Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love.
(Rumi)

I recently attended a goal setting session at my local lululemon. I went with my friend and an open mind, hoping to learn something new. The event began with introductions, then a brief visualization of where we hope to find ourselves 10 years from now…

What would you dare to do if you knew you could not fail?
Describe what you see, hear, and feel in your ideal life.
Who is there? How do you spend your time?
Where do you spend your time?

My vision?

A chic and cozy apartment in a big city with my Mister and our two little ones. He’s off to work while I stay home to watch after the babies and manage my successful healthy & creative living empire. I write (articles, books, and my blog), teach yoga, eat all organic, and live my life with abundant love. I’m a leader within my community, make self-care a priority, and have plenty of time to enjoy my family.

I’m trying not to judge myself too harshly, but it kinda seems like I want it all.

After the visualization, the leaders provided instructions on creating S.M.A.R.T goals and gave us some time to brainstorm our visions, 10-year, 5-year and 1-year goals.

What are S.M.A.R.T. goals, you ask? There are variations, but this combo works for me:

Specific
Measurable
Affirmative
Realistic
Timely

Next, they opened the floor for participants to share. I immediately froze, looking intently at a spot on the wall, the back of my hand, and straight through the yoga mat under me. Anything to avoid getting called on! While I’m usually outgoing, I get shy about my goals.

My intentions and dreams have shifted a lot in the past few years. Time and experience will do that to a person. The good news is, our goals are in constant evolution — and it’s ok to change your mind.

I’ve been playing with this visioning concept since the event. Along with reading Style Statement, I find that I’m asking myself these questions:

Do I really want that? Why?
What would achieving that mean to me?
What would I do once I got there?

Dreaming big is scary — especially when we can’t see a path from where we are and where we hope to go. But that’s where the magic lies. In the shimmering possibility of dreams. There’s something delightful about not knowing.

For now, I’m focused on exploring my dreams and examining my hopes. I plan to use this worksheet to get specific about vision, 10-year, 5-year, and 1-year goals and will share more about the process when I do. Please share your thoughts on goal setting and dreaming big in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

Image Credit: Ambassador Summit 2011 via lululemon athletica

Belief in yourself and in the possibility of success
is the most important requirement for living an extraordinary life.
Believe in belief.
Believe in yourself and the best of the world will come to you,
and you will be prepared to receive it. Don’t sell yourself short.
You do not require permission to be extraordinary.
(Richard Quick)

Hello, lovelies! I hope you’ve had a delightful weekend. Thanks so much to those of you who left helpful and supportive comments on my last few posts. It’s great to know that I’m not the only one craving solitude in January.

Since starting the Whole Living Action Plan last week, I’ve noticed how seldom I acknowledge daily victories. Small, quiet steps go ignored while I look towards the finish line and hold off on uncorking the metaphoric bubbly. Do you struggle with the same? Tiny triumphs are critical building blocks—each one a glittering, golden brick worth celebrating.

“You can do this. You are doing this,” I remind myself over and over. Changing patterns, adjusting priorities, and establishing new habits can be disorienting. Until we are practiced and comfortable in our new way of doing things, the old way just feels best. Maybe that’s one reason why so many people drop the ball on their resolutions.

I’ve held onto my intentions and stuck with the #WLActionPlan through this week, but not without sacrifice. I’m laying low and spending a lot of time in the kitchen. And even though the alarm goes off at 5 am, I’m not relying on 3 cups of coffee and 2 shots of espresso to get me through the day. When my energy dips around 3 pm, I am no longer leaning on a bag of mini M&Ms to revive me.

Instead, I’m drinking tons of water and herbal DAVIDsTEA (which I love!) and snacking on kale chips or pomegranate seeds. A change is unfolding. I feel vibrant, happy and connected. This week I got back to working out, with 4 days of Barre3′s DVD in the mornings before work and 3.5 miles run/walk on Saturday. This morning, I went to the lululemon store in Raleigh for a goal-setting session followed by a complimentary yoga class.

Changing my priorities has meant less time with my Mister—and certainly less time for flipping through magazines, painting my nails, and general lounging around. The upside is that I’m in a much better mood and am excited (instead of feeling guilty) when I do find some time to chill.

