Do you genuinely want to eat healthier, but struggle to find the time to make this happen? You are not alone in this dilemma. Most of the time it is quicker and easier to grab a prepackaged processed item, over a nutritious choice of fruits and vegetables. There is a game changer that is going to change all of this for you.
Frozen organic fruits and vegetables...
You may be asking the question that many wonder? If frozen as good as fresh? Yes and then some! Many times frozen is actually healthier for you, as fruits and vegetables that will be frozen are generally picked at peak ripeness, when they’re the most nutritious. Another benefit to using frozen bagged fruits and veggies is that the washing has been done for you, prior to the freezing process. Washing and cutting fruits and vegetables can be a huge time killer, so using frozen saves time and effort. You can also freeze your own fruits the night before if you cannot find a particular fruit in your frozen section. Expert Tip! Let your frozen fruit thaw for a few minutes in the blender before turning on, as it will be easier to blend if slightly thawed and not rock hard. No time to thaw? No worries, with the Ninja Professional Blender's 1000-watt motor frozen fruits and vegetables will be pulverized with ease.
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Milk options for your smoothie:
Sweeteners to add into smoothies:
All recipes can be prepared in under 5 minutes in your blender. If you are in need of a new blender, the Ninja Professional (pictured above with clickable link) comes highly rated and will do the job you need! If any of the smoothies are too thick, add 1 oz of coconut water until desired thickness is achieved. Honey is listed on the sweetener in all recipes, but this can be eliminated or swapped out for any of the above mentioned sweetener options. Smoothie formula:
1. Bananaberry Sensation 1 frozen banana peeled and cut 2 cups frozen strawberries 3/4 cup coconut milk 3/4 cup coconut water 1/2 cup yogurt 2 TBSP honey 2. Mangorry Madness 1 cup frozen mango 2 cups frozen raspberries 3/4 cup coconut milk 3/4 cup coconut water 1/2 cup yogurt 2 TBSP honey 3. Kaleberry Twist 1 cup frozen blueberries 1 cup frozen strawberries 1 cup Kale 3/4 cup coconut milk 3/4 cup coconut water 1/2 cup yogurt 2 TBSP honey 4. Green Machine Dream 1 cup frozen pineapple 1 cup frozen mango 1 cup baby spinach fresh 3/4 cup coconut milk 3/4 cup coconut water 1/2 cup yogurt 2 TBSP honey 5. Peanananut 2 cups frozen peaches 1 medium banana peeled and sliced 3/4 cup coconut milk 3/4 cup coconut water 1/2 cup yogurt 2 TBSP honey
With your basic smoothie ready to go, you may want to add a few extras to boost flavor and nutritional value. Here are a few toss in ideas:
I personally prefer a flavorless protein powder, to help keep the true flavors of the ingredients that I'm adding to my smoothies. I'll link the powder that is at the top of my list! Organic and unflavored! Double bonus!
Savings Tip! Where I live, coconut water is fairly expensive in the grocery stores. I've found purchasing a small case online saves me 50% or more! I'm going to include an Amazon link here for you on the coconut water that I buy for my smoothies.
Make sure that you alternate the ingredients that you are using in your smoothies for maximum diversification of nutrients. Focusing on consuming the right foods can help you live healthier, think more clearly, and feeling better overall.
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If you have been involved with the same person for over a year, you may have discovered that it is a challenge to keep the romance alive. Life becomes a bit too comfortable after an extended period of time. Things may even get, dare to say... BORING!
What is this magical 2-2-2 that's going to keep that connection going and growing? Where did it come from and what does it involve exactly?
This 2-2-2 rule become a highly discussed topic on Reddit started by the user ckernan2.
He recommends dating your partner.
While the idea sounds simple in theory, especially for childless couples, there can be a lot of roadblocks in the way of achieving this 2-2-2 goal. Let's explored some potential pitfalls and possible solutions to help make this easier in the real world. We will go one "2" at a time.
