Remember Why

I'm not going to sugarcoat it. I absolutely suck at consistency. No, really, it's true. I'm fantastic at planning. Like, really, really good at planning. It's my superpower. I love spreadsheets, timelines, schedules, lists. Man, that's my love language. And I'm okay at getting started. But I really, really suck at keeping going.

Maybe you do too.

It used to be that I was really good at getting started too. Like I'd make a plan -- a beautifully complicated one -- and then I'd start. But, in recent years, I've found that starting is hard too which is why I now say I'm just okay at it. Add to that my utter inability to be consistent for longer than say...three minutes...and you end up with a lot of plans and not a lot of follow through.

The thing is: if I can remember why I made the plan, I can do better at consistency. When I just can't seem to plow ahead, I just need to remind myself of why I'm doing this. When finishing seems like an impossible prospect, I find recalling why I started to be an excellent motivator.

This is true for healthy eating, exercise, organizing and yes, especially homeschooling.

Ginger and I harp on the "why" a lot. Like we talk about it all. The. Time. And that's not because it's just feel-good pretty-talk, it's because it's basically science. Well, I mean, not exactly, but it has to do with intention and there is a lot of science on intention and how it benefits us. If you're a science nerd like me, you can read those studies here, here, here and here. There's probably more, but I need to stay out of that rabbit hole or this post won't get finished.

Having a "why" or a mission/vision statement for your homeschool is what is going to help you determine whether you should buy that curriculum or sign-up for that activity or join that co-op because it acts as a filter. If something doesn't support your vision of what you want your child's education to be and why you started this journey, then you just filter it out. It really is that easy.

It also motivates you on the days that feel impossible because it reminds you to look ahead to the goal.

I grew up in a very hilly neighborhood, so to walk the dog you inevitably had to walk down a steep hill only to walk back up. It was 1/2 a mile down and 1/2 a mile back up. On the way up, Sasha and I would both get tired--she was part Siberian Husky who insisted on pulling me down the hill but she never felt the urge to pull me up the hill--and I often would question my sanity. Then one day, I set my sight on this great big tree near the top of the hill. I just kept watching it get closer and closer until we made it. From that tree to my house, the slope flattened out pretty fast and we were home in just 4 driveways.

That tree near the top of the hill of Daily Drive is a lot like your "why."

Keeping it in your sight, reminding yourself of your purpose, being intent with your actions produces motivation to keep going, determination for consistency and a standard for growth.

That's why your "why" is so important. It is a powerful tool. Knowing your why and remembering it is great for consistency, and determining your why is great for getting started.

We're at the precipice of a new school year. Maybe you're floundering, wondering if you should even continue homeschooling. Or maybe you can't decide between keeping what you have been using and starting with something new. Perhaps this is your first year and you're not sure where to start. It might be that you just aren't "feeling it" yet. The answer lies in the "why".

Ask yourself:

Why did I decide to homeschool?

Why did I choose this homeschool philosophy or curriculum?

Why did I sign up for co-op?

Followed up with:

Who do I want my child to be when he graduates?

What skills and character traits do I want him to exhibit?

How do I want our homeschool to look and feel?

What is important to our family?

What are my goals for each child?

And don't forget:

How can I support those goals this year?

What are his strengths and weaknesses?

Who is my child now? Who does he want to be as an adult?

What is working? What isn't working?

To help you determine your "why", we're making our Vision/Mission Planner printable free until the end of August. Download it, print it, pray over it. Show it to your husband. Talk to your kids about your homeschool and their likes/dislikes. And then use it to shape your "why" so that you can find motivation to get going and to keep going.

As always, we're here for you. To laugh, to cry, to problem-solve, to brainstorm and to encourage. You are always welcome to send us an SOS via email, Messenger, text or give us a call.

Love,

Kristy