January 2024 - Page 2 of 2 - Strange & Charmed

Month: January 2024

How I Plan and Organize My Life & Business | The Planners and Routines I use Each Year

How I Plan and Organize My Life & Business | The Planners and Routines I use Each Year

Being productive and organized is something that takes consistency, like anything else you may want to find success at in life, you have to put systems in place and keep those systems up and running. Being a productive and organized person isn’t something that you set up once and you are done forever. However, the systems you use can be decided on once and then all you have to do is show up to do the regular maintenance routines and it can be as simple as that. So, today I thought it would be helpful if I shared not only the planner and planning tools I’m using to stay productive and organized, but also the functional planning routines and the process I take to plan and organize my life and business on a regular basis.

Part 1: Yearly Plan

The purpose of my yearly planning routine is to set the vision and direction for my year. You can’t create the life you want unless you know what that life is and make a plan to get there and that is the function of my yearly planning routine.

So, on an annual basis, in December, I take the following steps in my Yearly Planning Routine.

I set my goals for the new year
Break larger or longer term goals into milestones
Define objectives for precisely how I will achieve each goal and milestone and assign them to specific quarters and months of my year
Populate my planner with known tasks, events and due dates

The tools I use to complete my Yearly Planning routine are my You Got Goals Workshop and Planner that helps me identify and break down my goals. I also use the CEO Retreat Workshop and Workbook to set my specific business goals and define my business plans for the year in terms of what work I will be focused on each month of the year.

My planners for 2024 are the 2024 Charmed Life Master Planner Vertical Digital Edition and the CEO Strategy Planner Digital Edition.

The Master Planner is the where I collect all relevant information for scheduling my time, and managing my tasks functionally.

The CEO Strategy Planner is a tool I use to supplement my main planner that gives me worksheets that help me create, outline and track business related information, but any tasks I define in that planner always get moved to the Master Planner. Yes, it’s a bit of duplication but it helps ensure I get individual tasks accomplished- so while I use the CEO Strategy Planner for working out my business plans and storing some important information, I need to integrate my business plans with the rest of my tasks and schedule in my Master Planner.

This process and these tools become the framework or outline for my plans for the year. Each subsequent step of my planning process is meant to fill out more specific details of plans and to prioritize tasks so my life is balanced and on track.

Part 2: Quarterly Plan

The purpose of my quarterly planning routine is to check my progress towards goals and create a 90 day plan of action to focus on. Many people get overwhelmed by their goals and plans because they try to make a plan to far in advance but in my functional planning system, I create more focused targets for 90 days at a time. 90 days or a quarter of planning at a time is often recognized as being a good amount of time to create more detailed plans for because its enough time to get a lot accomplished and to make adjustments to plans as you begin to take action.

So, on a quarterly basis, I take the following steps in my quarterly planning routine, and yes, this means that I am planning out Q1 not long after I set my goals because I need my 90 day plan in place before the quarter begins.

Check progress towards my goals and milestones (Q2-4)
Adjust plans as necessary to account for progress and obstacles
Generate my quarterly business plan
Populate action plans for objectives in the following quarter
Allocate tasks from project plans to monthly trackers and monthly master task lists

For my quarterly planning routine, I use my Charmed Life Master Planner and my CEO Strategy Planner to fill in the action plans and specific details of plans that I simply assigned to specific quarters or months of the year during my Yearly Planning Routine.

For example: During my Yearly Planning Routine, I may have decided I wanted to put together a launch for a product in a specific month, let’s say January. So, during my Q1 planning session, I would now take the time to create the plan for that launch and once I have the plan made, the tasks would be distributed to the monthly trackers inside the Charmed Life Master Planner for the month they belong to.

So, during our yearly planning we are deciding on things we want to do, and then during the Quarterly Planning session, we actually make the action plans and start assigning the tasks to the right months.

Part 3: Monthly Plan

The purpose of my monthly planning routine is to set reasonable expectations for accomplishing my objectives and tasks each month. Often times, people will overload their monthly to do list with things and then fail to get much of it accomplished because you put too much on your plate at one time. So, this monthly routine is meant to capture all the tasks that belong to the month but also to ensure their is enough time to get it all done.