Every 2 weeks go on a date with your significant other
Potential pitfalls that come to mind: lack of spending money conflicting time schedules out of town on business no childcare Solutions to consider and work with: Lack of money - luckily dating doesn't have to cost anything at all; it is more about spending time with one another above all else. Try taking a drive to the beach or the lake, pack a picnic lunch or dinner with food from home and listen to your favorite songs on your phone or car stereo. Conflicting time schedules - does one on you work days and the other nights? Someone work two jobs or volunteer in their spare time? Sit down together and look at the week ahead. See where there are openings and try to find one (or more) that overlap. This may mean taking a lunch hour together or going out to a midnight movie. Working together and pre-planning will help identify times you can spend together that you may not have thought of before. Out-of-town on extended business trip - Can you go with your partner for all or some of the trip? Have a bookend date the night before and night after your special someone returns home. Step outside the box and have a virtual date over Zoom, you can even DoorDash the same food to both of your locations. No childcare - If you have young children, and no other family nearby, this may become a big issue for you. Parents struggle to find alone time, especially in their children's early years. With sitters making upwards of $15-20 an hour in some areas, a date night can become unaffordable quite quickly. If you have friends in the same situation, this may become the perfect arrangement for both families. Trade date nights with your friends; they watch your children one night and you watch theirs the other. No friends in town? Plan a backyard date night after the kids are in bed. Grill a nice steak dinner, light a few candles, and turn on your favorite songs. Maybe even put on your dancing shoes and take a spin around the patio.
Every 2 months go away with your partner
Let's face it. The longer the date is meant to last, the more potential problems that are going to attempt to prevent it from happening. Sticking with the same hypothetical pitfalls, let's find some practical work arounds to help make more time for you and your honey.
Lack of money - you and your better half would love a weekend away, but the bank account just can't swing it. Airfare, hotel, food, it all adds up too fast! Instead of thinking big and splurging, refocus and remember the main idea is to reconnect and spend time with one another. This doesn't have to be at a swanky five-star hotel. Camping can be a very economical weekend getaway. Snuggling close together in a tent and around a campfire may be just what you both need to get that spark raging again! A two-person tent can cost you under $70 and can be used over and over again.
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If the outdoors isn't your thing, or the weather isn't conducive to outdoor camping; hotel points may become your new best friend. The no annual fee, Hilton Honors American Express is one of the top hotel reward cards available. Every purchase you make earns you hotel points, equaling more time for you and your special someone to spend together, without the need to put out extra cash. When you sign up for the Amex through our link we will both get bonus hotel points. After being a cardholder for over a decade with the Hilton Honors AMEX card, it is still my number one favorite, and most frequently used, credit card. I highly recommend this because I use it myself daily and the benefits far surpass the others I've used.
Conflicting time schedules - Preplanning your weekend getaway is going to be essential here. Block out your weekend (or weekends) months in advance and let your boses, family, childcare providers approve and mark down that you won't be available on those given dates. Whenever the schedules of more than one person is involved it is imperative that you communicate the details and dates with all parties involved. When the weekend gets closer, confirm with all parties that these times and dates still work.
Out of town on extended business trip - If your significant other travels a lot without you, trying to plan a trip together can be a challenge. Going back to the original suggestion for date night, try and piggyback on your partners trip. If they are at a conference for the week, see if it is feasible for you to come up for the weekend once it is over.
No childcare - Have kids that you adore but need some Mommy & Daddy time? Check with Grandma and Grandpa and see if they are able and willing to take the kids for the weekend. No luck on grandparents? Check with your friends if they have an older child who is a college student who may want to earn some extra cash for the weekend. Many times students are willing to extend a lower cost to you as it is for the entire weekend and the kids are sleeping for an extended period of time while they are babysitting.
Every 2 years, go away together for a week
How many times have you heard of couples who go on an amazing honeymoon and then don't travel solo (without the kids) for a decade or more. It happens all of the time. It doesn't just have to be kids though, careers get in the way of these romantic getaways as well. Taking a week away just seems so out of reach. Although it is challenging, it is also really important to make your relationship a priority in your life. Sometimes things means making hard choices or going above and beyond what you thought was possible.
Lack of funds - if you are committed to the 2-2-2 rule, then you know that this trip is going to come every 2 years. This isn't a surprise, and therefore can be and should be financially budgeted for. Sit down with your partner at the beginning of the year when you are planning your budget, and decide where you want to go on your next trip. Look at airfare, cruise prices, hotels, rental cars, excursions and put together a rough estimate on how much your week long getaway will cost you. Then add 10%. Similar to when you have your house painted, or floors redone, you want to build in overage so you don't fall short on funds if you initial estimates were slightly off.
Conflicting time schedules - pre-planning is king here as well. If you and your partner both work, find out when you can both get time off, and get it in the books early. With time on your side, you should be able to carve out this important time for both of you. Remember, this is every two years, and many people have 2 weeks or more of vacation time annually, so while this may seem impossible, this trip is actually quite doable. Don't put off locking in those dates though, or life will get in the way, and then it will be even harder to find that vacation time together. Make this a priority for your year.
Out of town on extended business trip - honestly this should only be an issue if one or both of you are working separately abroad. With the entire calendar an "open book" for a two year span, you should be able to find one week to be able to spend together. If you can't because of work abroad, try to make the effort to travel to where your domestic partner is and enjoy a week together where they are working or attending school.
