remaining days of the week, in case I can't follow through on tomorrow. I need to know the backup plan because I do PLAN on starting.
We may all have different areas of our lives where we procrastinate on what we know is best for who we want to be.
The answer is simple, yet so hard.
So, how to get started you ask? Be like Nike - just do it.
How can you start today, right now?
When can you trust yourself that tomorrow means tomorrow and not someday?
Who can help you hold yourself accountable?
Pick a day on the calendar, circle it, plan your calendar accordingly, and perhaps find an accountability buddy that you can check in with.
"It is not too late to do what you want to do — if you stop waiting for the time to be right." - James Clear
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.