Category: Scheduling

Let’s Get Intentional!

Good morning sweet friends!

Hope that your week is going GREAT!

Today is a big day! We have a fun LIVE session planned tonight to launch our Jumpstart 2020 Challenge. Are you ready for big things? Stick with me and I will give you the details. For now, I want to share my heart….

I love that we are doing this challenge this month. I have been super retrospect and introspective this week. It is probably partly because of the New Year and new decade. Of course, it is also probably because of prepping for this amazing challenge. I am taking massive action this week. It has demanded that I cut out some things. It has also demanded that I really watch my time and my things to do. It has required that I do some things that are not a part of my daily routine yet. In all, it has demanded that I simply be intentional.

So, how about being intentional with me?

Let’s get intentional!

Grab a big cup of tea. Take out your calendar. What is there?

If there is nothing, hold tight. 🙂

For many of us, our calendar looks like our purses—full of things that we think we need, full of things that we keep just in case we need them, full of things we carry for others, full of things for the hubby, kids, or job, full of things that we forget, and at the bottom of everything, the things that we want and cannot forget.

Look at every thing on the calendar. Go through it taking off everything that is not working toward your goals, resolutions, and life purpose. Definitely take off those things that you are doing just because you think you HAVE TO. Take off those things that no longer fit. Take off those things that are a burden and can be done in a much easier way.

I know that this is so hard, however the goal is to be intentional about this new year. We cannot be truly intentional when we are distracted or when we crowd out the things that really matter to us. If you are super scared to be ruthless, put those things on a list. If there is room at the end of the day after everything else is done, then definitely pull them back out. If not, give yourself permission to let them go! Deal?

The next thing is to go through the calendar and block out time for what really matters. Block out time to prepare for that (I prep the day before so I have NO excuses.). Block out time so you are not rushed.

Now, sit back. Look at it. How does that calendar look to you? How does it feel?

I am sure it is scary for some of you.

I am sure it is exciting.

I am sure it feels risky.

I am sure it feels like “home.”

Bottom line…I am sure it feels intentional.

You are pioneering your life. No one has gone before you to pave the path. You only get to do it once. You only get one chance to do it well.

Do it big.

Do it purposeful.

Do it intentional!

By the way!

We have a fun LIVE session planned tonight to launch our Jumpstart 2020 Challenge.

Are you ready for big things?

Don’t miss tonight. You can sign up for the challenge here:

Jumpstart 2020

If you want to join us for the session and just kick the tires a bit, here are the login/call-in details:

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.

When: Jan 9, 2020 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Topic: 31-Day Challenge

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://zoom.us/j/274215893

Or iPhone one-tap :

US: +16468769923,,274215893#or +16699006833,,274215893#

Or Telephone:

Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

US: +1 646 876 9923or +1 669 900 6833or +1 408 638 0968

Webinar ID: 274 215 893

International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/acyozUpROd

Ready to do this?

I AM! I can’t wait to SEE your sweet faces. Pull out the web cam. It is only ONE hour. One hour that can help Jumpstart your 2020!!

January 9, 2020
Let’s Get Intentional!

Good morning sweet friends!

Hope that your week is going GREAT!

Today is a big day! We have a fun LIVE session planned tonight to launch our Jumpstart 2020 Challenge. Are you ready for big things? Stick with me and I will give you the details. For now, I want to share my heart….

I love that we are doing this challenge this month. I have been super retrospect and introspective this week. It is probably partly because of the New Year and new decade. Of course, it is also probably because of prepping for this amazing challenge. I am taking massive action this week. It has demanded that I cut out some things. It has also demanded that I really watch my time and my things to do. It has required that I do some things that are not a part of my daily routine yet. In all, it has demanded that I simply be intentional.

So, how about being intentional with me?

Let’s get intentional!

Grab a big cup of tea. Take out your calendar. What is there?

If there is nothing, hold tight. 🙂

For many of us, our calendar looks like our purses—full of things that we think we need, full of things that we keep just in case we need them, full of things we carry for others, full of things for the hubby, kids, or job, full of things that we forget, and at the bottom of everything, the things that we want and cannot forget.

Look at every thing on the calendar. Go through it taking off everything that is not working toward your goals, resolutions, and life purpose. Definitely take off those things that you are doing just because you think you HAVE TO. Take off those things that no longer fit. Take off those things that are a burden and can be done in a much easier way.