No childcare - a week without the kids might sound like a dream to some parents and a nightmare to others. Depending upon your children's ages this may be all together impractical if factors are involved such as breastfeeding. A separate "family" vacation may be in order here, and you are going to need some backup help to make this work. For the sake of this example, we are going to call in Grandma and Grandpa to the rescue.
Plan the vacation that you and your partner want to take and book an extra room for G & G to stay in with the kiddos. Make sure that you are your honey have your own private room. Plan one activity a day and one sit down meal just for the two of you. Explain to any older children that you may have that this is a special trip where Mom and Dad get to spend some quality time together as well as having some bonus time with them. If you are fortunate enough to have family willing to take the kids for the week and your children are old enough for you to go, then GO!! This will not only be a blessing for your relationship, but for your family too. When Mom and Dad are happy the whole family benefits.
Ready to plan, but not sure where to start? WayAway is a travel information source that offers travelers the best travel prices. Users can also buy the WayAway Plus membership plan, which provides cashback on flights, hotels, car rentals, tours, and other services.
Are you ready to implement the 2-2-2 rule in your relationship? With a little work you can stay in that honeymoon phase longer than you ever imagined was possible. Fall in love all over again, and keep putting that time investment into each other. The payoff with be worth it!
With more and more churches popping up in structures other than a traditional church building (think schools, malls, and conference centers), less churches have a Bible available for each member of their congregation to use during service. Also, Bibles are not only for church services, they are for reading and reflecting at home, in Bible studies, and anywhere else you may feel it is appropriate to have the Good Book nearby.
Technology has allowed for apps allowing readers to follow along with the Bible online, but what happens when you don't want just digital access? When you like the actual feel of the book in your hand or want to highlight verses or make notes in a margin? A lot of this tangible activity is lost on an app. For those who are ready to own their own cherished Bible, read on to learn how to easily narrow down the options of what you personally want and don't want in your Bible.
Versions of the Bible
There seem to be countless versions of the Bible available today. You will find that there are literal translations (word for word), modern language, and paraphrased versions. Literal Translations ASV — American Standard Version JPS — Jewish Publication Society KJV — King James Version King James II Bible NASB — New American Standard Bible NKJV — New King James Version RSV — Revised Standard Version The Holy Bible in Modern English YLT — Young’s Literal Translation Modern Language Jewish New Testament Knox Translation Today’s English Version NEB — The New English Bible The Bible, A New Translation (Moffatt) NIV — New International Version ESV — The English Standard Version NAB — New American Bible NJB — New Jerusalem Bible REB — Revised English Bible CEV — Contemporary English Version Good News Bible Paraphrased CEV — Contemporary English Version TLB — Living Bible The Amplified Bible Phillips Translation MSG — The Message
Once you have narrowed down how you want your Bible version to read, it's time to select the design. Not just an outward design, but how the pages are designed and laid out as well. Here is my personal Bible! I absolutely love it and highly recommend!
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Let's start with the cosmetic look of the Bible, and then the functionality. There are a plethora of feminine, masculine or gender neutral print choices. Fabric, paper, and leather covers are only a few material options. Once you've found a Bible that has caught your eye, it is time to look towards the inside. You'll want to ask yourself some basic questions, such as:
Do I want the words of Jesus in red? Is large print preferred or needed? Do I plan to take notes in the margins? What language do I want to read in? Above you will see a beautiful floral NKJV Bible, which features : Lined, wide margins for notes and reflections Premium paper for enduring note-taking Words of Christ in red English language Lays flat in your hand or on your desk Two ribbon markers High quality binding
If flowers aren't you style, or you are searching for a different version, here is a highly rated ESV large print Bible.
12 pt type Imitation leather Words of Christ in red Double-column, paragraph format Ribbon marker Smyth-sewn binding
Highlighters, Tabs and Pens
Once you have your perfect Bible, you are ready to dive in and begin reading, praying and reflecting. There is nothing worse than getting a new book or journal, highlighting a package, and having it bleed right through to the next page. Instantly it feels like the book becomes damaged in a sense. It is important that you only use fast drying and no bleed highlighters. Soft pastel colors will not distract you and blend nicely with the message that you are reading. This Alohaster highlighter set is extremely affordable and highly rated for Bibles and journals.
Similar to the highlighters, it is important to find a pen that does not bleed through any paper, including the thin pages of the Bible. A good idea is to use assorted colors when wanting to keep notes organized within your margains. The Mr. Pen Bible Pens write smoothly and are skip-free, producing the desired consistent lettering you need.
