When I plan ... I will accomplish

I have carried a Franklin Covey Planner for years and probably will until the day I die. 

Sometimes I’m faithful in following Stephen Covey’s time-tested system - sitting down on Saturday morning, reviewing what took place last week and projecting forward for the next week - often not so much.

There are months when life comes together and it is easy. Then there are months regardless of how hard I try it simply does not. 

Over the years people have said, “Carolyn, I don’t know how you do it, I just don’t have that kind of time!”

Let me tell you - it’s hard, not easy.  That being said, however, experience has taught me when I plan, I accomplish what is on my list. 

Here’s My Health Priorities straight out of my Life Statement:

My Health

I understand my body is a gift from God.  I am disciplined and balanced in my spiritual, emotional and physical body. 

• 4  times a week I work with a Personal Trainer
• Weekly I plan our menu for healthy eating  (reach and maintain 155 pounds)

Originally my Life Statement was developed after a year long coaching program.  Annually I review it and modify it to meet my goals for the next year.  This is done in August while in Alaska.

Saturday I realized just how far I’ve come in this last year. 

For you see:

Last Saturday, Ken and I spent 5 hours in our yard simply trimming trees, cutting grass.  I can tell you that a year ago I couldn’t do this! 

I did this last weekend simply because I implemented a health plan, changed my eating habits and held myself accountable.

As we were ending our morning adventure in the yard Ken said, “Hey, don’t tell me how heavy the door is - you’re the one who has been working out!”

When he said that I realized I am in better physical condition at 62 than I was at 42.  My prayer is that at 82 I will be in even better shape.  Who knows? Maybe at 92 I’ll run a marathon.

We have to plan our life and work our plan.  When this happens life doesn’t push us around. We reach goals.  Yes, experience has taught me, unless I purposefully plan, stay on track, and hold myself accountable, nothing changes.

92 year old Harriette Thompson