Do you have a plan laid out for the new year? Do you know your priorities and goals?
Even though it may change throughout the year, It’s important to give yourself a starting point to at least start the year on the right foot.
Remember it’s not set in stone! But let’s create that plan that will be the launching point for a successful year.
This is the process I use to make a plan for the new year.
Define your Priorities
What is your focus for the new year? Take time to list out your priorities with pen and paper and rank them in order of importance. Where does God, marriage, kids, family, health, etc. fit into your life?
I like to go through and pick my top 3-5 priorities for this season. Remember, our seasons can change throughout the year. So we’re just establishing what’s most important to us right now.
Fill in Your Schedule
Look at a yearly calendar. What essential commitments have you already made? What important holidays, birthdays, and events do you need to plan around?
Once you have the major events penned in, you will have a better idea of what kinds of projects and goals for the year will be realistic.
This is where having a planner you love really comes in handy. When you find a planner that works well for your life, using it is easier and you end up being more prepared and organized.
List Your Projects for the Year
This step is all about figuring out the “big” things you want to accomplish and then breaking those goals down into smaller steps. First, write down all your dreams for the year. Then, pick what is actually realistic.
Here are some category suggestions to get you started in thinking of projects
- Financial (examples: establish an emergency fund, save for vacation)
- Work (examples: earn bonus check, earn raise)
- Around the house (Paint bedroom, remodel bathroom)
- Health (Lose 10 pounds, establish a workout routine)
Make sure your goals are “Smart.” Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant (or Realistic), Time-bound. My examples were not smart goals, but those were just ideas to get you started.
Here are a couple of my “Smart” goals for next year:
- I will exercise 3 or 4 times a week for 30 minutes
- I will de-clutter and organize the office by March 31st
Find your WHY and THEME
These are optional, but I find them really helpful.
First of all, what’s the “Why” behind your goals? Why do you want to accomplish those goals you set? How are they going to impact your life? How will you feel when it’s done?
Those are all things to consider as you’re figuring out your “Why.”
Next, it’s fun to set a theme for the year. This is also referred to as your “Word” for the year. It’s just an intentional focus you want to work on during the year.
Some examples of mine have been “Simplify,” “Focus,” and “Joy.”
I love how having a word or theme for the year helps me be intentional on how I want to grow and learn through the year ahead.
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