You are a beginner no more! We've covered versions, materials, highlighters, pens, tabs, languages, margains, and more. Your Bible may be one of the most personal and prized possessions that you own, so explore your choices and make sure that you find the perfect fit for you!
There are many features and factors to consider when selecting the right cordless vacuum for your home. Battery life, motor power, pet hair removal, storage, to name only a few. Here are the top 5 cleaners with pros, cons, and features of each.
1. Eureka RapidClean Pro Lightweight
This lightweight cordless vacuum has a reasonable amount of suction power, but many consumers have complained of a short product life. It does have a manufacturer's warranty for a year though, which offers you some protection. You can't beat this price point for a trusted brand name. Battery Life provides up to 40 minutes of fade-free runtime MAX power for deeper cleaning on carpet and rugs Easy Rest allows you to prop the vacuum up on countertops and furniture Under furniture reach LED headlights Power: 150W DC motor Hard floor and low pile carpet Attachments: Crevice Tool, 2-in-1 Dusting Brush, Wall Mount
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2. Belife Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
This easy-to-assemble stick vacuum, is a powerhouse to remove dog and pet hair. Consumers main complaint is battery life not living up to the quoted 50 minutes. Customer service is deemed top notch, and has been known to help customers having any issues with the battery life issue. Battery life offers up to 50 minutes of fade-free runtime 3 adjustable power modes 180° flexible brush head LED headlights 6 stages fully-sealed filtration system 380W upgraded brushless motor Hard floor and carpet Equipped with multiple brush heads and telescopic link
3. Tineco iFLOOR3 Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuuming and washing your floors at the same time, has never been easier. Simple and lightweight way to clean wet, sticky or dry messes on multiple sealed hard floor types. Only downside is that this vacuum cannot be used on carpet. 2 tank technology Strong suction power Ultra-quiet operation 25 minute battery runtime Brush-roll self-cleaning cycle 150W brushless digital motor Self-propulsion system Fast, streak-free drying 24-month limited warranty 24/7 customer service support
4. Whall Foldable Cordless Stick Vacuum
A key feature to this cordless vacuum is the mountable charging stand; no need to have it on the floor or in a closet. Customers main complaint is the small canister size with a need to empty frequently. However, with a long lasting charge, bendable wand and high suction, this is a top contender in the choices for a cordless vacuum. Multi-layer filtration system with HEPA filter Bendable wand 280W brushless motor 3 power modes LED floor brush Foldable tube design Mountable charging stand Up to 55 minute battery run time One button dust cup
5. Black+Decker PowerSeries+ 16V
Coming in as the lowest priced cordless vacuum the Black+Decker is one to be looked at for smaller jobs, as it quickly converts to a hand vacuum. Perfect for being able to clean your car's interior as well as your home. Customers comments that you may need a machine with more powerful suction to effective pick up pet hair. Not wanting a wall mounted vacuum, then this is the pick for you! Bright LED floorhead lights Anti-tangle brush bar Detachable hand vacuum Self-standing design Cyclonic filtration Up to 40 minutes of battery powered runtime Washable filter
Focus on what is important to you, your family and your home above all else. If you don't have any carpet in the house, then a wet dry cleaner may be the ideal option for you. When pet hair is a constant nuisance you will want a powerful motor with a good choice of attachments. These are all highly rated cordless vacuums, so whichever one you chose you can't go wrong.
Organizing your pantry can be a daunting task. There are cans, boxes, bags, jars, and who knows what else on those shelves. You may come across items that are expired, not used, not liked, or have odd shapes for easy storage. Let’s walk through step-by-step to take this once thought to be overwhelming chore and make it an easy mountain to climb.
Step 1 – Start from Scratch
You are going to want to completely empty your entire pantry out to get started on this process. If you don’t have the counter space to accommodate everything, use the kitchen table, dining room, or any other flat surface with space. If needed, lay out a sheet on the floor for an additional temporary storage area. Once you have everything out you will want to wipe down shelves, vacuum and mop the floor, and check for any repairs that might need to be made (changing a burnt-out lightbulb, or fixing a crooked shelf). Step 2 – In with the New, Out with the Old Out with the old. This is going to be your opportunity to check the dates on every item. If you find something that has expired, toss it. When you come across an item that you do not plan to use, get rid of that as well. If the item is not used and within a safe date range, local food pantries will be happy to take your donations. In with the new. Make a shopping list of items that were expired, but that you want to replace. If you have the time, it is best to go shopping prior to putting anything back in your new clean pantry to ensure that you have left the proper amount of space for your new items. This is especially important if these are a staple and will be in your pantry on a continuous basis. Step 3 – Separate and Categorize Before putting anything back inside the pantry, you want to start grouping alike items. Put your cereals and breakfast items together, group can goods, and keep spices together. One helpful kitchen gadget is a Lazy Susan for spices, oils, cooking sprays, etc. Here are some common categories that you can use to separate and categorize your pantry:
You can further organize these categories by creating subcategories or arranging items by frequency of use or expiration date. By keeping your pantry organized, you'll be able to easily find what you need and reduce food waste by keeping track of what you have.