I know that this is so hard, however the goal is to be intentional about this new year. We cannot be truly intentional when we are distracted or when we crowd out the things that really matter to us. If you are super scared to be ruthless, put those things on a list. If there is room at the end of the day after everything else is done, then definitely pull them back out. If not, give yourself permission to let them go! Deal?

The next thing is to go through the calendar and block out time for what really matters. Block out time to prepare for that (I prep the day before so I have NO excuses.). Block out time so you are not rushed.

Now, sit back. Look at it. How does that calendar look to you? How does it feel?

I am sure it is scary for some of you.

I am sure it is exciting.

I am sure it feels risky.

I am sure it feels like “home.”

Bottom line…I am sure it feels intentional.

You are pioneering your life. No one has gone before you to pave the path. You only get to do it once. You only get one chance to do it well.

Do it big.

Do it purposeful.

Do it intentional!

By the way!

We have a fun LIVE session planned tonight to launch our Jumpstart 2020 Challenge.

Are you ready for big things?

Don’t miss tonight. You can sign up for the challenge here:

Jumpstart 2020

If you want to join us for the session and just kick the tires a bit, here are the login/call-in details:

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.

When: Jan 9, 2020 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Topic: 31-Day Challenge

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://zoom.us/j/274215893

Or iPhone one-tap :

US: +16468769923,,274215893#or +16699006833,,274215893#

Or Telephone:

Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

US: +1 646 876 9923or +1 669 900 6833or +1 408 638 0968

Webinar ID: 274 215 893

International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/acyozUpROd

Ready to do this?

I AM! I can’t wait to SEE your sweet faces. Pull out the web cam. It is only ONE hour. One hour that can help Jumpstart your 2020!!

January 9, 2020
What’s Your Next Step???
It is a brand new year!

Are you moving strong…or, still stuck?

Are you ready…or, are you a bit reluctant?

Busting at the seams to kick off your New Year…or, are you just sick at the thought of yet another year?

Reaching your resolutions…or…are they already a bust?

Are there things that you would really like to see changed by January 2013? TODAY is the day to make that commitment! If you sincerely want to see change, you have to begin today!

Sunday was a MILESTONE. Did you miss it? It is not too late! Pull away for a bit today. Set your resolutions. Set reachable resolutions.

1. Start with an honest evaluation!

Where are you?
Are you where you want to be?
What do you want?
What do you need?
What is it going to take to get where you want to be?
Are there things that you want to see changed?

Don’t get locked into the same old, same old repetive behaviours. Don’t get stuck in the same old rut. If we are not moving forward, reaching for resolutions, goals, and dreams, we are not living the life that Christ died to give us. Where are you now?

2. Set goals!

Today, set a goal! It is your NEXT STEP. You may not be able to get where you want to go TODAY…or this week…or this month…or even this year. However, don’t let that keep you stuck in a rut!

Today, look at where you want to go. Get a vision! Can you reach it? Do you believe that you can? Well, set goals, steps, to get there. Don’t think it is possible? Well, ask yourself–what IS possible? What do you think you CAN DO? Let’s set goals to get moving toward that! Don’t let yourself get stuck! Set goals that will make your proud!

Test your goals all along the way– is it….
- Small–Small enough to reach with ONE STEP? Baby steps?
- Clear–Can you see how to get there or is it still FUZZY? Make sure it is FOCUSED!
- Purposeful–We must have PURPOSE or otherwise we will fail, fade out, give in to excuses, get distracted, quit, go astray, procrastinate, get off track and misdirected, and GET STUCK!
- Actionable–A goal that you CAN and WILL dare to take action, massive action, to accomplish NOW. Not a wish. Something that you are READY TO DO.
- Specific–What, why, and by when? Describe it? Be specific about what you want, why you want it, when you want it done! BE SPECIFIC–the more specific the more likely you will be to reach it!
- Definable–It isn’t a goal unless you can define what you want. Otherwise, it is just a WISH.
- Definitive–Get an idea of when you can accomplish it! Set a deadline! No more maybe’s or someday’s. Let’s set a date! Let’s set a deadline of when you can do THIS!
- Reachable, doable, attainable–No more self-sabotage! Self-sabotage is when we set a goal that we KNOW is just impossible from where we are. We let ourselves down. Then, we get into a place where we don’t believe ourselves any more. Don’t self-sabotage! Set goals that are just out of reach and get moving toward them. You can attain it! You can do it! You can reach it!
- Realistic–No more pie in the sky goals! Slow down and get realistic! Otherwise, your goals and resolutions will frustrate you and discourage you. You will LOSE your motivation! Let’s set smaller, REAL goals.
- Measurable–Be EXACT and VERY SPECIFIC about what you want! You need to be able to measure it. Otherwise, you won’t know what is neeeded. Also, you will never know when you have got there!
- WRITTEN–Write it out! Write it out TODAY! “Goals not in writing are just wishes.” Brain dump! Get those goals out of your head and onto paper! Put them on your calendar. Plan it out–with LOTS OF MARGIN! Put them into your to-do’s each day. Focus on each task until done!
3. Get MOVING!

