Booked, Busy & Balanced ⚖️ #5-yearplan

I get my BEST ideas in nature. There’s something about walking that allows my brain the freedom to wander. My Apple Notes is filled with partial thoughts, brainstorms, and dreams awaiting awakening.

In the post 7 Types of Rest of Restoration, I wrote about one of Florence Nightingale’s most notable observations. She observed the positive influence of nature on patient recovery (initially read in book The Well-Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart-Smith). She discovered that patients exhibited faster healing and experienced improved overall well-being when exposed to natural light and had access to views of nature through windows.Although this is one of my favorite ways to dream, I encourage you to determine yours.

Balance is a Verb

Using the word balance as a verb means “to keep or put (something) in a steady position so that it does not fall”. In no part of our lives can we simply “balance a cup” and walk away from it. Balance has to be an action we keep at the forefront with tools and time to assess. Balance is a high priority value for me. Therefore, I make time and space to actively balance different parts of my life.

So now that I have these dreams and musings, what do I do with them??!?!???!?!!!

A Dream is just a Dream, a goal is a dream with a plan and deadline -Harvay MacKay

What Do you Do with a Dream?

Once a month I sit down with my five-year plan. Five years can feel like forever away. In can also feel intangible since the number of variances in that period of time can be endless. During this time I review what’s in the plans, add, delete even move them around. The 5 year plan is a tool that allows you to check in on the whispers of your heart as well as the obligations you fulfill and keep them in balance. I’ve said in a post before, and definitely on social platforms,

There is no magic in the number 5, some folks prefer 1, 3 or even 10 year increments. I choose 5 as it gives me the opportunity to think beyond the current year and where I truly want to be long term.

So often we can quote the Company’s long term vision, but can you quote yours?

Companies work really hard (as they should) to make sure their employees adopt and understand their mission, and vision. I’ve heard many times “the companies mission and vision align with mine”. What I don’t hear is a follow up to that statement “and my personal mission is”….. Developing a personal mission is a whole different post, I’ try not to digress….

Goal Examples by Category:

I’m super clear about the type of Grandma I want to be. I know I’ve got a long way to go but hear me out! I tease my Son, the grey hairs he gives me today I can’t wait to return the favor. In order to be this person in the future, I understand I have to take care of the body I have today. Therefore, on my 5 year plan i make sure the physical health section includes seeing my doctor regularly, prevention practices, and movement in way that takes good care of my bones and joints.

I’m also clear on my dreams for my Son. I want him to have the freedom to choose a college that fulfills him in geography AND vocation. Therefore, we target specific places to visit for school breaks that diversify his perspective. More on that in future post…. #parenting. However, I plot those regions in my 5-year plan so vacations aren’t a whim but intentional.

Below are examples of categories you may want to consider in your plan. Each of these categories is not meant for you to adopt, but simply examples for you to consider:

• Social
  • Created and participate in a walking group
  • Go to my xx year reunion
  • Be in a healthy relationship with a Partner
• Physical
  • Walk a mile
  • Become pescatarian
  • My blood pressure be at xxx/xx
• Professional
  • Built a brand people can easily identify
  • Gain xxx certification
  • 3 years into my Side Hustle
• Emotional
  • Graduate from mental health Therapy
  • Have a better financial relationship with my money
  • Take at least one vacation a year
• Environmental
  • Buy my first House
  • Renovate my rental property
  • Walking in nature daily
  • Participate in a 5k in Hawaii
• Intellectual
  • Turn my hobby into sales
  • Reading daily for pleasure
  • Give a Lecture on a topic I’ve mastered
  • Building a consistent TBR
• Spiritual
  • Deepen my knowledge of Bible
  • Create my personal Mission
  • Develop and Live our family values

Tool 1 Option

After you’ve done the work to identify at least one plan in each box, pop them right in. Don’t be afraid to identify big scary plans! Remember, these are your dreams and whispers, not anyone else’s. This option utilizes the 7 dimensions of wellness to set each area. For definitions, please click here.

Tool #2 Option

This option provides less guidance on the topic, but more time-bound focus on specific areas you’d like to grow in, and when. You can still apply your plans, just in a different way.

Journal Werk:

I encourage you to download and print out the tool attached. It is a blank version you can start to fill in. If it feels to heavy to think that far, take breaks. Be gentle with yourself knowing these are your dreams. If you have somone in your life you can share them with, go for it! Dreams tend to awaken when spoken. If you do not have someone to share them with, send them to me. Fill in the link, and identify you want to share your whispers!

In peace,

J

5 year plan dreams goal setting Journaling Professional Development