Week #2 Highlights:

• Listening to my body. This process has brought me a new level of awareness when it comes to hunger and mood. I’m learning to cope with the ups and downs of the day without sugary snacks or surges of caffeine.
• Getting a new package from DAVIDsTEA in the mail! So far my favorites are Forever Nuts, Licorice Twist, Jessie’s Tea and Organic Peppermint Amour.
• Losing a little weight. The number on the scale has dropped some and my clothes are starting to feel a bit too big… I can see a shopping trip for new jeans in my future.
• Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns). I bought Mindy Kaling’s audiobook to listen to on my commute (she reads it herself—so cool!). It’s funny, inspiring and down-to-earth.

Favorite Meals:

• Baked Sweet Potatoes with Citrus
• Raw Kale Salad with Pomegranate and Toasted Walnuts
• Watercress Salad with Sardines, Oranges, and Pepitas
• Grilled Salmon and Bok Choy with Orange-Avocado Salsa

I’m grateful to be in a place (emotionally, financially and otherwise) that allows me to pursue these dietary and fitness changes. Just a few months ago, this would have been too much to take on. It’s as if the stage was set and ready for me to step up. It’s an incredible feeling. Even though I think I could do this on my own, my Mister has been a huge help. He even got up with me this morning to hit up Whole Foods at 7 am so I could get all my grocery shopping done before yoga (I’m a slow shopper and he helps me stay on task).

I’m looking forward to seeing where week #3 will take me. I hope you find yourself happy, healthy and fulfilled this week. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, I recommend doing something that lights you up. Go to a local tea shop, buy an inspiring magazine, get a manicure, or do some yoga. I’ll be working to do the same!

Image Credit: 164 / 365 – I’ve got the brightest star you’ll ever find via Noukka Signe

If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track
that has been there all the while, waiting for you,
and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living.
When you can see that, you begin to meet people
who are in your field of bliss, and they open doors to you.
I say, follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and
doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.
(Joseph Campbell)

This fall, I will be celebrating my blog’s 3-year anniversary. Three years of showing up, sharing inspiration and connecting with more creative souls than I ever imagined possible.

The keys to a happy blogger? Make a plan, set realistic expectations, write as often as you can, and believe in a little magic. Then wait to see what happens next.

My intentions for this year and KaileenElise.com are one in the same. I plan to focus my energy on living a healthy, active life. I want to blog regularly, but without the pressure and pace of posting daily. I have a content map, plus a long-term strategy and short-term goals. I’m giddy about what’s next—eager to curate links, quotes and images that will inspire you.

I’m quite fond of outlines, lists and game plans. Knowing this, I identified 12 intentions for 2012. Guideposts for this journey, touchstones threaded through each month. Overall, this year is about focus and heart…with a touch of sparkle!

Hat tip to Lifestylista Monica McCarthy for the wonderful idea of compiling a vision board of sorts for 2012 intentions. I love how mine turned out. It’s going straight to my desktop—and I plan to create mini versions for my iPhone each month.

Have you done something like this for your blog? I’ve never sat down and thought an entire year through like this, so I’d love to know more about your experience!

Image Credits: My Work Desk via DeaPeaJay
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Yoga is to attain what was previously unattainable.
(TKV Desikachar)

Happy Friday, lovelies! I hope your week is wrapping up nicely. Do you have any fun plans for the weekend? I’m breathing new life into my Creative Weekend To-Do Lists. Come back tomorrow to check it out.

When I called for guest bloggers awhile back, I receive a response from @SuburbanYogini. Rachel is a punk rock yogini, teacher, writer, massage therapist, sprinkler of fairy dust + lover of all things glitter, cake, kitties, pugs and Dave Grohl. She lives in Cambridge UK in a falling down house with her IT Geek/Photographer boyfriend and two insane felines. She is the owner of Fusion Massage + Movement and blogs at Suburban Yogini. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us, Rachel!

✳ ✳ ✳

The quote above is from TKV Desikachar, son of Krishnamacharya and author of yoga must-read The Heart of Yoga, is one that has resonated with me for years, and one which I have come back to again and again.

When I first read it, way back before I had even thought about training to teach yoga, I automatically associated it with yoga asana (poses). There were so many asana that seemed unattainable to me and I thought if I practice, practice, practice I could do anything.