So, on a monthly basis, I take the following steps in my monthly planning routine.

Brain dump to capture any additional new tasks that belong to my plans for the month
Populate my monthly calendar with important dates
Check the progress of project plans
Fill in my master monthly tasks list and make sure my monthly tracker is fully populated
Start assigning important projects and work to the specific weeks across the month

Something that has always set my functional planning process apart from other planning processes is that I use the month as the basic unit for task management. So, instead of having a long to do list with tasks that apply to various months of the year- I prefer a master monthly task list so as you are working day in and day out, you have a more reasonable to do list to work off of. Projects. systems and habits are also tracked on a monthly basis in my system and limited because when people make their plans for the month, I find they often overplan. They say they want to complete a whole list of projects, they want to start a whole list of new habits, they want to integrate all these new systems at once, but it’s too much and they fail. So, my Charmed Life Master Planner puts limits on how much you can plan for each month in order to help you self-edit and limit the plans you make each month. Because if you get overwhelmed, you will most likely fail to get everything done, and I’d prefer for you to at least get a reasonable amount of things done.

So, for my monthly routine, of course I use my Charmed Life Master Planner, and I will manage work for my business inside the CEO Strategy Planner, but again, any specific tasks are always moved into my master planner for actual scheduling to ensure the task gets done.

Part 4: Weekly Plan

The purpose of my weekly planning routine is to outline a schedule for accomplishing tasks and meeting expectations across the week. I love using the week as my basic unit for time management, similar to the way that I prefer to use the month as the basic unit for task management. We all get 24 hours in a day, but for most of us, 24 hours is just not enough time to plan to get the bulk of our tasks accomplished. Instead, by zooming out from the day to the week, we suddenly have 168 hours to use instead and a place in our week we can schedule in for nearly every priority and habit we want to complete.

So, on a weekly basis, I take the following steps in my weekly planning routine.

Get clear on the weeks objectives/priorities
Assign tasks, events and due dates across the week
Make a weekly to-do list
Ensure I have planned for self-care and other essential habits
Optional but impactful: Check with the important people in your life who have the ability to affect your plans and ensure you are on the same page with expectations.

When it comes to creating my weekly plan, this usually isn’t something I am doing from scratch each week. As part of my Charmed Life Master Planner, I keep my ideal weekly schedule laid out that becomes the template for me to organize my week by. My ideal weekly schedule is a default schedule I create at the start of the year that includes time blocks for priority tasks and habits. On it you will find time blocked off for meal planning, grocery shopping, meal prepping, cleaning, self-care, laundry, and other recurring activities in my week. The ideal weekly schedule also includes the plan for my themed workdays, which are time blocks I use to manage work for my business. So, using this default template, I already have a consistent plan for my week, and so on a weekly basis I just need to fill in specific projects, tasks and appointments that vary.

Part 5: Daily Plan

The purpose of my daily planning routine is to create a prioritized schedule and plan for tasks to accomplish each day. Once we get to the daily planning portion of this process, my tasks have been organized so I know what actions I need to take, my time has been allocated so can feel confident showing up each day knowing that the things on my to do list today are all I need to accomplish to move my plan forward, and so all that’s left for me to do is show up, trust the plan and take action.

So, on a daily basis, I take the following steps in my daily planning routine.

Review my ideal daily schedule plus any scheduled items for the day and my weekly to do list
Assign my top 3 daily tasks
Identify other tasks to worn on to fill my time for the day
Ensure I have white space in my schedule in case new urgent items or interruptions cause delays

When it comes to creating my daily plan, just as my weekly plan is not something built from scratch, neither is my daily routine. In my Charmed Life Master Planner I have an insert for my Ideal Daily Routine- which is the schedule break down for my time each day that includes time blocks for my morning routine, daily work blocks, meals, self-care and other daily non-negotiable tasks. So, that forms the outline for my day that remains consistent day over day, and then all I need to do is fill in my specific top 3 daily tasks for the day and populate a plan for my work blocks. Everything else in my day is part of a system, part of a routine that I show up for consistently and it makes managing my days so much easier because my routine becomes second nature for me. So, I will plan my days usually within my week on two pages agenda in my master planner, since I am using the digital master planner this year, it also has day on a page inserts as well, so if I need to map out a more detailed day, I have the space to do so, but usually working off my daily top 3, my ideal daily routine and my weekly to do list is all I need to stay on top of my tasks.