Step 4 – See your Food
Have you seen those popular organizational shows where the pantries look like they belong in a showroom? One of the keys to this is clear containers! Sounds simple, but it makes a huge impact of the appearance and functionality of a pantry. Packaging with a lot of words, symbols, pictures, and colors can cause your pantry to look too busy, and cluttered. Your next step is to remove food from all bags and cardboard boxes and place them in clear canisters. Look for items like candy, cereal, chips, sugar, flour, crackers, and pasta.
Step 5 – What’s in there?
A label maker is going to become your best friend for this, and many organizational endeavors around your home. Label containers, bins, and possibly even your shelves for easy guidance on what and where your pantry items are. This will not only help you, but also your family navigates your newly organized pantry space. There are countless choices when it comes to label makers. You can also use labels to tie into your décor choices. A chalkboard label might look perfect in a farmhouse home, but out of place in an ultra-modern home. Want something basic? Try a Bluetooth label maker. Have fun with your labels!
Step 6 – Hidden Space
Utilizing hidden space in your pantry can help maximize storage and keep your kitchen organized. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your pantry space:
By utilizing these hidden spaces in your pantry, you'll be able to create more storage and keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free.
Pantry Organization for Deep Shelves
Organizing a pantry with deep shelves can be a real pain in the tush, but with a few easy tricks, you can make the most of your space! First, sort everything by type (grains, canned goods, baking supplies, etc.) and toss them into stackable bins or baskets. Don't forget to label them! You can also try using shelf dividers to keep things from falling over. For even more space, get some pull-out shelves. They're great for easy access to items that would otherwise be in the back of the pantry. And don't forget about shelf risers - they'll double your storage space and keep things organized. Lastly, you can make use of the floor space by adding a small shelf or some drawers. This is a fantastic solution for storing big or heavy items. With these tips, your deep-shelved pantry will be as organized as Martha Stewart's!
7. Make it Easy for the Kids
Are kids always asking for a snack or a drink? This is the perfect opportunity to designate an area in the pantry just for them. Make sure to use one of the bottom shelves for easy accessibility. Ideas to include in this area are mini water bottles, juice pouches, gummies, dried fruits, and nuts, protein or snack bars, individually wrapped snacks, and cereal dispensers. Most importantly, keep it low and labeled. Baskets and bins are recommended for this kid-friendly section.
8. Utilize your Wall Space
Space is a precious commodity in a pantry. If you are fortunate enough to have it, wall space can be a huge asset for organizing a pantry. Think about how to use your space most efficiently and effectively., Hanging an apron on a hook, keeping the dustpan on the wall, and having a designated wall area for plastic grocery bag storage. The options are endless for your wall space. Unsure if you want to keep the hook there permanently? Try a temporary hanging system that won’t damage your wall.
9. Don’t Overbuy
Pantries have a limited amount of space. Although the deal for buying five get one free might be appealing, do you actually need 6 of the item? Were the items even on your grocery list? Remember, the space in your home is just as valuable as your cash, and overloading your pantry is likely going to cause more stress than worth the savings on a “free item” that isn’t really needed at that time. 10. Maintenance Let’s face it, at first after you organize you are very detailed oriented to keep things perfectly perfect. Then life happens and there is a good chance your pantry is going to become unorganized again. The good news is that you now have implanted organizational systems that are easy to assist you in bringing back your pantry to being organized with little effort. If it has become a disaster, you may need to start from step one again, but hopefully, this won’t be the case. Likely you’ll just need to start from step 2 twice a year, and you’ll be able to breeze through the steps much faster than the first time. You will already have your canisters, label maker, hooks, and most importantly your own customized organizational plan. You know where you want everything to go, so you just need to put it there. Try and get your family onboard as this will help keep everything organized, accessible, and visible in your home’s pantry.