This turned out to be true, just not in the way I originally thought.

Many years and many teacher trainings later, there are still asana that are unattainable to me. But what yoga has helped me attain is a greater sense of acceptance. Acceptance of my own limitations as well as my strengths and areas of improvement.

I genuinely believe that a regular yoga practice (and by regular I mean whatever is right for you – it could be a weekly class, or 10 minutes of mindful breathing each day, some stretches when you get out of bed, or just lying with your legs up the wall after a day at work) can help to bring acceptance into all areas of your life.

Let’s look at your creative life.

So many people say to me, “Oh but I am not creative at all, I’m just not that type of person.”

I have news for you! We are ALL that type of person. We are all creative, whether we paint or draw, write in a journal regularly, bake cakes or make curry. Whether we knit or sew, blog, help our kids with school projects or take photographs. We are creating, creating, creating all the time and sometimes it takes unrolling a yoga mat and getting your stretch on to help us see that.

When I work with one-to-one clients or with workshops looking to unleash their creative sides I use three very simple techniques. All of these are powerful in their own right, whenever you have the time or space but I believe that they work on an even deeper level after a yoga practice. So next time you unroll your mat, why not see if you can wake that creative spark with one of these ideas?

1. Make a Dream Board
Dream Boards, Vision Boards and Collages are all over the internet these days – and for good reason. Not only are they an easily attainable creative tool, but they work! After your practice, set yourself up on your mat with some old magazines and tear out any pictures that speak to you or make your heart sing. Paste your pictures to a large piece of card or pin them to a pinboard somewhere you will see them regularly and be inspired by your own creativity and the images that ring true. You might want to keep your Dream Board with your yoga mat for practice time or have it on the wall near your practice space.

2. Write in  a Journal
After your yoga practice why not write about it? Just take a few minutes to jot down thoughts and feelings, how the practice made you feel, what you found challenging, what you found felt good. After a while you might find that you are able to write more and more, tracking your emotions and their effects on your practice. You can even combine a Dream Board idea into this by pasting inspiring quotes and pictures into the pages or onto the cover of your journal. It is from the pages of such a journal that my blog Suburban Yogini was born!

3. Bake a Cake
Yes really! If in doubt, bake a cake. Get off your mat and into the kitchen and apply the same mindful concentration to the preparation of ingredients that you did to your practice. And when it comes time to eat the cake eat it slowly and mindfully as well. Savour it. Enjoy it. Know that you created this! I have some simple cake recipes up on my website. Go check them out if you like!

How do you unleash your creative side? I’d love to hear from you!

Image Credit: Ambassador Meghan Currie via lululemon athletica

Live with intention.
Walk to the edge. Listen hard.
Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh.
Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends.
Continue to learn. Do what you love.
Live as if this is all there is.
(Mary Anne Radmacher)

Hi there! I’m Analiese, and I blog about food, health, and holistic living at Green Plate Studios, though some of you may recognize me from my former blog, Tulips & Tea. As a long-time reader and fan of Kaileen’s blog, I’m so excited to be guest posting today!

A couple years ago, frustrated with my lack of energy and general feelings of blah-ness, I embarked on an effort to transform my health. In the process, I discovered a passion for wellness that changed not only my physical self, but also my career and life’s work. Wanting to help others experience the same level of health and happiness, I enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and now spend my time writing about and counseling others in nutrition and wellness as a holistic health coach. What an amazing two years it has been!

It can be difficult, especially as a woman, to prioritize our own wants and needs. There’s a lot of pressure to maintain a façade of perfection: fabulous social lives, successful careers, and always-amazing relationships – not to mention a physical appearance that meets with society’s approval. Yet, it’s critical to realize that we must first nourish ourselves – literally and figuratively – in order to build a strong foundation that will enable us to truly live the life of our dreams (our own dreams that is, not anyone else’s!).

Sounds great, you might be thinking. But how exactly do I put it into practice?