I will of course use my CEO Strategy Planner for reference if needed, but I don’t plan my day from my business planner, I plan it from my Master Planner.

WATCH: How I Plan and Organize My Life and Business in 2024

So, that is my complete functional planning routine that I perform on a yearly, quarterly, monthly, weekly and daily basis. I realize it may seem like a lot, but this is a complete functional planning system from start to finish, and over time as I’ve used this routine, it’s made planning and getting things done so much easier for me because things are almost formulaic for me. As long as I show up and do these planning routines, I know I’m set to take action fully knowing and trusting that what is on my to do list for a day truly is exactly what I need to do to build the life I want and create all the wonderful things I want to see in the world as part of my business.

Obviously, you know, I do a lot as a solo business owner who creates regular content across multiple platforms, who has multiple different offers and products that I market throughout the year and who hosts live classes and coaching multiple times per month, and this system is what helps me get it all done without working myself to the bone. You know I’m not afraid to hustle when I need to, but thanks to this system, my days are usually very relaxed, I miss very few tasks or obligations in the year, and I make the time for so many lovely things in my life from personal self-care to spending time with friends and family and my own interests and hobbies offline.

So, if the way I manage my life sounds good to you, if you would also like to live your life more intentionally and more balanced, I welcome you to pick up some of my tools, my planners, my Goal Setting classes or even enroll in my Charmed Life Master Mind and spend a year inside my world getting classes, coaching and ready made resources to help you live your version of a Charmed Life as well.

Everything has been linked within this post, and if you have any questions, leave me a comment or feel free to email me, and I’d love to help you discover my products and decide how best you can work with me moving forward into this new year so you can experience a new level of productivity, success and enjoyment from you life!

xoxo,

Alexis Giostra @MissTrenchcoat, Founder of Strange & Charmed

Goal Getter Productivity

Make 2024 the Year You Hit Your Goals

Hello My Charmed Ones!

As we stand on the cusp of a new year, the promise of fresh beginnings beckons us to set ambitious goals and strive for new heights. But how do we ensure that the enthusiasm of the new year doesn’t wane into the familiar routine of unmet resolutions? In this blog post, we’ll explore a strategic process that can transform your aspirations into tangible achievements. Let’s make 2024 the year you not only set goals but crush them with intention and precision.

1. Choose 1-5 Priorities for the Year:

Begin by identifying the core aspects of your life that matter the most—your priorities. These can be people, places, or institutions that significantly impact your overall well-being. By focusing on a manageable number of priorities, you create a foundation for meaningful and impactful goal setting.

2. Set 1-3 Goals per Priority:

For each priority, establish 1-3 specific goals. A goal, in this context, is an outcome that either establishes a new standard, changes an existing one, or maintains a critical standard in your life. Ensure your goals are clear, measurable, and aligned with the priorities you’ve identified.

3. Define Objectives for Each Goal:

While goals provide the destination, objectives chart the course. Define actionable objectives for each goal—these are the steps you’ll take to achieve your desired outcomes. Consider your strengths and interests when deciding on your action plan. The path you choose should resonate with you, even if it diverges from the conventional approach.

4. Assign Objectives Across the Months of the Year:

Recognize that success is a journey, not a sprint. Strategically assign objectives to specific months, keeping in mind that you can’t do everything at once. Be realistic and allocate no more than three objectives to a particular month. This measured approach prevents overwhelm and allows for steady progress throughout the year.

5. Use a Functional Planner to Track Your Tasks:

A functional planner becomes your ally in the journey towards goal attainment. The Charmed Life Master Planner offers dedicated monthly planning and tracking inserts designed to help you stay organized. It provides a clear roadmap for each month, week, and day, ensuring that you allocate time and effort toward making your goals a reality.