So many people never even try to reach for their resolutions, goals and dreams.
- They immediately discard them.
- They don’t slow down to truly SET THEM.
- They trip up and quit.
- They can’t seem to work them in.
- And, many never get going because they never take that first step.
I have been asking God to show me when I am not moving forward in an area, to help me know that first step, and to give me the power to get moving. That first step is the key! In fact, my preacher said this weekend that the hardest part of working out is “to tie your tennis shoes.” Why? It is that FIRST STEP!

My dear friend, what is that FIRST STEP?

I know it can be scary. I know it can be intimidating. But, today, ask God to show you those areas where you have not been moving forward–building a godly marriage, quiet times, ministering to the hearts of your children, getting out of debt, building a business of your own, getting fit and healthy, getting your home decluttered, etc. Ask Him to show you what He wants for you to do and to show you that first step so you can get up and get moving–He will! Ask him to empower you and give you everything you need as you step out. My sweet friend, HE WILL! Just get started with that first step! GET MOVING!

My dear friend, you have a NEW year ahead of you! It is time for a NEW BEGINNING! Dare to set your resolutions this year. Don’t let this year slip by. You CAN do it! Set those resolutions. Set goals to take you step-by-step toward your resolutions. Keep them before you. MOVE OUT! Celebrate your victories all along the way! You will reach your resolutions one step at a time–what is your step today?
January 4, 2012
What’s Your Next Step???
It is a brand new year!

Are you moving strong…or, still stuck?

Are you ready…or, are you a bit reluctant?

Busting at the seams to kick off your New Year…or, are you just sick at the thought of yet another year?

Reaching your resolutions…or…are they already a bust?

Are there things that you would really like to see changed by January 2013? TODAY is the day to make that commitment! If you sincerely want to see change, you have to begin today!

Sunday was a MILESTONE. Did you miss it? It is not too late! Pull away for a bit today. Set your resolutions. Set reachable resolutions.

1. Start with an honest evaluation!

Where are you?
Are you where you want to be?
What do you want?
What do you need?
What is it going to take to get where you want to be?
Are there things that you want to see changed?

Don’t get locked into the same old, same old repetive behaviours. Don’t get stuck in the same old rut. If we are not moving forward, reaching for resolutions, goals, and dreams, we are not living the life that Christ died to give us. Where are you now?

2. Set goals!

Today, set a goal! It is your NEXT STEP. You may not be able to get where you want to go TODAY…or this week…or this month…or even this year. However, don’t let that keep you stuck in a rut!

Today, look at where you want to go. Get a vision! Can you reach it? Do you believe that you can? Well, set goals, steps, to get there. Don’t think it is possible? Well, ask yourself–what IS possible? What do you think you CAN DO? Let’s set goals to get moving toward that! Don’t let yourself get stuck! Set goals that will make your proud!

