Intentional Living
Have a Thankful……
Book: “The Impact Equation” by Chris Brogan & Julien Smith
I received a preview book copy of The Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith. The subtitle to the book is “Are you making things happen OR just making noise?” I loved their title because we get hit with a ton of information from all directions every time we go online. How do companies, blogs, and any other items of importance have a chance to get our attention with everything being thrown at us? What makes those few stand out?
When I first started blogging I felt like no one was reading it…..some days especially in the very beginning that it was a waste of time (who would want to read what I was writing about anyway)…….and I looked at all the “numbers”. If there was a dip in stats I would be upset or stressed about it. Now I don’t stress about my numbers much at all because I am focusing more on writing and all the fun stuff that I want to share with my readers. I still have a long way to go and a lot to learn but I was very excited to get a copy of Chris Brogan’s and Julien Smith’s new book because I have been thinking about this very topic.
It my goal to make a positive impact on the lives around me and one of the ways I reach out to people is through my blog. Although, at the same time it is important I take the time to review how things are going I have to evaluate how much of an impact I really am making. Is the impact I am making on my readers positive? I really liked how Chris and Julien’s book encouraged me to evaluate many areas, they even shared a great CREATE acronym to help.
Here are a few things I took away from Chris & Julien’s book:
- CREATE acronym (i.g. Impact = Contrast * [Reach + Exposure + Articulation + Trust + Echo])
- Spend more time giving thought and refining my ideas
- Share the great ideas of others – the “give before you get” principle
If you have a presence online whether it is through your business, blog, or social media accounts to stay in touch with family and friends this is a great book to read.
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 2)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 1
Who: Hair Stylist
I needed a hair cut after putting it off for several weeks so I headed to the salon. My hair has a pretty simple and easy cut so it usually only takes a few minutes for a hair stylist. I had never met the person who cut my hair before, but took the time to learn a little bit about her. She has two small kids, ages 2 and 6. For my expression of thanks today I made it a point to give her a generous tip and tell her “thank you”.
Day 2
Who: My Spouse – Jake
I am so thankful for everything Jake does for our family. He works really hard, is an awesome Dad to our girls, and loves me. Jake is my best friend and I am very grateful for him. He takes good care of all of us and I don’t tell him “thanks” enough. Today I gave him a hand written thank you card and a bag of chocolate truffles.
People appreciate sincere thanks. I want to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As I share my 30-30-30 challenge with you I hope it will spark your imagination and encourage you to share your story too.
In everything give thanks!
– 1 Thessalonians 5:18
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 1)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 1
Who: Hair Stylist
I needed a hair cut after putting it off for several weeks so I headed to the salon. My hair has a pretty simple and easy cut so it usually only takes a few minutes for a hair stylist. I had never met the person who cut my hair before, but took the time to learn a little bit about her. She has two small kids, ages 2 and 6. For my expression of thanks today I made it a point to give her a generous tip and tell her “thank you”.
People appreciate sincere thanks. I want to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As I share my 30-30-30 challenge with you I hope it will spark your imagination and encourage you to share your story too.
In everything give thanks!
– 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week was another fun one! Our Community Group did our first overnight camping trip. We had a lot of great food and fellowship. The kids had a blast and wanted to know if we could do it again this weekend! 🙂 Although they will probably have to wait a while longer I am thankful that they got to hang out with friends, meet new friends, and created a lot of great memories. Hopefully this week I will be able to tackle more items on my list!
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily – didn’t get to read on the weekend during the camp out
Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDaily School Activities & Homework CompletedAttend After School ActivitiesPlan one special Activity with the Family– Camp Out Adventure!!!! 🙂Attend Parent / Teacher Meetings for the Girls
Personal Goals
Exercise at least 5 days this week- Drink 8 glasses of water each day – didn’t drink enough the last couple of days with all the camp out preparations and cleanup
Finish reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine– excellent bookFinish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read)– great book- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – working on it
- Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion – staying on track
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule – got a few items done (need to tackle a couple more this week)
- Pay all upcoming bills – have a couple that came in the mail during the camp out adventure so they were put on my desk until this week
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Community Group EmailWrite and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team EmailCommunity Group Camping Adventure
Financial Goals
Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4- Payoff the Van – was able to set aside a little bit extra this month to put towards the van
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.) – working on it
My goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
- Attend After School Activities
- Plan one special Activity with the Family
- Celebrate Halloween with the Family
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
- Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Project (Focus – Office / Garage)
- Pay all upcoming bills
- Finishing cleaning up from Community Group Camp out
- Put away all the Halloween Items
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming (November) blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Schedule November work dates
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Payoff the Van
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Laugh When You….
CONGRATULATIONS to Our “21 Days to a More Discipline Life” Winners!
The 5 names have been drawn for the giveaway!
CONGRATULATIONS to
for winning Crystal Paine’s new ebook
“21 Ways to a More Disciplined Life”!
Thanks for making a comment in honor of our Giveaway!
An email has been sent to you with more information*
I hope this ebook is a wonderful blessing in your life!
If you didn’t win you can still get a copy of the 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine which will be available for $0.99 for 2 more days ONLY (Wednesday, October 24 to Thursday, October 25, 2012) after that it will go up to $4.99. You can also order it through Amazon for the same great price!
