New Beginnings, Procrastination, Finding a Focus, and Navigating It All

Here it is… August is coming to an end. We are wrapping up another summer, which means another year and new possibilities woven with certain changes for many of us. If you have kids, you know that this also means the start of another school year.

?It feels a little like New Year's, except with school clothes and supplies, it costs a lot more money. After teaching for 13 years, I wonder if August will ever not feel like my “new” year. There is just so much joy in the potential of a new year.

This year, our school clothes shopping trip looked different, our summer was by far busier, and looking at our schedules for this year are all reminders that…?

growth and change are unavoidable.

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Every year brings its own set of challenges, opportunities, joys, and heartaches. It’s all part of the journey, and while it can be overwhelming, it’s also incredibly exciting.

Real talk: the school supplies everywhere is something I have to refrain from buying. I LOVE NEW SCHOOL SUPPLIES as much as I love a fresh year. That may just be a teacher thing.

To cap off the summer, my family and I ventured to Arizona. It was hot as all get out, but so captivatingly beautiful. On our final day, we drove out to see “Slide Rock.”

Along the way, we encountered an HOV lane but didn't see the entrance. Yet, we saw multiple signs telling us what the hefty fine would be if we misused it. Listen, we don’t live in an area where an HOV lane is an option, so we were uncertain if we should jump in the lane to follow the people passing us by or play it safe with the slow people we couldn’t get around.

We went back and forth on whether we should or shouldn’t. Finally, we took the leap and jumped over right when the lane ended. So much for progress. We talked about it too long. It didn’t matter in the end because we were on vacation and not in a hurry, but it made me laugh out loud and think about the other times I have sat on the fence too long.

One thing we did take time to talk about on our drive to “Slide Rock” was our word for the year. See, we have a tradition in our family. Before every school year, I sit down with the kids and reflect on the previous year. Then, we chat about their hopes and goals for the upcoming school year.

Every year, each kid picks a word or phrase they want to be intentional about this school year. This conversation and "word" is not like creating a New Year’s resolution. It's more like our own version of creating focus pillars like you would for your business. We are just in the business of 4th & 7th grades.

(Of course, we have a strategy conversation in my house; I’m their mother…poor kids.)

I love these conversations with them. I value the time to reflect and get excited about the coming year. One kid picked focused, and the other picked courageous.?

So, starting this “new” year, I challenge you to be courageous and avoid getting stuck like we did on the HOV lane.?

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Where can you leap into the fast lane and make bold moves in your life or work?

?What’s the worst that can happen?

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I also encourage you to be focused on the things that are important to you. Reflect on where you have been, dream about where you are going, and ask yourself the hard questions to bridge the gap between “real” and “ideal” you/business/home/growth goals.

Let me ask you, what’s YOUR focus word?

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I'll be back in your inbox next month with more?growth motivation.?

Promise.

— Julie