Test your goals all along the way– is it….
- Small–Small enough to reach with ONE STEP? Baby steps?
- Clear–Can you see how to get there or is it still FUZZY? Make sure it is FOCUSED!
- Purposeful–We must have PURPOSE or otherwise we will fail, fade out, give in to excuses, get distracted, quit, go astray, procrastinate, get off track and misdirected, and GET STUCK!
- Actionable–A goal that you CAN and WILL dare to take action, massive action, to accomplish NOW. Not a wish. Something that you are READY TO DO.
- Specific–What, why, and by when? Describe it? Be specific about what you want, why you want it, when you want it done! BE SPECIFIC–the more specific the more likely you will be to reach it!
- Definable–It isn’t a goal unless you can define what you want. Otherwise, it is just a WISH.
- Definitive–Get an idea of when you can accomplish it! Set a deadline! No more maybe’s or someday’s. Let’s set a date! Let’s set a deadline of when you can do THIS!
- Reachable, doable, attainable–No more self-sabotage! Self-sabotage is when we set a goal that we KNOW is just impossible from where we are. We let ourselves down. Then, we get into a place where we don’t believe ourselves any more. Don’t self-sabotage! Set goals that are just out of reach and get moving toward them. You can attain it! You can do it! You can reach it!
- Realistic–No more pie in the sky goals! Slow down and get realistic! Otherwise, your goals and resolutions will frustrate you and discourage you. You will LOSE your motivation! Let’s set smaller, REAL goals.
- Measurable–Be EXACT and VERY SPECIFIC about what you want! You need to be able to measure it. Otherwise, you won’t know what is neeeded. Also, you will never know when you have got there!
- WRITTEN–Write it out! Write it out TODAY! “Goals not in writing are just wishes.” Brain dump! Get those goals out of your head and onto paper! Put them on your calendar. Plan it out–with LOTS OF MARGIN! Put them into your to-do’s each day. Focus on each task until done!
3. Get MOVING!

So many people never even try to reach for their resolutions, goals and dreams.
- They immediately discard them.
- They don’t slow down to truly SET THEM.
- They trip up and quit.
- They can’t seem to work them in.
- And, many never get going because they never take that first step.
I have been asking God to show me when I am not moving forward in an area, to help me know that first step, and to give me the power to get moving. That first step is the key! In fact, my preacher said this weekend that the hardest part of working out is “to tie your tennis shoes.” Why? It is that FIRST STEP!

My dear friend, what is that FIRST STEP?

I know it can be scary. I know it can be intimidating. But, today, ask God to show you those areas where you have not been moving forward–building a godly marriage, quiet times, ministering to the hearts of your children, getting out of debt, building a business of your own, getting fit and healthy, getting your home decluttered, etc. Ask Him to show you what He wants for you to do and to show you that first step so you can get up and get moving–He will! Ask him to empower you and give you everything you need as you step out. My sweet friend, HE WILL! Just get started with that first step! GET MOVING!

My dear friend, you have a NEW year ahead of you! It is time for a NEW BEGINNING! Dare to set your resolutions this year. Don’t let this year slip by. You CAN do it! Set those resolutions. Set goals to take you step-by-step toward your resolutions. Keep them before you. MOVE OUT! Celebrate your victories all along the way! You will reach your resolutions one step at a time–what is your step today?
January 4, 2012
Psst! A Secret to Scheduling Success! by Cindy Rushton

Want to know one of my biggest secrets to homeschooling the easy way? Want to know one of my biggest secrets to scheduling success? This one secret can make your daily schedule finally fit. It can end your scheduling frustrations forever.

I am not a “schedule by the minute” type of person. (GRIN) I fail with schedules like that. They don’t meet my needs. My life includes too many areas that have different needs daily. Timed schedules just do not work for me.

So, what has worked for me? Setting up a framework to my day. This is one incredibly powerful tip. It can make a HUGE difference in your day as well. It just might be the secret that has alluded you through the years.

Wondering what I mean by a “framework” for your day? By framework, I mean a general flow to each day that includes all of the areas of my life that I juggle. But, how do I do that? Here are some quick tips:

1. Decide what should be included in your daily schedule. Look at what you are all about. Look at your goals, activities, values, priorities. Look at your husband’s schedule–wrap everything around him. Look at what you need to include in your day to get everything done–quiet times, lessons, homemaking, read alouds, work, etc. This is important. Otherwise, you will include things in your schedule that may not be the very best choices. And…one big risk…you may never get around to the things that matter the most. Decide what really needs to be a part of each and every day for your day to be successful.

