On Sunday I shared with you how I‘m using “Embracing the Pre-Season” as the theme to guide my October.
Themes are a great tool in living with intention because they help your brain get organized and focused on what you wish to prioritize.
Well, I couldn’t wait until next Sunday to tell you that I found a better word to use as my theme!!
Before I tell you what it is, let me share a great analogy my coaching client gave me yesterday as we talked about October.
(If you’re pressed for time, make sure you scroll to the bottom of this email for a great checklist I‘ve created for you!
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“October is like the part of the roller-coaster ride before the big drop!” she shook her head.
‘You know that feeling when you’re on your way up?
You’re not going too fast but you keep going higher and higher.
Suspense is building.
You know any second now you’re going to drop.
That’s how I always feel before the holidays. I know business is going to be crazy and add on to that school activities, parties, and a free-for-all with food and expenses. I feel like I‘m just riding a rollercoaster.”
That was exactly what I was feeling when I wrote about embracing the pre-season.
But then as I was driving my kids to school this week (during my 2 HOUR MORNING COMMUTE), another word came to me.
OPTIMIZE
To optimize means to make something as efficient, effective, or beneficial as possible by improving its performance, functionality, or quality. When you optimize something, you seek to achieve the best possible outcome or result within the constraints and resources available. Optimization involves analyzing, refining, and fine-tuning processes, systems, or elements to maximize their efficiency, productivity, or overall value.
PRE-SEASONS ARE FOR OPTIMIZING
It hit me that that’s exactly what pre-seasons are about. Pre-seasons are an opportunity to plan, prepare, creating momentum and enthusiasm. Pre-seasons are the build-up for the “thing.”
The better the pre-season, the better the “thing” goes.
In talking with my client, I realized that bracing yourself for the roller-coaster drop may be thrilling in a 2.5 minute experience, but it is way too anxiety-provoking and overwhelming to live like that all month!
That’s why I‘ve decided to get off the roller-coaster and instead focus on Optimizing October (which is just a funner way of embracing the pre-season
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How do you do that?
You start with the INTENTION and let the Universe open path for that intention.
Just for fun, I ran a search on chat GPT and asked for ideas to optimize October. I got such great ideas that I‘m sharing some of them below.
I won’t get to all the suggestions on this list — but the point is to spark new ideas to inspire intentional action for you and for me.
Wellness
- Start a new fitness routine or set fitness goals for the month.
- Explore outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or jogging to enjoy the crisp fall weather.
- Incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables into your diet for a nutritious boost.
- Participate in a challenge. (I‘m doing the RejuvaFAST October challenge. Join me here.)
- Prioritize self-care routines, such as meditation, yoga, or mindfulness.
- Treat yourself to a spa day or a relaxing weekend getaway.
- Practice gratitude journaling to focus on the positive aspects of life.
- Declutter and organize your living spaces for a cozier atmosphere.
- Decorate your home for the fall season with seasonal decorations.
Mindset
- Enroll in an online course or workshop to acquire new skills.
- Read a book or listen to podcasts on topics that interest you.
- Attend seminars, conferences, or networking events. (I‘ll be attending and speaking at Spark Summit. Join me here!)
- Review your yearly goals and make adjustments if needed.
- Set new goals for the remainder of the year.
- Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Create a detailed plan or schedule for the month to stay organized.
- Consider journaling to track your progress and thoughts.
Relationships:
- Plan special outings or activities with loved ones.
- Reach out to old friends or family members you haven’t spoken to in a while.
- Practice active listening and improve communication in your relationships.
- Plan a weekend getaway to explore new places.
- Take a scenic drive to enjoy the fall foliage.
- Visit a pumpkin patch, corn maze, or apple orchard for a fun day out.
- Find local volunteer opportunities and give your time to a cause you care about.
- Donate to charities or collect items for those in need.
- Join community events that focus on helping others.
If you want to follow along, I‘m going to do my best to post all the fun ways I‘ll be optimizing October on Instagram and our What’sAPP Community.
Now I‘d love to hear from you. Will you add any of these ideas to optimize your October? Write back to this email and let me know.
