Structure and Flow
Happy New Year!
For me, 2025 was a kick in the a**, so I am thrilled that 2026 is here. Exhaustion is easy to fall into and carry forward, but that is not the goal and intent as we kickoff our future endeavors. The motivation this month is about Structure and Flow. It may seem that these two things are in odds with one another, but I beg to differ.
Structure brings about organization of one’s thoughts, aspirations, tasks, and expected outcomes. Taking the time to map out where you want to be in the future, what it will look like, and how you will get there is fruitful. In doing so, you have a roadmap on the steps you need to take to get you to your destination. Knowing that each step forward is bringing you closer to your goal destination can be motivation on those days when you don’t even want to move, to actually do so.
As most of us know, things don’t always go as planned. In more formalized project management, we always have to think about risk - the management and mitigation of it. Having the structure in front of us doesn’t mean that things won’t go awry or that there is no risk involved. However, the way in which we handle the situations is what helps us continue moving forward. Going with the flow means two things to me: 1) relaxing your mind and muscles to a degree that provides flexibility and adaptability to various situations; and 2) allowing yourself the freedom to change your mind, direction, or aspiration. It doesn’t mean just accepting every negative thing that occurs around you, but understanding that there are times when things are not within your control and providing yourself the means to bend, stretch and opt for a different way of thinking, operating, or moving.
It may take a bit of time to lay out your plans this month and that is okay. Give yourself the time to really think about what you want to achieve and how you will do it. The well thought out plan with realistic and attainable goals is the one that is well positioned to succeed. Allowing yourself some flexibility in your approach and management of that plan is okay too. It doesn’t mean throwing the plan out the window and starting a new one - which is really easy to do for those of us who start new things, but don’t seem to finish. Rather, the flexibility is in seeing the kink in the road and taking the leap over it or walking around it to keep on moving down the road - even when there is another easier path to take.
Alright then…let’s give ourselves some Structure and allow your life to Flow.