Blog Posts

I’m reflecting on Powersheets today. I’m pleased to say that I was diligent about using this binder for all of 2018, but of course, some months were more intentional than others.

Here’s What I Loved:

I loved that the tending page is one page. It has clear boundaries which require goals to stay simple. Additionally, they have sections for daily, weekly, and monthly goals all in one space.

I loved the quarterly check-in pages. I was way over ambitious January-March of 2018 with the number of goals I set as well as all the action steps they required. Still, when I sat down to review things I realized my diligence had paid off and 2 goals were already accomplished for the year. Evaluating each quarter allowed me to redefine some goals and remove others off my to-do list.

I loved how sturdy the binder is! My Powersheets look almost brand new even though they were dragged in my work bag all over town.

I love how many ways are provided to consider goals. By including brainstorming pages I was able to think about goals differently. Halfway through the year I identified my biggest stressors I restructured my goals to meet the most stressful one first. This meant I needed to reprioritize somethings temporarily, but now that the goal is complete I’m thrilled!

Here’s What I Didn’t Love (and How I’m Fixing That)

There aren’t any pockets, so I found myself paperclipping extra notes throughout the pages. I stumbled upon a photo post in the Powersheets Facebook Group and there is an easy (and cute) way to add pockets by taping cardstock to the front and back cover. Easy fix!

I didn’t want to add a day planner to my stack of resources since I mainly use a digital calendar for work and family activities. Still, there are some action steps that are helpful to plan out with goals. I am guessing I’m not the only person who was looking for an in-between option because this year the Cultivate What Matters team created a Weekly Sticky Notepad

What I’m Adding

This year I’m adding a smidge more accountability. As a verbal processor, I often find that ideas aren’t clarified until I’ve considered different angles. Talking through goals and outcomes is a valuable part of the Powersheets process for me, as well as the accountability of showing someone which goals I did and didn’t achieve each month. I’ve started sending a photo of each tending sheet to my friend Harmony at the beginning and end of each month.

In addition to bi-weekly chats with a girlfriend in town, Harmony’s voice is one I value because I  know she will thoughtfully ask questions I’ve yet to consider.

Entering year two of Powersheets I’ve also spent more intentional time on the prep worksheets. I’m expectant for what 2019 holds, but I’m entering the year with different goals, including striving for a different daily pace for our family. If you are on the fence about using Powersheets but have a goal you want to chip away at I encourage you to take the leap. Powersheets is a little more work than other goal setting strategies I’ve used but it’s 1000% times more effective.

Why not invest a little time and money into yourself this year? I guarantee it will pay dividends for decades.

Dear Levi,

Tomorrow you turn 12 years old. It’s hard to believe another year has passed and yet this year it seems you’ve matured half a decade or more.

Your interests remain the same in many ways. Xbox, soccer, coding, and friends are your favorite things. But you are always open to exploring something new too. You are seizing the opportunities school offers with cooking classes, German, and Art. You’ve also enjoyed your guitar classes. I love hearing you practice at random times through the week.

What more could a 6th grader expect out of life? Well, you are ready for spring adventures of camping, hiking and fishing already so I anticipate the next six months will continue to include new opportunities.

This year you took the request to help the football team to a whole new level. Your desire to be near your dad as well as your loyalty to him is clear, but you also did a great job of showing how willing you are to stick with a commitment even in harsh conditions.  You served the team in the pouring rain and freezing temperatures.

Your teachers tell us you are a great judge of character and it doesn’t surprise me to hear that, but I’m glad to know it’s consistent. You also continue to catch on to concepts quickly making your teachers continue to think of creating ways to keep you engaged in class at times.

2018 is also the year you became the second shortest person in our home. Yes, you are now taller than your mom and you are likely to pass up your brother at some point, but he’s still got a few inches on you.

You are attending youth group this year and I love hearing what you learned each Sunday and Wednesday. Of course, your deepest thoughts aren’t quickly presented, but when pressed your wisdom always makes me smile.

I can’t help but notice the similarities you have with your dad. It’s making me take a hard look at the nature vs. nurture theories. I’m not sure how observant you’ve been, but it’s pretty eerie at times.

Still, your dad is a pretty great guy, so if you continue down this path I have no doubt we will see great things from you.

Love you Bud, Happy Birthday.

Mom

I’m writing over at Friday Night Wives. Here’s a Preview:

Hey sports fans! We’re transitioning seasons from fall to winter sports which has recently reminded me of all the hard conversations post season brings. I did a quick poll with confirmed coaches’ wives around the country and have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions we really wish we didn’t have to answer. I’m also going to explain why NOT asking these things will show your favorite coach’s wife how much you care.

Post Season

• Are you happy the season is finally over?
• Weren’t you supposed to have a better season this year?
• How is your husband doing dealing with all the losses this year?

In the few days where there is little going on with coaching we aren’t trying to dwell on the season. We’re all adjusting to a new routine and enjoying a few more dates, but we aren’t happy the season is over. A short season means we didn’t win as many games as we could have and that is always disappointing.

Post seasons are filled with weight room workouts, individual coaching, recruiting, and a lot of film work. High school coaches are helping their upperclassmen connect with college opportunities. It’s also filled with a lot of meetings about how to improve.

• Well, you can’t win them all!
• What’s the big deal? It’s just a game.

These two statements may be the most frustrating of all for coaches’ wives. First of all, you CAN win them all when you have an undefeated season.   More than that, we KNOW that it’s extremely hard to win consistently year after year, which is why statements like “It’s just a game” or “You can’t win them all” are ones we just don’t know how to answer well.

Football (or soccer, basketball or baseball) IS a game, but it’s also an avenue to develop characteristics such as perseverance and integrity under pressure. Coaches help players learn how to work on teams and lead teammates. So, it is a big deal, win or lose.

Read the rest over here.