I am an ideas person. There are few things I love more than seeing a problem and trying to figure out a solution. If you know me personally, you probably have heard me rave about my newest idea or my most recent passion. When I am excited about something and discuss it with my husband, I often follow it up with “No, really, I think this is really going to be amazing.”

Here’s the problem: I tend to get distracted by the next exciting idea and forget all about the first. It isn’t so new and fun anymore, so I move on to the next thing. I know this is a big part of my personality (I am an ENFP if anyone is into personality types), but I still very much struggle with how to stay consistent and focused.

It took me over 15 years to realize I need a plan for the areas in my life that require consistency.

I am sure there a people reading this who think I am nuts for needing a plan, but I do. I have spent way too many years failing at my own attempts to just power through, and try to do it without a plan.

While sometimes I just need to suck it up and do what needs to be done, having a plan is immensely helpful.

In my homeschooling, I have learned that taking regularly scheduled breaks from the routine is what I need. You can read about my 6-week-on, one-week-off schedule if you missed it. We have made it this far into the school year and I am still on track without feeling burned out, so it must be working.

When it comes to meal planning and cooking at home, I realized I needed a break from the monotony over the weekend. Depending on the week, it might mean ordering pizza, having pancakes for dinner, having Carlos be in charge of the meals, or using paper plates as a break from dishes. My kids think it is a treat to have KIND® bars and yogurt for breakfast; they don’t care that it is my way of getting a much-needed break.

In my desire to live healthier and be wiser with our finances, I need to listen to others who are passionate about those areas. For me, this typically means reading blog posts and books or listening to podcasts on these subjects, somewhat regularly. Hearing people speak about those subjects with enthusiasm helps keep my motivation up.

How about you? I would love to know any plans you have in place to help you stay motivated and on track. I need all the help I can get!