2. Decide the best time for the tasks you need to complete each day. This will help you get a good flow to your day. For me, quiet times are just best at the beginning of the day. Chores are great right after them–I need them completed so my brain can focus on the table time. Our business work and errands need to be done in the early afternoon. Read alouds are best before bedtime. You get the picture. When I tried to read aloud over lunch, we had so many distractions that we could never fit it in. Trying to work the business in the morning would never work…and of course, we couldn’t take care of business errands at night. See how important it is to really look at the best time to get tasks done. Look at the best time for all of the tasks that need to be done. Look at the best flow to get everything done easily each day. You may not get this right at the beginning, but you will get closer and closer each day. You will love it!

3. Balance your day. Don’t let any one area of your life get out of balance. Everything that we do in our day has a tendency to grow into a big time thief–homeschooling, homemaking, home business. Those important aspects of our life can easily grow out of their boundaries. While I love each of them, they can get rather exhausting if we don’t keep them in balance with the other things that we have to do. The best way for me to stay balanced is to be reasonable about what I expect for each day, keep things simplified and easy, and keep everything inside of its time of the day. I don’t mind those days that we want to dig deeper in a topic that we are studying. I also don’t mind those days that we tackle a messy room. I don’t even mind those days that we have a special business project that needs more time. But, if those areas were demanding extra time every day, it would be easy to get burned-out, frustrated and battle with our time each day. Want to make it work? Find a balance for your day.

4. Set up routines. Talk about a HUGE help for me. Without routines, things can get so frustrating every day–there are constant decisions, there is more strife in the family, there is no consistency. Routines help us to make things go faster, without the strife and struggle of figuring things out DAILY. Routines reduce the stress of making decisions daily. Routines help our children to know what to expect so they can move through all of the things that they need to do each day. Routines are crucial. They assure a smooth ride. They keep us on track. They keep us out of the ruts. They take us in the direction that we want to go. One of the toughest things I ever did was develop routines in my home. However, one of the most rewarding things that I ever did was develop routines in my home. When I got very, very sick, everything kept going. During those times that I have been stretched, things kept on going. All because of routines. Set up routines. Then, your children will know what to expect. They will learn what is next and next and next. The decisions will be made for you. They will be able to “just do it” with or without you. Set up routines for your family. Develop one set of routines at a time–look for the time of day that things go haywire. If it is morning, for example, look at all that needs to be done. Brainstorm. Make a to-do list for that routine. Write it out. Work it as a checklist until it becomes a habit. If you see other things that need to be added into that set of routines, add them. Tweak it until it is smooth. Then, move to the next troublespot. Do this for all of the times of your day. Watch to see how much it helps!

5. Prune anything that is not necessary. Truth is, we cannot do everything. What we do in our day keeps us from doing other things. It zaps our time, energy, strength. We need to be picky about what we add to our day. Every single thing that we do costs us something. We need to constantly prune those things that are not necessary. Prune anything that hinders, distracts. Be honest. Be ruthless. Prune. Even the good things! Go for the best!

6. Take the squeeze out of your schedule. Watch out for the squeeze in your schedule. Don’t fill every minute of your day with something to do. Why? Because there are always going to be crisis situations, interruptions, melt-downs, delays. If we have our schedule maxed out, we will constantly be overwhelmed, overworked, and squeezed. Find ways to take the squeeze out of your daily schedule–cut out extra running, watch out for time thieves, prioritize your daily to-do’s (and eliminate any that make the day too tight), cut out extras that are unnecessary, keep the day simple and easy. Keep a relaxed atmosphere. Constantly, take the squeeze out of your daily schedule.

7. Stay flexible! Stay adaptable! Actually, one of the reasons that we really want to develop a framework to our day is so we have more flexibility, so we have more “space” in our day to be adaptable. We want to be able to seize opportunities that come our way. We want to be able to slow down and enjoy our children. We don’t want to miss teachable moments. These days just go by too fast. We want to enjoy every second. We want to make sweet, sweet memories. This requires that we stay flexible and adaptable. So, take the time to develop your own framework to your day. Do the tough work. Get your plans together. Work on these suggestions. Then, stay flexible. Stay adaptable. Grasp on to all that God has in store for you!

Need MORE Help?

Check out Cindy’s New Organized Mom Super Set! It is full of great ebooks and audios that will help take you by the hand and plan the best homeschool year ever!

September 21, 2011
Unplug! by Cindy Rushton

We just got back from a fabulous trip to Italy. Ok, soak this in…VENICE! Oh! YEAH!

