Today is National Homemade Bread Day!  I’ll bet you are wondering two things – 1) is there really a National Homemade Bread Day and 2) what in the world does this have to do with time management?

A few years ago, I decided to make homemade bread as gifts for Christmas.  I’m not a baker, but I had the next best thing, a bread machine!  So, I decided I could certainly follow the instructions and create beautiful loaves of bread.  Each person in my family received a different flavor or bread – based on the flavor packet I pulled out of the box.

Now, of course, I wasn’t able to taste each loaf of bread.  The recipient would certainly notice a slice missing right out of the middle!  But again, how hard could it be?  I had a bread machine!

Fast forward a few hours.  Surprised (and somewhat wary) family members open their homemade gifts.  My sister (the brave one!) decides to cut into her loaf, Sweet Hawaiian Bread.  The bread was dense enough to be used as a door stopper.

After some evaluation I realized I didn’t let the bread rise enough.

I’ve written many posts about my 3 step system to create change, A.W.E.  The purpose of evaluation stage is to figure out what worked, what didn’t, and what you want to change for the future.

Once I identify what went wrong, it’s time to determine what’s next.

  • Do I want to perfect my bread making skills?
  • Do I want to learn how to create a different homemade gift?
  • Or, do I want to scrap the idea entirely?

Well, upon some reflection, I realized I really was not ready or willing to make the change needed to be a great baker.  I don’t have the interest.  I don’t have the dedication.  I don’t have the desire.  And that’s OK!

Having the awareness around a challenge and knowing the steps needed to overcome the challenge is only part of the battle.  You must also be ready and willing to make the change.  Sometimes I’ll have conversations with adults who will explain how busy their lives are.  They will share with me just how frustrated they are by all the activities they have on their plate.  So we will talk about various action steps they can take to lessen their schedule.

They complete the first stage of A.W.E. – awareness.  We discuss strategies in stage two – work.  But the implementation falls short, because they just aren’t ready to make a change.  They are still in the “I want to carry around my ‘busyness’ as a badge of honor” stage, instead of in “I’ve had all I can take, I’m ready to change” stage.

Creating change is being aware of your need, knowing the steps to fix it, and having the desire to take action.

Miss one step – and the desired outcome stalls.  Whatever phase you are in, it’s OK!  Being able to identify – and accept the phase – is where the value is! 

If you are ready and willing to make a change, but are wondering HOW, I invite you to schedule a complimentary strategy session.  I pride myself in creating and adapting solutions for all of my clients.   Sign up for a No Obligation Find More Time Strategy Session. During this session you will gain clarity on your goals, uncover the hidden obstacles to your success, and leave energized to design the life of your dreams.  You are guaranteed to have at least one Ah-Ha moment and actionable idea that will catapult your plan to success.  What do you have to lose?

What is a recent change that you have made?  What is an area you’ve decided you aren’t ready or willing to change, and you are at peace with that decision.  Please share!