It’s budget and planning time at work. Not my favourite activities but I’ve been struck by how much easier it is for me to go through these exercises for someone else – work – than for myself. So this weekend I spent some time thinking about what it would look like if I applied a similar process at home. At work I begin with the routine on-going components of my job that don’t change year to year. Over this I outline projects and initiatives that must be done this year. Once I have a sense of the components over which I have no control, then I look at what resources are left – time & money – to see what projects I can include from the “wouldn’t it be nice” list.

I realized it seems easier to do this at work because I know that I simply “must” do it. Also, we have a very team-based approach at work so I work closely with the accountant and other directors to ensure the budget and plan is reasonable. This relieves the “oh-my-gosh-this-is-too-much-for-me” syndrome. And though I’m committed to the work of my organization and the impact of this process on my work life in the coming year, it’s much more bloodless than doing personal budgeting. The size of my budget and what can be done with it does not reflect on me personally. When I play with line items I don’t gasp, “But I simply can’t live without that!”

So I’m blowing the dust off the spread sheet that Nancy helped me put together and I’m going to try and think about my personal budget and coming year in similar terms. What is the total budget? What are the commitments that are routine and on-going? What are the things I have to do this year? What’s left over that I can put towards one or two items on my dream list? And most importantly, who are the two or three people in my social circle that I can talk it over with as I’m thinking about it and then moving it forward? Perhaps a personal team would be as helpful as it is at work.

Anyways – that’s where my head’s at this week. Wish me luck and I’ll keep you posted!