On this trip, I was able to check off three, yes three, of my biggies on “My Bucket List.” It was a spectacular trip! And, it was more than just the trip or the place, God was speaking to my heart the whole way. In fact, He is still teaching me lessons from Italy and we have been home a week! 🙂 Just today, He taught me another lesson as I opened my laptop! REALLY! Well, stick with me….

Before I left for Italy, I was on stress overload. I was hoping that Italy would be my “catch-up” time. Well, OBVIOUSLY I had never travelled abroad, much less to Italy. Ha! Italy was perfect for my stress overload. I was forced to getaway, refresh, renew, unplug, and make sweet memories. It was incredible. In fact, I am forever changed from my trip to Italy–more on that in a bit. (more…)

September 21, 2011
Quick Tips For the Perpetually Late, Disorganized, Stressed Out Mom! By Cindy Rushton

Does this SPEAK to you? Nothing is more frustrating than great intentions but failure with the time management, organization, and gentle spirit thing! So, what can REALLY help? Need a bit of hope? Practical ideas? Well, beloved, here are a few tips that have made a world of difference for me:

–> Be sure to slow down and have a quiet time EACH DAY! Take time for God to fill YOUR cup each day. Let Him give you HIS peace, order, and best of all, schedule! Take time to hear HIS plans for your day. Throughout the day, listen to His gentle direction. Be sure that you are willing to let go of the things that God wants to prune away. Without this, all else is only a band-aid!

–> Invest in a Planner! I am the world’s worst at trying to do it all while trying desperately to remember those incredible details that are doomed to slip my brain! I decided to take a long, honest look at the things that were creating chaos. Most often, the biggest culprit was overcommitment or an underestimate of time involved with commitments. Writing down ALL commitments, along with an honest look at the time commitment involved (more…)

February 21, 2011
Help! I Need to Get Things Done! by Cindy Rushton

Struggling to get things done? Struggling with all of the distractions? Too busy to finish any of those great projects? Boy, do I relate!

I am an “idea” machine! If I had a dollar for every idea that floats through my mind, I would have an instant business! 🙂 Feel my pain?

Yes, if you are here on this site, you probably have those ideas. Need is an action plan to make them a reality? Here are some things that help me…

1. Brain Dump!

Are you thinking, “But, Cindy, the last thing that I need is a list of MORE ideas!” Brain dumping does bring out more ideas, but it is essential for productivity.

I set aside regular time to grab a notebook (or my iPad–LOVE IT!) and just dump my ideas that are floating around my brain. It helps me to have categories so I KNOW that I will find those ideas later. Once I set up a “spot” to keep my ideas, I can clear my brain.

Without brain dumping, my brain gets soooo full and distracted that I cannot focus on ANYTHING. I think it is because I am so afraid that I will forget those great ideas. 🙂 Well, it is not just that. I am also tempted to dig into some of them because they are so much more fun than the work at hand.

Relate? Why not brain dump? It will settle that deluge of ideas!

Then, what? That brings me to the next thing…

2. Get a plan.

When I find myself overwhelmed and needing to re-motivate and re-charge, I pull back for a getaway with God to get my plan. Someone wrote that if we do not plan, then we are really planning to fail. I SEE THAT! At the times that I have found myself struggling to get things done because of all of the distractions and busyness of life, nothing has helped me more to get back rolling strong like getting away with God to get His perspective and His plan. Talk about a great way to simplify, prune, and get back on track!

Maybe today you are battling with getting things done, why not pull back and get a plan? Take some time away. Take everything to the Lord in prayer. Be still before Him. Stay until you can hear His Word for you and your business. Lay down all of the options before Him. Let Him loose to move on your heart which things should be first, which things should be simplified, and which things should be pruned away all completely. He will be faithful to help you get back on track!

3. Attack!

Yes, attack! But, not just attack with the new project on your heart, before you dig into that, attack a few other things:

–> Attack procrastination–You can have a clear mind and super plan, yet be stuck. Been there? Oh! I have! In fact, I was there just last week. I had everything ready to roll and everything that I needed to get things done, but I was stuck. I was paralyzed. What do you do then? Well, I had to get honest. I was procrastinating. Procrastination is my biggest enemy to productivity. Once I saw it for what it is, I could attack procrastination and get back going strong. Want to be productive? Attack procrastination!