Here are the 4 elements of self-care that I’ve experienced as absolutely essential in my path toward wellness:

1. Find your glow with fresh, whole foods.

Clean, unprocessed foods boost energy levels and provide you with the nutrients you need to look and feel your best. Reclaim your right to super juicy good health (not to mention beautiful skin, shiny hair, and all-around goddess-like vibrance) by consuming a colorful, plant-heavy diet of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Eat close to the source by emphasizing local, seasonal fare and, as Michael Pollan says, avoid “anything with more than five ingredients, or ingredients you can’t pronounce.”

Have fun with food by experimenting with new recipes, and remember that a meal doesn’t need to be complicated to be good. Here are some of my favorite resources for learning to cook and eat with whole foods.

2. Integrate movement into your life in a way that feeds your spirit and invigorates your soul.

When it comes to movement, a world of delicious, heart-pumping adventure awaits. Think outdoor activities like swimming, running, walking, hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, rock climbing, and mountaineering. Restorative yoga and tai chi practices. Booty-shaking salsa dancing, hip-hop dancing, and Zumba. Martial Arts. Tennis. Boxing. Frisbee. Whatever makes you break a sweat and puts a smile on your face. Instead of viewing exercise as a chore, ask yourself what kind of movement you crave. Let your body’s intuition be your guide.

3. Release whatever doesn’t support your true self.

I believe that true wellness is so much broader than simply fulfilling the needs of the physical body. To truly call ourselves “healthy,” we must consider the whole package. True wellness means filling our lives with the things that align with our essential selves, and that goes for our relationships, careers, and virtually any other facet of life you can think of.

Take steps to clear out the sludge: toxic people (you know the ones I’m talking about), less-than-fulfilling relationships, negative habits, soul-crushing jobs, stressful commutes, etc., even if it means making big – and potentially scary – changes. Throw Out Fifty Things: Clear the Clutter, Find Your Life by Gail Blanke is great resource on this topic.

4. Create space for possibility.

When you let go of the clutter, you create a clean canvas on which to paint a new image of your life. Fill the newfound time and space with things and activities that will support your personal growth and feed your real self. That might mean nurturing friendships, creative pursuits, a new career path, or a renewed commitment to your own development. Ask yourself what you envision for yourself one year, five years, and ten years down the road. Set specific goals and trust the voice inside you, the one that whispers “You can do it!” You can do it. With your foundation firmly in place, you’ll soon begin noticing that suddenly, anything seems possible. Lean into the possibility. Your life awaits.

I hope these thoughts inspire you to begin (or continue) your own wellness journey! I would love to hear about your successes, challenges, and experiences.

Analiese is a food writer, holistic health coach, and sustainable foods advocate. A lover of vinyasa yoga, cooking, gardening, dark chocolate, and the outdoors, Analiese lives, works, and writes from her perch in beautiful Annapolis, Maryland, where she lives with her husband, Jason, and a fittingly foodie dachshund named Basil (yes, like the herb). Learn more by visiting Analiese’s website, or connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

Image Credit: via We♥It

Life is not easy for any of us,
but what of that?
We must have perseverance.
(Marie Curie)

She writes in a pretty red notebook with red painted nails. Sipping mint tea next to her Mister, lovingly tinkering with her MacBook Air. Her cheeks grow red in the warm sunshine.

A few days ago she ran 10 miles, nearly. There was a point when she stopped to walk. A few points, actually. Towards the very end when her body was tired. I don’t know what she was thinking about, but it seemed like she was trying to be fair. Trying to be kind. Trying to be sweet to her body.

That body has given her so much, a point she rarely acknowledges. That body taught her so many lessons. It helped get her a swimming scholarship to a Division I school. It took her around the nation. It introduced her to teachers, mentors, coaches and friends. It was there for her.

Sure, dedication and drive played a part. In fact, they were key ingredients and they are used to the limelight. They get all the credit. But, even when drive and dedication falter, her body is still with her. Her breath still expands her lungs. Her veins pump warmth throughout her body. Her heart beats, giving her courage.

She turned her back on that glorious body seven years ago. When she hung up her cap and googles, she unplugged the deepest connection she had ever felt. From time to time since, she has practiced yoga. Connected in waves, in pieces. Moments on the mat, in the silence and stillness of savasana.

After seven years she is patiently reconnecting. Recognizing her body’s knowledge. Its importance. Its love and unwavering faith in her. She is living in gratitude. Keeping focused on the greater meaning and the minuscule details. She is honoring her body, being patient with it. Giving it another seven years to catch up.

