Gretchen Dauzat

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Archives for September 2017

Is being a chronic over-planner getting in the way of your goals?



September 21, 2017

Many people, especially us women and mamas love to schedule, plan, and organize our lives. Whether it’s us using our favorite planner or a new app to become more productive. But is there such a thing as over planning and can it hold you back from achieving your goals?

Sometimes we can plan and or even talk about a plan, goal, or dream so much but not realizing we are not pulling the trigger in actually trying to take the steps toward it.

One day I was talking to my hubby about some plans I had for a project and he said, “You’ve been having that on your list for a little while now and have been talking about it often, is there something that is maybe holding you back?”

My mind started racing after he asked me this question and it stopped me dead in my tracks. What was holding me back? I had a notebook full of notes on how I envisioned this project to be, look, and how I would execute it. And this obviously wasn’t the first time I brought it up.

Then I started really really digging deep. Did I just like the idea of the project and what it could potentially do, but I wasn’t willing to do the hard work? Was I scared of launching it and it would be a total flop? Did I not have all the necessary tools to complete the project?

After thinking about this for a couple of days I diagnosed myself as a “chronic over-planner.”

I know I can’t be the only one that decides to get fit. I make plans, research exercise routines and look at healthy recipes only to let my “plans” sit and collect dust as I tell myself “Oh, I’ll start next Monday.” Or make an excuse why I can’t follow through with my plans. Or maybe you are like me when you whip out that beautiful planner or pull up your Trello boards and can literally sit there for hours making plans and then crickets…

If this sounds anything like you here are some steps to make sure you break the habit once and for all on over planning.

Don’t pursue perfection – There will never be a perfect time to start or work on a goal. Life is pretty crazy and when you think of starting something many times things will come up and we’ll delay the start. There will also never be a perfect plan. After all, a plan is a guide or a map to help us get to where we want to be.

Don’t get too excited – I bet you’re thinking “Wait what!? Shouldn’t I be excited?” The answer is “YES!” What I mean is when we get a new idea or goals we get super excited and we start making our plans and/or to do list. 20 minutes later you have a list of 50 things to do and it all of a sudden becomes overwhelming. So instead you end up doing a couple of items on your list if any at all.

Do schedule and plan – Listen, please make plans and yes make a schedule, but make sure that you make smaller more manageable to-do list and schedule deadlines too. If you think you’re slipping back into old habits remember this acronym:

KISS:
Keep
It
Simple
Silly

The first step is the scariest – If you have an ambitious goal and it feels like you’re taking a huge leap from the get-go change your plans and mindset. Tell yourself you’re not taking a leap, but you’re taking a step toward your goal and plan accordingly. You might get there a little slower, but at least you will get there. Remember that some progress is better than no progress at all.

Remember that being a chronic over-planner is tricky! It’s tricky because you FEEL like you’re taking steps toward your goal by making plans for days and writing ideas etc, when in actuality you’re not taking any steps toward your goal. Really dig deep and figure out what is stopping you from taking action toward your plans and goals.

What about you? Do you think that “over planning” is holding you back from your goals? 

CATEGORIES ~ Goals, Self Improvement 16 Comments

Hearing God’s Calling in the Midst of Motherhood



September 7, 2017

One of the toughest things I’ve learned as a mom is to let go. To let go of the worries, let go of the stress, and let go of the things that are out of my control. But the hardest thing to realize as a Type A personality is to let go and let God.

But what does this mean?

This is something I’ve struggled with all my life. I’ve realized that I can plan out my life as much as I want, but that things can change in an instant.

One of the most nerveracking prayers I’ve prayed was silence… Silent and being open to God’s word.  That his word can tell us where he is calling me and my family.

As a mom, this is so tough. It’s tough for so many reasons. It not only affects your life, but your spouses and kids as well. And I know all moms can agree with me that making any kind of change to your families dynamic or daily life can be scary.

I had such a strong bond with God in college and when we were married, then after having kids I felt guilty that we didn’t have the same relationship. But after reflecting on the last couple of years I realized that God knows my heart and my love for him. That what was important for me to focus on is to do everything for Him is the thick of motherhood. It was tough…I failed a lot.

At the beginning of this year, I prayed to God to use me and my family to do his work. And then came the hardest part…to listen.

Send me, and I will go Isaiah 6:8

Finally, the silence broke and I felt God wanted me to take the blog in a different direction. So, at the beginning of the year, I took a break from posting regularly to really figure this out. I realized that I’m most passionate about is to help empower passions beyond motherhood. I also felt called to share our story with others in hopes that women can know that in our role as a mom that we aren’t alone. In the good times and in the times of struggle that no matter how different you think we all are we all have something in common that connects us.

The last couple of months proved to be the hardest. The self-doubt started to creep in even though I was working hard to keep it at bay. I felt unworthy of what God was asking of me. And then a prayer answered! I was featured on Beating 50 Percent! I was a guest blogger on their site which allowed me the opportunity to reach more people than I could have ever been able to. I know that God’s hand was on this and I’m still so thankful for that opportunity that has brought.

So, if you ever feel lost be willing to listen to God’s calling for the season of life you may be in. It maybe to focus on your family or he may ask you to take a small step one day or a huge leap in another season of life. Be willing to let God use you and your family to do his work.

Click the button below to download my favorite daily prayer when stepping into God’s calling.

A lot of times consistency feels good and safe. But what if by listening for God’s calling you can completely change your life and others around you for the better. To take the chance that what God has planned for our lives can be better than anything that we can even begin to comprehend.

CATEGORIES ~ Faith, Motherhood Leave a Comment

Gretchen Dauzat is a wife, mom to 4, entrepreneur, and writer. Her passion is to empower moms to realize, cultivate, and pursue their passions beyond motherhood. When not folding loads of laundry, you can find her having a dance party with her family or listening to a great audiobook.

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