New opportunities- It’s called “the bright, shiny object syndrome.” Often it comes in the form of a new business venture or a higher paying job that requires so much time and energy that you have nothing left to invest in your dream.

Instead of allowing your emotions to get caught up in the moment, ask yourself, “How is this going to help me achieve my goals?”

Thoughts of doubt- Thoughts like,  “Am I really supposed to do this? or “I am not qualified,” or  “My aunt said it was a dumb idea and she’s probably right.”

The things that money will buy.  It may be a bigger house, a new car, or the best kitchen cabinets on the market. There is nothing wrong with having these things, but if you have to get a second or third job to pay for them or spend so much time taking care of them that your dream gets put on the back burner-you may want to rethink your purchases.

The TV or Internet.  How easy it is to sit in front of the television and let it entertain you or surf the Internet-going from website to website with no particular purpose in mind. Again, there is nothing wrong with these things, the problem comes when you are wasting hour after hour of precious time that could be spent doing things to move you closer to your dreams.

This year make the decision to cut down on or get rid of the things in your life that are hindering you from reaching your goals.  As it says in Hebrews 12:1 (LT version) let us get rid of everything that keeps us from moving full steam ahead on the path that is set before us.

1. Choose the topics you want to study. Most people have 5-7 areas that are important to them- for example you may want to grow spiritually or learn how to keep yourself and your family healthy or learn how to start your own business. Write down the areas that are important to you.

2. Decide what study tools you want to use for each subject. Pick methods of learning that complement your personality and lifestyle. Your options include books, magazines, CD’s, classes, websites, audio downloads etc.

3. Write out your goals for growth this year. It can be as simple or detailed as you like-the important thing is learn something on a regular basis to help you improve in every area of your life.

Your plan for the year may look something like this:

Spiritual: Use a Bible study plan and read through the whole Bible. Attend the ladies weekly Bible study at my church and read the biography of my favorite faith teacher.

Health: Study the 2 natural health books I bought last month.

Parenting: Borrow the James Dobson parenting set from the library and listen to it. Read 25 Ways Moms Can Raise Extraordinary Kids.

Financial: Listen to the You Can Choose To Be Rich DVD set my sister gave me. Attend a financial management course.

 After you have your plan written out, break down your goals into manageable segments and put them on your daily or weekly to do list. Your goal for the week may be to spend an hour reading a certain book, checking into what courses are offered in your city or listening to a financial success download on your mp3 player.

Set aside time every day to work on your growth plan. As you learn new things, write down information that is meaningful to you and read through your notes regularly. The information you acquire will put you on the path to a more fulfilling life. 

Free resources:

Personal Growth Plan Handbook

Writing down your goals and keeping a “to do list” can greatly increase your productivity. If you don’t write down what you want to get done, it’s easy to get distracted by whatever demands your attention at the moment. Using the right tools will make this process easier. You can decide what the right tool is for you based on your lifestyle and personal preference.

Some people prefer to use a plain notepad, a 3 ring binder or a daytimer. Others like to write everything on a calendar. If you have a lot of meetings or appointments, you will probably want a pocket planners that you can tuck inside your purse or coat pocket.

I like to type my goals out on the computer. There is something about having my goals typed out neatly that gives me a good feeling-if my goals are written down in a messy, haphazard fashion-they do not seem as important and I tend to neglect them. 

Another option is free printable planners off the internet. There are many different styles and templates. You are bound to find at least one that works for you. Here are some sites that offer a variety of free printable planners:

Busy Bee Lifestyle

Organized Home Website

The Homeschool Mom

If you are looking specifically for free printable weekly planners click here:

Free Printable Weekly Planners

There are many tools and resources available to help you organize your life. Choose the ones that are best suited for your lifestyle and personality. The right planner will save you time and money and give you a sense of control over your life. For more choices go to: Christianbook.com Daytimers. 

I invite you to leave a comment and share your own tips on how to save time and get more done.