I have to admit that 2013 has been a rough year on all fronts. To be frank, it's kicked my elfin butt. It's also forced me to accept that I have overbooked myself, trying to do way too much. (In addition to my regular full-time job and my family commitments and my personal relationship, I wrote 2 books, 3 articles, gave a retreat, and moved up in running distance from 5 kilometers to 10 miles.) I finally hit the place where I decided that I can't do any more. So, I'm looking for ways to cut back.

First, you have to decide what matters — isolate the essentials. Clearly, I need to keep my job (paying the mortgage is a good thing) and maintaining personal relationships is non-negotiable. Eliminating the running and other physical activity wouldn't be good for me. I've decided that this blog is a priority as well.

So what gives:

• I have one contract unfulfilled and it's very limited. I won't sign any new writing contracts until I'm re-energized.
• While I'm open to speaking engagements, I will schedule them very carefully, focusing on not overextending.
• I'm cutting back my two-hours each Saturday volunteer gig so as to free up more weekend blocks of time for rest and time with friends. Instead, I'll do four hour blocs once a month.
• I'm looking for ways to limit and simplify my expenses, calling various providers to check into better deals.
• At the same time, I'm re-prioritizing saving and exercise.

I'm not sure how it will go yet, but I'll let you know.