–> Attack clutter--Oh Yeah! Nothing distracts me more than clutter. And, clutter seems to have a magnetic attraction to me. Yes, the “stuff” clutter, the “things to do” clutter, the “life” clutter. It all follows me around like a puppy dog. Of course, it is not cuddly and sweet like a puppy dog, it drives me crazy! I won’t even know what is gnawing at me until I pull back and take a look around me. It can be the piles from projects that I am working on. It can be a never-ending to-do list. It can be things in my life that are past their time. It can even be my purse! Whatever “my clutter” is, I have to SEE IT and then ATTACK it! When I do, I am stunned at how much more I get done. Plus, I LOVE my life. Let the clutter build up and things bog down, life gets unmanageable, and I get tired and weary. Does clutter LOVE you too? Why not attack it?

–> Attack disorganization--Periodically, I will find myself in my default state-completely disorganized and MESSY! YES! Probably 20% of my books and workshops are on the topic of organization, but I still battle this one! I can assure you that I will never BE THERE when it comes to organization. However, I have learned how to manage the messies. Want the secret? Well, you read it–you have to ATTACK disorganization. Maybe it is cleaning out. Maybe it is setting up a place for everything and putting everything in its place. Maybe it is revamping your schedule to work for this season of life. Maybe it is getting all of your to-do’s and ideas organized in one spot. Maybe it is setting up systems or routines for those rocky areas of life or business. Take the time to get organized. It will make a HUGE difference. You can’t just do a little at a time. Instead, dig in and attack disorganization. You will then be ready to roll!

Ready to get things done?

Today is the day! Don’t let today slip by! Today is the day to pull back for a bit and get things ready to make those dreams your reality–your life! Take that time. Don’t stay in the struggle. Don’t let the days slip by. Let’s press past the distractions and the busyness. Let’s get laser sharp vision. Let’s press toward the mark!

“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.” Philippians 3:12-16, THE MESSAGE

Need MORE Help?

If you need more help, don’t miss any of Cindy Rushton’s LIVE workshops that she will be teaching on these topics. She is scheduled to speak for many conventions, conferences, retreats, and Bible Studies. If you want for her to come to your area, message here today at CindyRushton@Gmail.com

October 14, 2010
It’s a Legacy! by Cindy Rushton

Yesterday, we welcomed our precious Joshua Edwin Rushton into the world!

As I looked at him for the first time I finally GOT that verse in Proverbs 17:6:

“Children’s children are a crown to the aged.” (Proverbs 17:6)

We can have everything in the world–all of the stuff, all of the accomplishments, all of the possessions–everything. Yet, when the music fades and all is stripped away, only a few things really matter.

I have lived a life that has been sooo blessed. God has blessed me with so many amazing blessings. I cannot think that the cost for those blessings has been a big sacrifice for me when God has even made that EASY! 🙂 All He has required is that I obey Him and offer my life as a daily sacrifice, doing what HE asks. How hard is that? Especially, when I look at the abundant and lavish blessings that just chase me down.

Yes. I have been blessed in so many areas of my life:

1. Yes, this year we celebrate 25 years of marriage.

2. Yes, I have two amazing children here on earth and 7 in heaven. I could not be MORE blessed by their lives. Every moment of being a mom has been a treasure.

3. Yes, I have been blessed by success. I have written over 100 books, taught all around the country, ran a wonderful business (well, how hard is that when your business is all about connecting with wonderful FRIENDS???), and achieved almost everything I have ever set out to achieve.

We have been blessed in

…relationships
…provision
…success
…and anything we could ever want.

Yesterday, I saw the realization of my “crown.” One that I will carry all of the way into eternity. I am overcome by the beauty of legacy!

I know that I have taught for years about how vital it is for us to KNOW that we are building a HOME and that home is our legacy. I THOUGHT I had GOT IT through the years, but as I held my precious Joshua, my first GRANDchild, I realized it in a deeper level.

Everything is about our legacy! EVERYTHING! E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!

Our legacy is the only earthly treasure that we can carry with us into eternity. It is ETERNAL. Soak that in, dear friend!

Yes, we can go back into Scripture and see that every woman has a legacy. It is what summed up their lives. It is what passed down into the next generation and the next and the next and the next…all the way to us.