Organizing your home food pantry is an important step towards maintaining a tidy and functional kitchen. A well-organized pantry not only makes it easy to find what you need when you need it but can also help reduce food waste by keeping track of what you have. The key to organizing your pantry is to categorize items by type, create subcategories or arrange items by frequency of use or expiration date, and utilize hidden spaces such as door organizers, pull-out shelves, stackable bins, tension rods, hooks, and shelf risers. By following these tips, you'll be able to make the most of your pantry space and keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free.
Once you are ready to move past your pantry, and onto other areas of your home, make sure to read my article, 16 Tips to Help You Declutter Your Home Today, Tomorrow, and Always.
Hey there, friend! Today we're going to talk about something that I think is super important - the Wheel of Life. It may sound like some sort of game show, but I promise it's not.
So, what is the Wheel of Life? Basically, it's a tool that can help you assess different areas of your life and see where you're doing well and where you might need to make some improvements. The wheel is divided into different categories such as career, health, relationships, and finances. Why is this important, you ask? Well, it's easy to get so caught up in our day-to-day lives that we forget to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. The Wheel of Life can help us do just that. By assessing different areas of our lives, we can see where we're excelling and where we might need to put in a little more effort. One way to improve these areas is by setting goals. I know, I know, goal setting can sound a little intimidating. But trust me, it doesn't have to be! Setting goals can help us focus our efforts and give us something to work towards. Plus, it feels pretty darn good when we accomplish them. The Wheel of Life is a tool that can help us assess different areas of our lives and set goals to improve them. It's all about taking a step back, evaluating where we're at, and working towards where we want to be. Simple enough, right? Let's dive in and see how we can use the Wheel of Life to achieve our goals.
Understanding the Wheel of Life
We're going to take a closer look at the different categories on the Wheel of Life and how to rate your current level of satisfaction in each one. So, the Wheel of Life is divided into different categories such as career, health, relationships, and finances. These categories represent different areas of our lives that are important to our overall well-being. By assessing these categories, we can get a better idea of where we're excelling and where we might need to put in a little more effort. Now, how do we rate our current level of satisfaction in each category? Well, it's pretty simple. Think about each category and how satisfied you are with that area of your life on a scale of 1-10. For example, if you're happy with your career and feel fulfilled in your job, you might rate your career category as an 8 or 9. On the other hand, if you're struggling with your finances and feel stressed about money, you might rate your finances category as a 3 or 4. It's important to be honest with yourself when rating each category. This isn't a competition or a test - it's simply a way to evaluate different areas of your life and see where you might need to focus your efforts. The Wheel of Life is divided into different categories that represent different areas of our lives. By rating our current level of satisfaction in each category on a scale of 1-10, we can get a better idea of where we're excelling and where we might need to make some improvements.
Identifying Goals
We're going to take it a step further and talk about how to identify goals for each category on the Wheel of Life. Now, before we dive in, let's talk about the importance of setting SMART goals. What does that mean, you ask? Well, SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Let me break it down for you:
Now that we've got that covered, let's talk about how to identify goals for each category on the Wheel of Life. Start by looking at the categories you rated the lowest in. These are the areas where you might need to put in a little more effort. For example, let's say you rated your health category as a 4. You might set a SMART goal to exercise for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for the next 3 months. This goal is specific (exercise for 30 minutes a day), measurable (5 days a week), achievable (it's realistic to fit 30 minutes of exercise into your day), relevant (it will help you improve your health), and time-bound (3 months). Remember, goals don't have to be huge, life-changing things. They can be small, achievable steps that will help you make progress in the areas where you need it most. Setting SMART goals is important to help you stay focused and motivated. Identify goals for each category on the Wheel of Life by looking at the areas where you rated the lowest. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Creating a Plan
Now that you have your SMART goals identified for each category, it's time to create a plan to achieve them. This is where the rubber meets the road, and you start making progress toward a better life. The first step is to break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps. Let's say your goal is to exercise for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for the next 3 months. What are the smaller steps you need to take to achieve that goal? It might look something like this: Week 1: Go for a 10-minute walk 3 times a week Week 2: Go for a 15-minute walk 3 times a week Week 3: Go for a 20-minute walk 3 times a week Week 4: Go for a 25-minute walk 3 times a week Week 5-12: Exercise for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week Breaking down your goal into smaller steps like this makes it feel less overwhelming and more achievable. It also gives you a clear roadmap to follow, which can help you stay motivated and on track. Once you have your smaller steps identified, it's time to create an action plan. This might include things like scheduling your exercise time into your calendar, finding an accountability partner to help keep you on track or rewarding yourself for reaching milestones along the way. Remember, the key is to make your plan specific and actionable. Don't just say you'll "exercise more" - break it down into concrete steps and hold yourself accountable. Creating an action plan is essential to achieving your goals on the Wheel of Life. Break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps and create a specific, actionable plan to achieve them.
