Happy New Year! Last week’s post, all about setting S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals and habits, sets the stage for this week’s post. Cue the drumroll, please… This week, I’m issuing a challenge to you – the #Stitch20in20 Challenge!
It’s all in fun – and not to be confused with the #ndlpt20in20 challenge, where the goal is to complete 20 projects in 2020.
Instead, this challenge is all about helping you establish a regular needlepoint habit. How? It’s really quite simple.
The goal of the #Stitch20in20 Challenge…
is to get you into the habit of stitching every day for 20 minutes. And if you can’t squeeze in 20 minutes every day, just aim for 5 days a week. 😉
We already have oodles of people onboard for the #Stitch20in20 Challenge and I’d love to have you join us, too.
There’s no “requirement” for participating and it’s absolutely FREE!
Consider this your official invitation! 🙂
We’re keeping up with everyone’s progress – and cheering each other on – over in the free Serendipity Needleworks Facebook group.
Click the link at the bottom of this post to request to join the free Serendipity Needleworks Facebook group. There are a few questions that’ll pop up, so please be sure and answer them. (We need to confirm that you’re a real person and not a “spider” or a “bot”.)
After you answer the questions, we’ll approve your request to join within 24 hours. (We’ll be in touch through Facebook’s Messenger app if we run into a snag.)
There are so many stitchers who are “all-in” on the #Stitch20in20 Challenge…
and it warms my heart to watch as the excitement – and the numbers – grow. You see, one of my core values – and strongest beliefs – is that needlepoint should be F-U-N!
And when you have the time to actually sit down and put your needle to a canvas, it is fun.
But I get it. There are only so many hours in a day. And you have a lot of responsibilities.
If you struggle with finding time to work on your needlepoint projects, I have some tips to help you take control of your schedule and add some margin to your life.
Ready to hear some time-saving tips so you can join the #Stitch20in20 Challenge?
Terrific! Try just one this week and see how much time you can take back…
First, let’s take a peek at some time-saving tips for food prep.
- Batch cook. Use an online menu service like The Fresh 20 to take the drudgery out of meal planning. They even include a grocery list for you. I LOVE this program!
- Hire help for meals and food prep. Look into all the options available right now – like Hello Fresh and Home Chef. Use the money from buying fast food or eating out. You may find that you actually end up saving money.
- Have groceries delivered with apps like Instacart or Shipt. Consider using Wal-Mart grocery pick-up if you aren’t ready for delivery.
- Use Amazon’s subscription service for staple items like toilet tissue, Kleenex, soap, shampoo, paper towels, etc.
Then, there’s your health.
- Try the Doctor on Demand app the next time you have a minor health issue. (But please be sure it’s minor! For example, if you’ve ever had a sinus infection – and you’re pretty sure that’s what you have again – use the DoD app to confirm, then let the doc call in your prescription. NOTE: This does NOT take the place of your regular doctor and you should only use it for minor ailments.)
- Use the drive-thru pharmacy instead of going into the drug store. Not only will you save time, but you’ll also probably save $$$!
And those pesky chores.
- There’s no need to go to the bank anymore! Check with your bank to see if they have an app that you can use to complete your deposits on your phone or tablet.
- Try using a laundry service that has a pick-up and delivery option.
- Plan your errands. Create a list of things you need to do and then plot the most efficient path for getting to those places, preferably in a loop, so you don’t do a lot of backtracking. And resist the temptation to run errands on more than one day per week.
Finally, we have to address the elephant in the room.
- Yep – social media can be a HUGE rabbit hole. Set limits on time for Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. Use the alarm function on your phone. I know – it’s soooo much fun to look at all the pretty stitched canvases on Pinterest, but how many times have you started out with that noble intention only to find yourself reading a recipe for watermelon rind pickles two hours later?
- Put your phone away completely – and turn off notifications so you’re not distracted every time someone likes or comments about something on social media.
You’ve got this, my friend – and as the canvas says…
So, I want you to do something for me…
Imagine a day in which you get everything accomplished that you wanted to get done – all within the time you set aside to do it. That’d be pretty amazing, wouldn’t it? You’d feel really good about yourself, too, and you could actually sit down with a tasty cuppa and your needlepoint – for, say, 20 minutes? 😉
Think it’ll never happen for you? Well, guess what?! I created a special #Stitch 20in20 FunSheet to help you do just that. This time audit checklist will assist you in keeping track of how you spend your time every day – and when you finish, you’ll be able to create your very own ideal day. Just click the “free download” button below to get your Time Audit FunSheet now!
Until next time, happy stitching…
XOXO!
PS: Are you on our Serendipity Needleworks NeedleNotes list? That’s where we share tips, ideas, events, and cheer each other on and I’d love to have you join me, so click here to subscribe. I’ll see you there! 😉