It is the ONE THING that was accomplished by their lives. Good or bad, every one of us passes on a legacy that goes on through generations that we may not see and into parts of their lives and all of the lives that they touch. It goes on into eternity–forever and forever.

I am sure that after I die, people will forget the words that I wrote. In fact, it cracks me up when people already forget the things that God gave me to write first–guess we all need to eat “humble-pie” from time to time. 🙂

I already know that when I look back over my life and all that I do and accomplish that the things that I DO have a tendency to look like a beach full of sand–each “to-do” as distinquishable as a grain of sand and all of the “to-do’s” piling up like a beach full of sand. Funny thing, I have a tendency to LOVE those things to do and pour myself into my precious “to-do’s” like a little child intent on building a sand-castle. I KNOW that all of those to-do’s can matter in life, but I also know that there is nothing like the waves rolling in and quickly washing away those “sand-castles.” Again, nothing is quite like seeing how everything is but a vapor. Everything just goes back into the everyday-ness of life.

But, my legacy lives on!

I don’t know if words are sufficient today. I hope that I am making sense to you guys. I LOVE MY LIFE. I am really picky about the things that I DO. I know that this life comes by only once. I don’t want to waste even ONE MOMENT doing something that is not going to count, much less something that is not right. I know that I will not even be RIGHT HERE again. I want to live each moment to the fullest and make my Abba Papa proud of me. I want to bring Him glory and honor. But, this is even MORE….

It is LEGACY!

We are here for so much more than we can ever imagine. OUR LIVES COUNT!

Soak that in…

Every choice that we make affects more than just ourselves or those that we see. There are multitudes coming behind us that NEED for us to be ALL THERE today, making every moment count.

As I look into the sweet face of our little Joshua, I can already see how important everything HAS been. As he looks at me, I feel the immense call rising up yet again–Cindy, BUILD YOUR LEGACY!

I am re-committed. Will you join me dear friends? Let’s build a legacy–a godly legacy!

Need MORE Help?

If you need more help, don’t miss any of Cindy Rushton’s LIVE workshops that she will be teaching on these topics. She is scheduled to speak for many conventions, conferences, retreats, and Bible Studies. If you want for her to come to your area, message here today at CindyRushton@Gmail.com

August 26, 2010
Sleep to Succeed: A Lesson in Productivity

Ever feel that there are not enough hours in the day? Oh! I do! There just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day sometimes. With your schedule, something always gets put off until tomorrow. In order to catch up, you might be tempted to work longer but that will have the opposite effect.

When your schedule runs long or you have a pressing project at work, the first thing that enters your mind is that you can come in early or stay late to get it done. The problem with that idea is that the rest of your routine will suffer. There will be less, if any, time for your family. From the point that you steal time from one area to benefit another, you will be playing catch up.

Over time, your body will respond to the added demands. It won’t be pretty. Stress of any kind that is prolonged can cause health problems. You are more likely to develop illnesses because of a depressed immune system. You won’t be your kind and cheery self anymore as you become short tempered and bite everyone’s head off.

What about your goals? Whether work-related or personal, your goals never seem to get met. The laws of nature are a funny thing. In our society, we have the idea that to get more done you have to speed up and sacrifice. While that may be true in some situations, the part that we choose to sacrifice makes a big difference.

To get ahead and get more done you need to slow down. Sleep is a part of your daily routine. It’s a part that we don’t pay much attention to. After all, if you are tired, you will eventually fall asleep, right? That’s not how sleep is supposed to work.

The human body is like a beautiful machine. All machines need maintenance to continue working. The body does its repair jobs while you sleep. There are several sleep cycles. During the deepest sleep, the body can go about restoration and repair because you are not keeping it occupied with movement and thought. It’s sort of like a short hibernation period.

Unfortunately, many people don’t get enough restorative sleep for it to matter. You wake up tired and that leads to concentration problems. It’s hard to think of new ways to increase your productivity when you can’t keep your eyes open. Burning the candle at both ends will leave you with nothing.

Do yourself a favor. Get your 7-8 hours of sleep a night. As a result you will wake up refreshed and your focus will be clear. You’ll find you have more energy and get more accomplished in all areas of your life. There is less downtime needed during the day because you got all of the rest you needed when you slept.

April 27, 2009