This is Your Year Goal Planning Workshops

To supercharge your goal-setting journey, consider enrolling in the “This is Your Year” Goal Planning Workshops. Tailored for both life and business goals, these workshops guide you through the process of setting your goals, breaking your goals down into objectives, and planning out your actions for the year. “You Got Goals” focuses on overall life goals, while “CEO Retreat” is designed for business goals and annual business planning. Purchase these workshops individually or as a bundled package to equip yourself with the tools and strategies needed to make 2024 your most successful year yet.

As we step into the new year, let’s not merely hope for change; let’s strategically plan for it. With a clear roadmap, actionable steps, and the right tools, 2024 can indeed be the year you hit your goals and shape the narrative of your life.

xoxo,

Founder, Strange & Charmed

High Vibe Mindset

Choosing Your Word of the Year: Why You Need One, How to Use It, and 25 Word Ideas to Consider

Hello My Charmed Ones!

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, the air is filled with the promise of fresh beginnings and untapped potential. It’s a time when many of us set resolutions, goals, and intentions for the months ahead. Amidst this annual ritual, there exists a powerful practice that transcends traditional goal-setting – choosing a “Word of the Year.” In this blog post, we’ll explore what the Word of the Year is, why you need one, how to use it effectively, and provide a list of 25 impactful words to consider for your journey ahead.

What is the Word of the Year?

Your Word of the Year is like a guiding light, a focal point that sets the tone for your experiences and endeavors throughout the next twelve months. It’s a carefully chosen word or phrase that encapsulates the essence of what you want to cultivate in your life. Think of it as the title of the chapter you’re about to write in the book of your life.

Why Do You Need a Word of the Year?

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, having a Word of the Year provides a compass for your actions and intentions. It serves as a simple yet profound reminder of your overarching focus and desired outcomes. This intentional choice helps you align your decisions with a central theme, creating a sense of purpose and clarity that can guide you through the inevitable twists and turns of the year.

How to Use Your Word of the Year:

1. Set the Word: Choose a word or phrase that resonates deeply with your aspirations and aligns with the direction you want your life to take in the coming year.

2. Define Your Intention: Once you’ve selected your Word of the Year, take the time to define what it means to you. Consider how embodying this word will manifest in your daily life.

3. Create Actionable Steps: Break down your word into actionable steps. Determine how you can actively incorporate this word into various aspects of your life, including work, relationships, and personal growth.

4. Reflect Regularly: Regularly reflect on your chosen word. Assess how well you’ve embodied it in your actions and decisions. This reflection can provide valuable insights and keep you on track.

25 Word Ideas for Your Year

Abundance
Clarity
Courage
Balance
Joy
Resilience
Adventure
Connection
Simplicity
Growth
Presence
Gratitude
Harmony
Focus
Empower
Renewal
Kindness
Freedom
Inspire
Mindfulness
Nourish
Optimism
Empathy
Explore
Serenity

As you embark on the journey of a new year, consider embracing the transformative power of a Word of the Year. This intentional practice can shape your experiences, guide your choices, and lead you towards a year filled with purpose and fulfillment. Choose wisely, set your intentions, and watch as your selected word weaves its way into the fabric of your life, creating a narrative of growth, joy, and meaningful accomplishments.

xoxo,

Founder, Strange & Charmed

High Vibe Metaphysics

The Numerology of 2024 and How to Harness its Energy for Productivity and Success

Hello My Charmed Ones and Welcome to 2024!

How exciting is it that 2024 is kicking off on a Monday? You know I love a Monday Start!

I definitely feel like this is a positive omen for the year and is giving me good vibes for all of our productivity! This was making me wonder about the overall energy that forecast for 2024 in numerology. 2024 is a year 8 and I know that 8 is a very divine and powerful number representing infinity. So, I thought I would do some research on this topic to understand more about the unique vibrational frequency of 2024. Let’s jump in to what I learned and the energetics of the year ahead for our productivity and success!

The Numerology of 2024: Year 8

In numerology, each number is believed to possess its own distinct energy and characteristics. The year 2024 adds up to the number 8 (2 + 0 + 2 + 4 = 8), making it a Year 8 in numerology. The number 8 is often associated with attributes such as power, authority, balance, and abundance. Understanding the unique qualities of the number 8 can provide valuable insights into the overarching themes and opportunities that may unfold in 2024.