Image Credit: Soak Up Sunshine via WeHeartIt

In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.
(Coco Chanel)

Hello sweet friends! I’m grateful for another lovely weekend gone by and am looking forward to the week ahead.

Today’s Sparklitsa Sunday post is the eighth in a series of interviews with creative and inspiring folks on the web. Liz Franco from SRSLYLIZ was featured three weeks ago, and tonight I’m excited to share an interview with Kimberly Wilson!

Kimberly is a yogini, blogger, entrepreneur, activist, author, and designer in love with the notion of tranquility in everyday – with a splash of style and sprinkles on top!

I’ve been a fan of Kimberly for years. Her passion and love shines through all that she does. I’m honored to have her as part of the Sparklista Sunday series, and hope you enjoy her inspiring words below.

1. Why do you blog?
I began blogging in October 2004 as a way to process, explore, and share in a way that went beyond my personal journal. I am motivated to share my voice online because it is an amazing outlet and way to build connection with women around the globe.

2. What are your favorite creative resources?
Oh my goodness, where do I begin? Yoga, hot baths, meditation, art journaling, book stores, documentaries, fashion, nature, travel, bed days, markers, stamps, water colors, paper stores, japanese masking tape, dollar stores, etsy.

3. Who inspires you online? Offline?
Online I am inspired by the crafty and creative communities I come across along with many women I’ve interviewed on my podcast, Tranquility du Jour. Offline I’m inspired by my yoga students, my team, my colleagues at school, glossies, and strangers who smile as I pass them on the street.

4. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a budding blogger?
Let the blog read as a playful experience versus an article. My early entries were less about my current experiences and more about “top 5 X” – this is great for magazines but I’ve enjoyed personalizing my blog more over the years. Now when I meet blog readers, I’m always shocked with how much they know about me. They’ll say to my boyfriend Tim, “oh, you must be beau!” They know my dog, my schedule, my dreams and there is something special about that connection.

5. What are your favorite things to do when you’re not online?
See #2. I LOVE all of those things and feel refueled when I take the time to savor them. I also like to indulge by eating sugary staples such as cupcakes, cuddling with my pug and beau, and sipping ginger ale (my latest addiction).

6. How do you make every day an extraordinary adventure?
Fave mantra: live fully, laugh often, leave a legacy. I try to infuse doses of sparkle into my day by lighting candles, taking deep breaths, being fully present with those in front of me, listening, and am always challenging myself to be more, do more, love more.

Image Credit: via Kimberly

When you follow your bliss…
Doors will open where you would not have thought there would be doors;
and where there wouldn’t be a door for anyone else.
(Joseph Campbell)

Hello lovely friends. I hope you’re fishing up a delightful week with a bit of relaxation and blog reading. I had a great weekend, and am delighted to share tonight’s post. It is the sixth in a series of interviews with creative and inspiring folks on the web. Analiese from Tulips & Tea was last week’s feature, and today I am happy to introduce Melita from Gussying Up the Tuttle.

Melita is a licensed massage therapist, yoga teacher and a dear friend. We first connected last summer through our shared love for Kimberly Wilson. I really admire Melita’s journey, and am certain you will be inspired by her too!

1. Why do you blog?
I started blogging as a creative outlet. I was an accountant with my own office but yet, dying inside a little bit everyday from the lack of creativity. I knew I had to get out of there and onto my own path of health, wellness, creativity and honoring my authentic self. When I first starting blogging I hadn’t really discovered my niche but I didn’t let that stop me. My overwhelming compassion to help people is my motivation in life and in my blog. So, if someone reads a post and gets a smile across their face or a sigh of relief, then I know I did my part in making their day a little better.

2. What are your favorite creative resources?
I have absolutely fallen in love with this wonderful circle of bloggers that I have luckily enough have found my way into. These ladies (too many to name here!) offer tons of inspiration for my day. I carry around my little point & shoot camera to capture inspiration in the moment…and if all else fails, I settle onto my yoga mat.