Grab a journal or a dry-erase board and get started!
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SMART Goals and Personal Life Sections
Now, it's time to talk about how to use those SMART goals in different sections of your Wheel of Life. Let's start with a career. Perhaps your goal is to get a promotion, switch careers, or start your own business. Whatever your goal is, make sure it's Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, a SMART goal for your career could be to increase your sales numbers by 20% in the next six months. Next up is home. Maybe your goal is to declutter your living space or redecorate your bedroom. Again, make sure your goal is SMART. For example, a SMART goal for your home could be to donate or sell at least five items you no longer need every week for the next month. Religion is also an important aspect of our personal lives. Your goal could be to deepen your spiritual practice, attend church more regularly, or volunteer at a religious organization. A SMART goal for your religion could be to read one spiritual book each month for the next six months. Finances are a significant part of our personal lives, and it's essential to have financial goals. Maybe your goal is to pay off debt, save for a down payment on a house, or invest in stocks. A SMART goal for your finances could be to save $5,000 in the next year by cutting down on unnecessary expenses. Travel is a fantastic way to broaden our horizons and gain new experiences. Your goal could be to travel to a new country, visit a friend in another state, or take a weekend road trip. A SMART goal for your travel could be to save $500 in the next three months for a weekend getaway. Hobbies are a great way to unwind and enjoy life outside of work. Maybe your goal is to learn a new skill, join a sports team, or start painting. A SMART goal for your hobbies could be to attend one painting class each week for the next month. Health is a vital aspect of our personal lives. Your goal could be to lose weight, start a workout routine, or eat healthier. A SMART goal for your health could be to go for a 30-minute walk every day for the next month. Family is the foundation of our personal lives, and it's important to nurture those relationships. Maybe your goal is to spend more quality time with your kids, plan a family vacation, or attend a family gathering. A SMART goal for your family could be to have a family game night every Friday for the next month. Romance is an essential part of our personal lives, whether we're in a relationship or looking for one. Your goal could be to go on more dates, communicate better with your partner, or express your love more often. A SMART goal for your romance could be to plan a date night once a week for the next month.
Self-care is crucial for our mental and emotional well-being. Your goal could be to practice mindfulness, get more sleep, or schedule a massage. A SMART goal for your self-care could be to meditate for 10 minutes every day for the next month.
Finally, growth is a constant aspect of our personal lives. Your goal could be to learn a new language, take a course, or read more books. A SMART goal for your growth could be to read one book on personal development every month for the next year.
Brainstorming
Here are a few ideas to get you started brainstorming your personal life sections. What roles do you play? Spouse, Parent, Employee, Boss, Friend, Community Leader? Which areas in life are important to you? Career, Home, Religion, Finances, Travel, Hobbies, Health, Family, Romance, Self-Care, and Growth You can use the example provided to give you a good start, but make sure that you customize your own wheel to what is important to you. Once you have your wheel categories selected, you will want to rate each segment on a scale from 1 to 10. Ideally, you want your wheel segments to be scored evenly, or as close as you can get them. This will help you avoid a bumpy road in life. Aim for scores of 7 or higher. As you work through this exercise you will quickly see how one aspect of your life impacts another. You may be out of work right now and have a career ranked at a 2, but family is a 10 because you have more time to spend at home now that you are not working. Picking up on how each segment relates to one another will help you identify where your focus needs to be placed first. Here are questions you can use to help you score each area of your wheel. Family and Friends Do I reach out regularly to my extended family? Does our family share meals together? Do I spend enough time asking how my family’s day went? Do I have a close circle of friends? Do I spend face-to-face time with my friends? Am I a supportive shoulder to lean on? Career Am I passionate about the work that I do? Do I look forward to going to work? Does my career reflect my personal values? Do I have room to advance in my current place of employment? Health and Self-Care Do I eat fresh and unprocessed foods regularly? Do I exercise? Do I keep up with my annual exams and checkups? Am I overweight? Do I take time to unwind and relax? Am I challenging myself to learn and try new things? Travel and Recreation Do I engage in fun activities? Do I visit places that I enjoy or want to explore? Do I have a hobby? Finances Do I have a retirement plan in place? Am I in debt? Do I have a healthy savings account? Am I living within my means? Do I have and follow a budget? Romantic Relationship Do I want to be in a romantic relationship? Do we have the same values? Am I putting my best self into the relationship? Does my relationship get the time it deserves and needs? Home Do I like my home? Am I comfortable and proud to have guests over? Do I like the city where I live? Is my home clean and organized? Religion and Spirituality Do I have a religious belief? Am I engaging with others with similar beliefs? Is there more that I can learn about my religion? Looking at Your Wheel Here you are going to look at your scores in each segment and begin to get a graphical representation of how bumpy your ride is and gain insight into how changes in one area may impact another area's score. This is a balancing act, as life so often is.
