Building Momentum for the New Year: Part 2

It’s the time of year when our thoughts are not only on Christmas and holiday preparations but are also shifting to wrapping up one year and heading into the new one.

With this, people are often in one of two corners. One group is lamenting, “I didn’t get ‘it’ done again this year; I give up.” They haven’t figured out the magic formula (hint: there isn’t one) for accomplishing their goals.

The other group is full of “I’ll do it in January” enthusiasm which isn’t really enthusiasm at all. It’s just rationalization to help themselves feel better that they still aren’t sticking to their plans.

Are you in one of these two corners and tired of being there?

There are two concepts that will help catapult you forward. Well, if you apply them that is.

Those concepts are clarity and planning.

There are a number of benefits to taking time to seek clarity and plan your goals. Some of these benefits include:

• Being more focused and productive.

• Reducing your stress and overwhelm.

• Saving money. (Yep, this one is true, too!)

• Getting more accomplished in less time. This frees up your time for doing the things you love such as spending time with your family. (Or, doing that solitary activity you “wish” you had time for).

• Making healthier, wiser decisions.

With all of these and other benefits, too, why do people (why do you) resist taking time to get clarity and make a strategic plan for what you want to accomplish?

“I don’t have time” is a common answer.

Today, I encourage you to shift that thought to, “I don’t have time not to.” You are losing time and energy by continually walking a treadmill of busy but unproductive and it’s getting you nowhere.

Are you ready to push stop and get off of that treadmill?

You can start by doing an inventory or summary of 2021. Include what didn’t go as you had hoped (Yep, I had unmet goals, too) AND what did (But, I did have a list of 12+ important accomplishments).

Doing this summary opened my eyes. I was able to look at the unmet goal straight on and ask, “Why didn’t I get you accomplished?” Through that, I was able to see what I still need to change. I was also able to garner a sense of accomplishment when I looked at those other 12 things. Both of these have given me a foundation for completing my 2022 strategic planning.

When you’re ready to get off the treadmill, plan a quiet 20-30 minutes and write a summary of 2021. It’s your starting point for 2022.

Don’t have time?

You don’t have time not to.