Wednesday

“Fortune favors the bold.”

Welcome to Wednesday! Today, we're chatting about:

• Would you try a life audit?

• How to achieve your goals in just 12 weeks

• How you can take part in finding a cure

• These habits could be harming you

Feeling Off? It’s Time for a Life Audit

If you’re feeling like life is moving too fast, a "life audit" might be just the pause button you need. This reflective practice helps you assess the major areas of your life, from career to personal growth, and ensure they align with your core values. It’s not about perfection—it's about finding clarity and balance.

The first step in a life audit is evaluating key areas like health, relationships, and finances. Rate each category on a scale of one to ten based on how satisfied you are. Be honest! A lower score is simply an indicator of where to focus your energy.

Next, ask yourself if your actions align with your values. Are you spending time on what truly matters? If not, it might be time to set some boundaries and make room for what aligns with your long-term goals.

Once you've assessed where changes are needed, set small, achievable goals. Track your progress regularly and check in quarterly to keep things on track. Life audits are dynamic, helping you stay aligned with your evolving needs and priorities.

The Secret to Crushing Your Goals in 12 Weeks

If the idea of a year-long plan feels too overwhelming, the 12-week year method might be your answer. Inspired by the book The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington, this approach shortens the focus period and helps create more urgency, clarity, and efficiency in your goals. By treating each 12-week period as your "year," you’ll gain momentum and see results faster.

To implement this system, start by identifying one to three clear, measurable goals. Instead of setting vague resolutions for the entire year, focus on what’s realistic and achievable in just 12 weeks. Each day, break down these goals into specific tasks, time-block your day to make sure you’re intentional with your time, and track progress weekly.

The beauty of the 12-week year is that it encourages flexibility. If something doesn’t go as planned, reassess and adjust your tactics, rather than waiting until the next year. Plus, you get to restart this process every 12 weeks, so you’re constantly growing and improving.

Give this method a try—by simplifying your goals and working in shorter bursts, you might just find that you accomplish more than you ever thought possible.

Every 35 Seconds…

Someone develops Alzheimer’s, a terrible memory-stealing disease. Your support can help change this.

With annual giving of $100 or more, you can join Partners for a Cure, a community dedicated to ending this devastating disease. Together, we can advance groundbreaking research and provide vital resources to families affected by Alzheimer’s.

Give now.

Thank you to Alzheimer’s Disease Research for sponsoring Note To Self. 

The Everyday Habits You Didn’t Know Were Harmful

Mental health doesn’t just thrive from adding new habits—sometimes it’s about letting go of the old ones. Therapists highlight that subtle behaviors, often ingrained in our routines, can quietly damage our mental well-being. Breaking these habits might not be easy, but the payoff is real.

For starters, constantly dwelling on past mistakes or future fears pulls you away from the present moment. Research shows that ruminating on either can worsen anxiety and depression. Shifting focus away from these thoughts can help reclaim your peace and productivity. One simple trick: Try labeling your thoughts instead of owning them, like saying, “I’m having the thought that this is overwhelming.”

Also, avoid using negative consequences as motivation. Telling yourself you can’t eat until a task is done creates unnecessary pressure. Instead, incorporate rewards into the process—enjoy a treat or make the task itself more engaging. This shift makes even hard tasks more bearable and helps you stay present.

Lastly, self-comparison—especially from scrolling through social media—does more harm than good. Try acknowledging the thought without judgment and remind yourself that everyone’s journey is different.

Wellness Round-Up:

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False? False! Writing down goals has been shown to increase accountability and clarity, making them more likely to be achieved.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers’ lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Goals are the compass that guide us toward growth, success, and fulfillment. But remember, they aren’t set in stone—they evolve as we do. Whether big or small, it’s the progress we make each day that counts. So keep your goals flexible, celebrate the small wins, and stay kind to yourself on the journey. Progress, not perfection, is the real goal. Keep going—you’ve got this! 💛

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at care@readnotetoself.com!