This post is a break from the norm, because I wanted to do something fun and different. Over the past year through launching my business, I've had to streamline a lot of stuff. And I mean a LOT of stuff. I just don't have the free time that I used to, and I can't take as long as I did to do the same thing that I'm still doing now. I have no complaints at all, because I absolutely love what I do! But I've definitely had to get creative to get everything done.
This is cliché, but the hardest part for me is the mental battle. If I feel like I'm going to be overwhelmed, then not only will I definitely get overwhelmed during the busy weeks, I will also dread the weeks that come. So if I'm able to stay on top of everything, I'll be winning on a lot of fronts. And if I can convince myself that I'm fully prepared for the week(s) ahead, I'll be able to buckle down and get through the busyness with a lot more ease than if I was stressed out before I began.
A huge part of that is preparation, and Sunday is the day to prepare for me. I try to be restful on Sundays and not do a whole lot of work, but one thing I always do is get ready for the week ahead. My Mondays are always busy between getting back into the work week, starting my workout routine again after the weekend, and hosting a small group at my house every week. I know all of us have busy days, and I hope this helps you organize your life just a little bit!
I always make sure to either have a meal in the crock pot, or 90% finished, before Monday rolls around. So I do all of the prep on Sunday evenings, and usually have the whole meal done and in the refrigerator before it gets too late. Next, I pack my lunch for the next day. Overall I've really simplified my lunches, too - they're pretty similar every day, so I know exactly what I'm going to pack, and it saves me a lot of time. That goes in the fridge, too.
Then comes breakfast! It seems crazy to get my breakfast done ahead of time, but I do. I have some great recipes that let me make my breakfast for the next day, or the next week, ahead of time. FInally, I pack all my gym clothes since I work out first thing in the morning. My shoes are by the door with a full water bottle, towel, and everything else I need.
This might seem over the top, but it gives me total peace of mind. That way when I wake up at 5:30, not quite ready for another week, I walk straight into the bathroom and get dressed with the clothes already laid out for me. I walk out, get my shoes on, grab everything I need without having to move around the house, and head out. After I get back home I shower, have breakfast ready to eat in less than a minute, and sit down to enjoy.
This seems crazy and maybe like not that big of a deal, but it has totally turned my Mondays around, which makes my whole week start out on the right foot! You may not be able to prepare dinner ahead of time, but maybe you can pack your lunch. If you aren't planning on going to the gym, maybe you can do a little cleaning so you don't have to worry about it the next morning.
I'm not as organized as I'd like to be in some areas, but I'm definitely learning and growing all the time! Leave me a comment and let me know your tips & tricks - I know there's a lot more I could be doing to save time.
Happy Sunday, everyone! And now...to rest...and set out some drinks & snacks for small group tomorrow :)
