Since fall is almost here, this means that school is back in session and this is a good time to revamp those routines that may have taken a backseat to fun over the summer. Whether you are a parent, college student, professor, none of the above or all of the above, allow September to be a month that refocuses your goals and the daily activities you conduct to achieve those goals.
A routine is something that you do on a regular basis - usually with little attention to the fact that a routine is taking place. Routines occur often so they become habitual or second nature. Routines can seem dull and boring at times but they do not have to be. These are great ways to keep you focused on tasks and allows the ability to create a sense of stability in your life, monitor strengths, weaknesses and progress over time. When we do not have routines, our efforts can be scattered and have lack of direction. Routines also help with time-management.
If you are a parent, routines can be especially important during this time of year because your kids are going back to school. They may need structure to get them accustomed to the academic environment again. Below are some suggestions on how you can develop and utilize routines in your life:
- Establish realistic routines. Start small and establish more routines over time.
- Use a whiteboard to make a daily (or it can be weekly/monthly) to-do list of items that are important and need to be accomplished. You can even use this whiteboard/chalk board to write down chores or extracurricular activities.
- Try to have dinner together, as a family, and around the same time every day. Yes, life can be hectic at times, but dinner is a great time to unwind and recap the events that transpired during the day. This also allows everyone in the family to communicate with each other (face-to-face) on a daily basis.
- Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (or at least during the weekday). Some might think that this is for children only but adults can benefit from a consistent sleep pattern which can allow
- you to enjoy a deeper sleep.
Finances - Pay Yourself First
When you receive a paycheck, what is the first thing you do? Do you pay bills? Do you go grocery shopping? Perhaps, you indulge in a bit of 'retail therapy' and pick up items you've been wanting?
Most people pay bills when they get paid because bills are usually one of the major reasons people even go to work (aside from those that actually enjoy their jobs and work for personal fulfilment). Bills usually consist of paying expenses that are vital to our survival and/or help us maintain a comfortable lifestyle. After bills are paid, the 'leftover' money is able to be spent however a person see's fit.
The idea of 'paying yourself first' is making sure that a certain percentage of your income (which can be decided by you) is paid to you before any other 'bills' are paid. That's right, 'paying yourself first' allows you to treat yourself like a high-priority bill!
Some might not see the importance of paying yourself at first but it is an important concept. The money that you put away should be allocated towards the investment of your future. For instance, this money might go towards your 401k or some type of retirement plan. This money is not usually something that is spent - it is invested. Depending on your personal financial situation, you might just want to put the money away towards your 'rainy day fund' as well to have available in the case of an emergency.
Whatever the case, make yourself a priority and 'pay yourself first' and make sure that you invest in your future.
Most people pay bills when they get paid because bills are usually one of the major reasons people even go to work (aside from those that actually enjoy their jobs and work for personal fulfilment). Bills usually consist of paying expenses that are vital to our survival and/or help us maintain a comfortable lifestyle. After bills are paid, the 'leftover' money is able to be spent however a person see's fit.
The idea of 'paying yourself first' is making sure that a certain percentage of your income (which can be decided by you) is paid to you before any other 'bills' are paid. That's right, 'paying yourself first' allows you to treat yourself like a high-priority bill!
Some might not see the importance of paying yourself at first but it is an important concept. The money that you put away should be allocated towards the investment of your future. For instance, this money might go towards your 401k or some type of retirement plan. This money is not usually something that is spent - it is invested. Depending on your personal financial situation, you might just want to put the money away towards your 'rainy day fund' as well to have available in the case of an emergency.
Whatever the case, make yourself a priority and 'pay yourself first' and make sure that you invest in your future.
Personal Interest - Labor Of Love
Often times, our summer is filled with relaxation, sleep-overs, BBQs, picnics, theme parks and most importantly our loved ones. As the summer ends and fall begins, you may find that your schedule becomes more hectic. This hectic schedule may often be filled with things that are required and not things that are leisure or particularly 'fun' to do. Because of this, take the Labor Day holiday to spend it with friends, family and people you love.
This Labor Day, try throwing an event to celebrate the holiday. Maybe initiate a BBQ and invite your friends and family over. Or you might want to arrange a beach day (just make sure everyone goes early because the beaches can get crowded rather quickly). Another idea is a final summer weekend getaway where you can go somewhere (local or far) to celebrate the holiday. Whatever type of event you decide to do, make sure you take some time to appreciate those people you enjoy the most.
If you have a bit of extra time on your hands, you could even create some type of keepsake to give to those that come to the holiday party. For instance, maybe you and your friends/family went on a camping trip together - you could create a scrapbook of the event or even a cool t-shirt to remember #summer2015. Also, physical keepsakes are unique these days because of the use of online social media so this idea might be a pleasant surprise that no one would expect.
Spending some time with the people you enjoy the most is a great way to end the summer and welcome the fall.
This Labor Day, try throwing an event to celebrate the holiday. Maybe initiate a BBQ and invite your friends and family over. Or you might want to arrange a beach day (just make sure everyone goes early because the beaches can get crowded rather quickly). Another idea is a final summer weekend getaway where you can go somewhere (local or far) to celebrate the holiday. Whatever type of event you decide to do, make sure you take some time to appreciate those people you enjoy the most.
If you have a bit of extra time on your hands, you could even create some type of keepsake to give to those that come to the holiday party. For instance, maybe you and your friends/family went on a camping trip together - you could create a scrapbook of the event or even a cool t-shirt to remember #summer2015. Also, physical keepsakes are unique these days because of the use of online social media so this idea might be a pleasant surprise that no one would expect.
Spending some time with the people you enjoy the most is a great way to end the summer and welcome the fall.
Courtesy of Blair Chapman Summit Funding
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