Key Traits of the Number 8 in Numerology

1. Abundance and Prosperity

The number 8 is frequently associated with material and financial abundance. It symbolizes success, prosperity, and the rewards that come from disciplined and hard work. In 2024, individuals may find themselves presented with opportunities for financial growth and stability.

2. Balance and Harmony

The symmetrical shape of the number 8 represents balance and harmony. In the year 8, there is a potential for achieving equilibrium in various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and personal well-being. It’s a year to assess and recalibrate priorities for greater stability.

3. Leadership and Authority

The number 8 exudes a sense of leadership and authority. Individuals may find themselves in positions of influence, whether in their professional lives or personal relationships. Embracing leadership opportunities with integrity and responsibility can lead to significant accomplishments.

4. Manifestation and Achievement

2024 is a year ripe for turning dreams into reality. The energy of the number 8 supports focused and determined efforts, leading to the manifestation of goals and aspirations. This is the time to set ambitious targets and work diligently toward their attainment.

Harnessing the Energy of the Number 8 for Success

1. Set Clear Goals

The clarity of purpose is essential in a year governed by the number 8. Define your short-term and long-term goals, both in your professional and personal life. This will serve as a roadmap for your actions and decisions throughout the year.

2. Embrace Discipline and Hard Work

The number 8 rewards those who are willing to put in the effort. Embrace discipline, stay focused, and work hard towards your objectives. Consistent, diligent efforts are likely to yield tangible results and open the door to success.

3. Build Strong Foundations

Just as the number 8 symbolizes balance, it’s crucial to build strong foundations in all areas of your life. This includes nurturing your relationships, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and ensuring financial stability.

4. Exercise Leadership with Integrity

If opportunities for leadership arise, approach them with integrity and a sense of responsibility. The number 8 values ethical leadership, and individuals who lead with honesty and fairness are likely to enjoy the support and respect of those around them.

5. Visualize Success

Visualization is a powerful tool when working with numerological energies. Take time to visualize your goals and aspirations coming to fruition. This practice can help align your thoughts and actions with the positive energy of the number 8.

Maximizing the Energy of 2024: Tools for Success

As we embark on a journey through the numerological landscape of 2024, it’s essential to equip ourselves with tools that can amplify the positive energies associated with the number 8. Here are three powerful tools that can help you maximize the potential of this dynamic year:

1. Functional Planner

In the fast-paced world we live in, a functional planner becomes an indispensable companion on the journey to success. Look for a planner that goes beyond basic scheduling and offers the space to translate your ideas from the realm of thoughts into actionable plans. A planner that allows you to articulate your goals, break them down into manageable tasks, and schedule strategic objectives is a valuable asset. This not only keeps you organized but also ensures that your efforts are aligned with the overarching vision for a productive and successful year.

2. Manifestation Journaling Practice

Harnessing the energy of the number 8 involves not only strategic planning but also a mindful focus on your aspirations. A manifestation journaling practice, such as the High Vibe Bible, can be a transformative tool. This 90-day loosely guided journaling practice provides a structured yet flexible framework to explore your desires, set intentions, and track your progress. By consistently engaging in manifestation journaling, you align your thoughts with your goals, fostering a positive mindset that complements the energy of abundance and achievement associated with the number 8.

Recommended Tool: High Vibe Bible

3. Join a Tribe of Like-Minded Women:

The power of community cannot be overstated, especially when pursuing ambitious goals. Consider joining a tribe of like-minded women who are on a similar journey of personal and professional growth. The Charmed Life Master Mind offers a supportive environment where you can gain valuable insights, receive strategic guidance, and benefit from mutual accountability. This tribe becomes your source of inspiration, encouragement, and shared wisdom, enhancing your ability to navigate the complexities of 2024 with confidence and purpose.

Incorporating these tools into your routine can enhance your ability to harness the energy of 2024. A functional planner provides structure and organization, a manifestation journaling practice cultivates a positive mindset, and a supportive tribe ensures you have the strategic guidance and accountability needed to live your best life. By combining these tools with the inherent strengths of the number 8, you’ll be well-equipped to make 2024 a year of unprecedented productivity, success, and personal fulfillment.

xoxo,

Founder, Strange & Charmed