We finished our annual planning time on Wednesday and now it’s time to work the plan. Planning without execution is a futile waste of time.
I always end up with a big to-do list after our planning time and need to remind myself that most of these things are things we hope to accomplish over the next year, not this week.
Over the years this has been a tremendous help for homeschooling. Dan listens to all my concerns and suggestions and we make many decisions together, rather than me trying to muddle through on my own.
This year we did something that we’ve never done before. We asked our 21, 24, and 25 year olds to discuss together what they saw our family doing that was good and what they saw that wasn’t so good.
We were pleasantly surprised, and very pleased to find our annual planning times on their things we’ve done right list. We’ve been doing it since 1996 and they’ve seen the results of spending several days together seeking the Lord for His plans for us as a family and for us as individuals within that family.
I recently read a post from a pastor who was taking a sabbatical who said he did it to refocus.
I hadn’t thought about our planning times like that, but that truly is what we do. We look over our plans for the previous year and mark off what we accomplished. Some of the items that weren’t completed get moved forward to the new list for 2013 and some get discarded.
Often we find something on our list that was and is a great idea that we started and somehow didn’t finish or follow through. This is where we refocus. We ask ourselves, is this something the Lord still wants us to do. Do we want to put more effort into it this year?
We also track our progress on good ideas, like weekly date. We know we aren’t doing it perfectly, but it’s a good reminder to try for more times this year.
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
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Great idea, in particular, including the children
Including our children was a big task when they were younger, but it has been so worthwhile. Again, I’m grateful for Dan and his perseverance – he’s a great plodder. Thanks for leaving a comment. Its always so encouraging.
Yes it is Shannon. Do you have our book Purposeful Planning? Its free to military families.
Doing it monthly is a great idea Pamela. I think it would really complement our annual time. We do a review in June to make sure we are on track.
I love that we included our children too, especially now that we are hearing how important it has been to them.
I find this is a good plan for every part of life. Taking time each month to evaluate the past one keeps me on task , moving towards my goals. I love that you included your children.
this is a wonderful idea! thanks!
You are so welcome Suzanne. I’m glad you like it and hope you try it in your family.
Yes, this is a good time to refocus! (and read your book!)