3. Who inspires you online? Offline?
Online are a ton of inspirational bloggers that I can’t recommend highly enough! A few of my favorites include: Tranquility du Jour, Tulips & Tea, Hang on Little Tomato, Dolce Vita, Pamplemousse 1983, City/Life/Eats, Everyday Revelry, The Analyst, LifeUnity, Dirty Footprints Studio, My Creative Monsters, Kaileen Elise.

Offline my boyfriend, best friend Mandy, and all of the fabulous ladies at BlissBlissBliss that I work with offer up tons of inspiration on a daily basis.  I consider myself very lucky to have fallen into the path that I am on!

4. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a budding blogger?
Don’t worry about trying to find your niche so soon. Sometimes niches are overrated Even if you think that no one cares what you have to say, You are wrong. Someone out there will appreciate what you are writing about.

5. What are your favorite things to do when you’re not online?
Snuggle up with a mug of hot tea with my two cats, pup and boyfriend, go for hike in the woods, taking & teaching lots of yoga classes, spending some time with my bff Mandy, reading tons of books, and helping people with bodywork.

6. How do you make every day an extraordinary adventure?
I feel blessed to wake up every single day in a comfy bed beside the love of my life (which usually includes a kitty or two as well). I spend a few moments sitting in gratitude for everything I have been given in my life and especially being grateful for the ways I have to give back. I look for new opportunities in the mundane of everyday: maybe a new route to work, a different type of coffee or tea, finding a new place to curl up in my apartment with my laptop, etc. It’s really in the small details that makes life worth living!

image credit: Melita

Life is frittered away by details.
Simplify, simplify.
(Thoreau)

Yesterday’s prompt on The Mindfulist got me thinking about ways I can simplify my life. Are there things, feelings, habits or to-do’s that I could wash away with no (or very little) impact? Am I using words, snacks, email and reality TV to fill in gaps that would otherwise be inhabited by empty space and silence?

Of course, one hundred times YES to all these questions—and I know this will always be the case. Our challenge as creative creatures living in an agenda-driven world is to find a unique blend of balance between productivity and peace.

The past few weeks have tested me. There’s consistently more work on my plate than my calendar can hold. Although I continue to remind myself that this is a part of life, there is a piece of me that yearns to have everything done before I call it a day. I am a “busy person” in need of a fresh set of priorities. It’s time to come back to the mat—literally & figuratively.

The good news is, I’m attending a yoga & goal setting program tomorrow (hosted by Lululemon). In full disclosure, I haven’t stepped foot in a yoga studio for months. I’m nervous, but excited. A consistent yoga practice is one thing that’s missing from my routine.  I’m also looking forward to reexamining my 4 simple goals, while looking beyond 2010 and envisioning who I want to be down the road.

While I might end up shopping in Lulu’s showroom, I plan on letting The Midfulist prompt sink in over the next few days. I am determined to welcome abundance, beauty, love and sparkle into my life—and it is my intention to simplify the rest. There’s no need for extra stuff, especially when creativity comes out to play in the quiet of stillness.

image credit: weheartit

Don’t say you don’t have enough time.
You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to
Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo Da Vinci,
Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.
(H. Jackson Brown)

It’s ironic how in the depths of winter I pray for sunshine, warmth and backyard cookouts with friends. Now that summer has arrived and settled in for awhile, I’m counting down the days to bid it farewell.

I know I should embrace summer while she’s here, but something in me is longing for autumn’s colors, pumpkin spice lattes and the resurgence of leggings. Since it is supposed to be 97˚ in Raleigh today, I guess we have a ways to go before scarves and boots make it to the front of our closets.

In addition to cooler temperatures, I’ve found myself craving time for yoga, creative pursuits and cooking healthy meals.

Thanks to a few remarkable women, I’ve stumbled upon a delightful book about the paradigm shift I’ve been unknowingly craving. Take a look at Laura Vanderkam’s website for an introduction to the concept, or pick up her book for insights on better utilizing the 168 hours in your week.

I tracked my hours last week and began reading the book on Saturday. A few pages in, I was hooked. I like Vanderkam’s style and message—having it all is possible if you’re willing to stick to your priorities and focus on activities that move you towards your goals.

This week, I’m going for another round of tracking my time in 30-minute blocks. If you’re interested in joining in, check out this free time management spreadsheet. If you’ve read 168 Hours, I’m interested in hearing your thoughts on the subject.

image credit: constantinb