Merry Christmas!

I love the Christmas season for so many reasons! Mostly because of the countless blessings I have of family, friends, experiences, good health, and my ongoing journey in my faith. Celebrating the people in my life becomes a focus and high priority during this time each year, especially as I get older. Watching my “boys” interact with each other, their kindness toward their significant others (and vice versa), and watching my oldest child parent his children…it’s beyond magical.

But among the reasons I love this season is it encourages me to reflect on the past year–my successes, where I could have done better, new friendships, even hardships–and the areas in which I want to grow. The desire to be an even better wife, mom, and grandmama is also top of the list. But also self-care so I can be the best I can be for them.

That includes my love of writing and making it a priority. So the past week has been chock-full of creating a workable plan to produce more than ever yet takes nothing away from my family. How? By kicking my lack of self-discipline to the curb.

My self-discipline seems to have retired at the same time I retired from my W2 job at the district attorney’s office. And what I’ve come to learn is that the “goals” I set and attempt to carry out each year aren’t nearly as important as the “systems” I put in place. I need to say that again because it’s so crucial to success:

The “goals” I set and attempt to carry out each year aren’t nearly as important as the “systems” I put in place.

What’s the difference between goals and systems?

Goals are desired results; Systems are the daily habits that lead you to the desired result. What I’ve learned is that without a solid, well-defined “system” in place, I can’t reach the goal.

So I’ve spent good quality time planning said well-defined system to achieve my writing goals. And that includes a system to get back on track when “life” happens.

Two notable mentions that have helped me in a huge way are Sarra Cannon’s courses Your Path Forward and HB90, as well as James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits. I’ve created links for both of them here for your ease.

**I, in no way, receive any compensation for these two suggestions. I’m simply sharing what’s clicked for me and worked for literally thousands. Helping people succeed is a passion of mine.**