Thursday Thoughts

Hello and happy Thursday! Well, where has this week gone? I had every intention of blogging Tuesday and Wednesday, but the week has just gotten away from me.

It’s been a while since I’ve shared an Enneagram post, but I’m doing so today.

As a matter of fact, I’d saved these @mirabellecreations graphics at the start of the new year, but never finished the post until now.

My type A personality likes to be organized…I feel so much better when I’ve written things down on my calendar, made appointments, sent emails, tidied up and more.

I’m a Enneagram 5w6, and these two graphics definitely ring true as ways to organize my life.

Type 5:

• Create daily and weekly routines: Yes. Say less. I thrive on routines.
• Set clear work and rest boundaries with defined start and and stop times. Well, when you’re a teacher, your whole day is dictated by a bell telling you when your day and classes start and end. While there are lots of teachers who subscribe to the “I don’t work outside my contract hours,” that’s never worked for me. That being said, what’s also rarely worked for me is bringing work home. My school ends at 3:15, and we are required to stay until 3:25. Obviously, I’m in the phase of life where I often have to get to a kid’s activity, but I usually do have 20-30 minutes when I can stay after school…and I do. Anyway, my point is, I know that sometimes even staying until 4:00 allows me time to get caught up or set myself up for success the next day. Probably an unpopular opinion, but I often like to stay at school on Fridays for a bit to wrap up the week and prepare for the week ahead. I figure the weekend starts as soon as the bell rings…I might as well have some quiet time to get caught up and prepare.
• Organize notes and information you actively use: Yes. I have notes on my phone with daily “to do” lists along with other lists. I always write in my school planner in pencil, so that I can erase/move plans to other days. I have a sticky note on my desk with my school “to do” for the day and I always update it and cross things off. Then, at the end of the day, I write a new sticky note for the next day.
• Schedule recharge time: Well, as you know, I start the day with quiet time. Then, if possible, I give myself 20-30 minutes to decompress once I get home. I often set a timer, so that I give myself some time, but I don’t get too far off track.
• Let systems help you with the world more confidently: Systems and routine are the key for me feeling like I can accomplish my tasks but also have time for myself.

Type 6:

• Build calm morning and evening routines that you can rely on: Of course this applies to me. I need 45 minutes in the morning to start my day, and I always need to unwind when I get home. Plus, I like to squeeze in a workout or walk most days as well as find time to read or blog.
• Create short “what matters today” list to reduce overwhelm: This for sure applies to me. Just like I keep the sticky note on my desk, the note of my phone is helpful. I have a weekly note with appointments, kids’ activities, errands, etc…and it helps me space things out but also see all that’s going on….so then I’m not overwhelmed.
• Use reminders and planners and reassurance, not pressure: My planner, calendar, and reminders just help me feel like I have a handle on things which I appreciate. Sometimes, if I need a reminder for something “out of the norm,” I set an alarm or calendar reminder to help me out.
• Practice trusting plans once they’re written down: Well, I don’t know about this one…I write my lesson plans in pencil. haha
• Let organization bring clarity instead of more questions: Organization always provides me clarity! I feel frazzled and unfocused when things aren’t organized.

Do any of these apply to you?!

Have a great Thursday!