I did say yesterday that I was done writing about plans for 2011. But early the previous morning (prior to completing yesterday’s post), I was so overwhelmed by the volume of my own planning, I asked myself this question:
“If you scrapped all your planning and goal-setting and core value lists, etc., what do you want your theme to be for 2011?”
It was simply this: Simplicity.
Later that day I ran into this post on a friend’s blog (LifewithJDing) that then led me to this wonderful blog (Grit & Glory) which confirmed the idea of focusing on a central theme to undergird my year.
I’ve always loved things and even been in love with organizing. On my work computer, I have roughly 23 versions of spreadsheets to track various metrics. I probably don’t need them. I just need to focus on the 3-5 things that are ultimately my responsibility: client care, diligence with developing new business, educating current and future clients, and a couple corollary duties.
The same principal applies to my relationships and finances and health. We all know the 2 or 3 things we need to do, but it’s so much more fun to plan for 12 things to start doing next week or month.
As much as I’m committed to my 2011 plans, I’m more committed to the simplicity of loving God, my wife, my kids, and those around me. Oh yeah, I need to take care of myself also. If I can shed some unnecessary mental and physical clutter, even better.
Question: What would your One Word for 2011 be? Leave a comment and go visit one of those two blogs I mentioned above and drop a note there, too.
Brett – that’s a great word to focus on! I’ve got to say that making the decision to rid yourself of unneccessary physical, emotional and spiritual clutter is really admirable. And it’s something that I know I need to do as well. We’ve simply GOT to do whatever it takes to tune more closely into the Father’s words for our hearts and to rid ourselves of the distractions brought on by an enemy who loves to see us get sidetracked.
Happy New Year!
And thanks again for the shout out to our blog in your post my friend!
my theme is TRUTH.
Be true to myself, my ideas, my wife, my kids, my friends (new and old) and most of all follow the advice of Bob Dylan in the sing Like A Rolling Stone – “go to HIM, he calls you, you can’t refuse.” The HIM is truth.
You’re awesome Brett
Joel–Thanks for your comments and the dual threat of Obedience and Hope in your household this year.
Lance–Thanks, sir. There should be a band called The Stab Bats, by the way.
in so many ways i’m craving more simplicity as well… the need to get rid of empty calories (not just in terms of food)…
I agree. I think I had a bloomin’ onion of DVR’d sitcoms recently.
Pingback: Words Up: Simplicity & Energy | A Dad's Journal
Pingback: Depth, Trim, Consistent | A Dad's Journal