Don’t forget to enter our Toys R Us Gift Card Giveaway (which will be ending next week on Wednesday, October 31, 2012)!
*Giveaway must be claimed within 5 business days of the prize being announced. Failure to claim the prize within the allotted time frame means you forfeit the prize.
Giveaway & Review: “21 Days to a More Disciplined Life” ebook by Crystal Paine (5 WINNERS – Today Only)
Do you have ideas, hopes, goals, and dreams for what you want to accomplish in your life, but you feel like you’re being held back by a lack of personal discipline? I am excited to introduce you to Crystal Paine’s new ebook 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life! Crystal is the author of the popular Money Saving Mom blog. This is a positive, practical, and motivating ebook that will encourage you to make progress, in the right direction, on those areas of your life that need extra attention!
TODAY ONLY 5 lucky readers will win a FREE copy of the 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine! ENTER NOW for a chance to win a copy of this great ebook (it only takes a couple seconds to leave a comment and be entered into the giveaway, please see all the giveaway details below)!
You can get started reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine or through Amazon for only $0.99 for the next 3 days only (October 23-25, 2012)!
Who is This Book For?
21 Days to a More Disciplined Life (or through Amazon) is for you if:
- You have trouble following through.
- You get overwhelmed by huge projects.
- You start strong, but your passion fizzles out.
- You are super-disciplined in a few areas of your life, but you have one or two pet areas that you just can’t get under control.
- You check out 10 different books on discipline and organization from the library, but return all of them late.
Why I love this book:
There are specific areas in my life (physically, spiritually, and more) that I need to focus on because I haven’t given them the extra attention they need and it is mainly due to a lack of discipline on my part. I am looking forward to implementing several of the great ideas Crystal shared in this book. She has help inspire me to get “back on track” and tackle those many goals / projects that I keep putting on the back burner for several weeks, months, and yes (although it’s embarrassing to admit) even some goals that I have been delaying for several years now.
After reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life I think it will help inspire you to make positive steps in the right direction as well. I know many of you will enjoy this ebook and find it to be a wonderful resource! It is a great time of year to re-evaluate our lives, goals, and priorities.
- Are you easily overwhelmed by your big ideas or projects, and you just don’t know where to start and how to make real progress?
- Do you find yourself making “all-or-nothing” plans for transforming your life, and then three days later you crash and burn under the weight of your plan?
Giveaway Details
As a way to say thank you to my readers and to share Crystal Paine’s ebook I am hosting a giveaway! 5 WINNERS will receive a free copy of 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine!
How to Enter:
- Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied. You can sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email or like on Facebook.
- You can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing your best tip that helps you stay on track with your projects and goals!
All comments must be made by Tuesday, October 23, 2012 11:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.
I encourage you to check out more information on 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine if you are interested in finding ways to help you to tackle all those projects and goals you have been putting on hold for days, weeks, months, maybe even years! This ebook book may give you the just right dose of motivation to get you on the road to a more disciplined life! What are you waiting for…….get a copy and start reading today!
More information about 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine can be found:
- 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine
- Amazon – 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life
The 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine is currently available for $0.99 for the next 3 days ONLY (Tuesday, October 23 to Thursday, October 25, 2012) after that it will go up to $4.99. You can also order it through Amazon for the same great price!
I was given this ebook for free to write an informed review. The ebook, specific product information, and pictures were provided by Crystal Paine, however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I was not paid to write this post. A special thanks to Crystal Paine for providing me a copy of her 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook to review as well as five to giveaway to my readers!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week my Mom, Grandma, several Aunts, and cousin flew in from Kansas to South Carolina for a visit. My Mom stayed with us the entire time and Grandma came the last half of their time in South Carolina to stay with us. So thankful to have some time to catch up, get some projects done around the house, and have fun. The girls loved having Grandma and Great Grandma stay with us. A lot of great memories! Jake was traveling for work for part of the week so it was nice having family to spend some time with me while he was away. Hopefully this week I will be able to tackle more items on my list!
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDaily School Activities & Homework CompletedAttend After School ActivitiesPlan one special Activity with the FamilySpend extra time with Grandma, Great Grandma, and extended family
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week – only did three days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day – didn’t count
- Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read) – almost done
- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – reading through it
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekStart tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule– got a few extra projects done thanks to the help of my Mom and Grandma!Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts – had guests so took some time off last week
Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Get caught up on 5 blog items – took time off with my Mom and Grandma here last week
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Community Group EmailWrite and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team EmailWork out the details of our Community Group Camping Adventure- A Friend Challenged me to read through my Bible – since I am already through the majority of the year I am working on a plan where you can read through the Bible in 90 days by YouVersion – staying up to date
Financial Goals
Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4- Payoff the Van – working on it
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.) – moving forward
My goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
- Attend After School Activities
- Plan one special Activity with the Family
- Attend Parent / Teacher Meetings for the Girls
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Finish reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine
- Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read)
- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
- Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule
- Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
- Write and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team Email
- Community Group Camping Adventure
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Payoff the Van
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
What We Love Determines…..
Kim Fritz
Renelle
Lynette
Gina Badalaty
Tracy