Finding Balance
Now is the time to start to delve deeper into why your scores are what they are. Has your family score dipped lower than it has ever been before? What number do you want to see your career at, while still maintaining balance with your other life segments? Some other questions you may ask yourself – What actions can you take now to start increasing your scores? What will you feel like if you can get to 7 or higher in all areas? 8? 9? 10? What talents and skills do you already have that will assist you in achieving your goals? What would you need to put into motion today to move you up one point by next week?
Tracking Progress
Let's talk about how to track your progress and stay motivated along the way. Tracking your progress is essential for several reasons. First, it helps you see how far you've come and gives you a sense of accomplishment. It's easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day and forget to celebrate your wins, so tracking progress is a great way to keep you motivated and feeling good about your efforts. Second, tracking progress can help you identify any areas where you might need to make adjustments. If you're not making progress toward a goal, tracking can help you see where you're getting stuck and make changes to your plan. So, how can you track your progress toward your Wheel of Life goals? Here are a few ideas:
Remember, the key to staying motivated is to focus on progress, not perfection. Don't beat yourself up if you have an off day or don't make as much progress as you'd like. Just keep moving forward, one step at a time. Tracking progress is essential to staying motivated and achieving your goals on the Wheel of Life. Use journaling, habit trackers, and celebrations to keep yourself on track and celebrate your progress along the way. Remember, setting goals and taking action towards a better life is an ongoing process, so don't be afraid to revisit your Wheel of Life regularly and make adjustments as needed.
Making Adjustments
Let's address how to make adjustments as you work towards your goals and how to celebrate your successes and learn from your failures along the way. As you work towards your goals, it's important to periodically reassess them and make adjustments as needed. Maybe you've discovered that one of your goals isn't as important to you as you initially thought, or maybe you've encountered unexpected obstacles that have made it difficult to make progress. Whatever the reason, it's okay to make adjustments to your goals and your action plan. Here are a few steps you can take to reassess your goals and make adjustments:
It's also important to celebrate your successes along the way, no matter how small they may seem. Celebrating your successes can help keep you motivated and remind you of how far you've come. And don't forget to learn from your failures too - they can be valuable learning opportunities that can help you make adjustments and move forward toward your goals. Making adjustments is a natural part of the goal-setting process. Periodically reassess your goals and action plan, and don't be afraid to make adjustments as needed. Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures, and remember to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Bringing it Together
We've come to the end of our Wheel of Life journey, and it's time to wrap things up. Over the past few posts, we've talked about what the Wheel of Life is, and how to use it to identify goals, create a plan, track progress, make adjustments, and celebrate successes. Now, let's recap the importance of using the Wheel of Life to achieve your goals. The Wheel of Life is a powerful tool that can help you assess your current level of satisfaction in different areas of your life and identify areas where you want to improve. By setting SMART goals and creating an action plan, you can take concrete steps toward achieving the life you want. Tracking your progress and making adjustments along the way can help you stay motivated and on track toward your goals. Celebrating your successes, no matter how small can help you stay positive and remind you of how far you've come. And learning from your failures can help you make adjustments and keep moving forward toward your goals. So, what's next? It's time to take action and start setting goals! Use the Wheel of Life to assess your current level of satisfaction in different areas of your life, and identify one or two areas where you want to focus your attention. Then, set SMART goals for those areas and create an action plan to achieve them. Remember, setting goals and taking action toward a better life is an ongoing process. The Wheel of Life can help you stay focused and motivated, but it's up to you to take action and make your dreams a reality. Are you ready to take your self-growth and care journey to the next level? If so, I have the perfect resource for you. I recently wrote a blog article titled "This Year, Create the Life You Absolutely Love," and I think you'll find it super helpful and inspiring. In the article, I share tips and strategies for setting SMART goals in different areas of your life, such as your career, home, finances, travel, hobbies, health, family, romance, self-care, and personal growth. By following these techniques, you can turn your aspirations into actionable steps and make progress toward your ideal life. So, what do you say? Are you ready to join me on this journey toward creating the life you love? Head over to my blog and check out the article. I can't wait to hear what you think and see the amazing progress you make! |
Bless Myself BlogJen AmbroseCertified Life Coach, Mother of Five, Wife, Christian, Homeowner & Friend Archives
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