This period between Christmas and New Year is a time to relax and chill out without feeling that we should be doing something else. It is a great time to reflect on the year that is coming to an end and what we have achieved during the last twelve months.
I am always surprised when I do this exercise and write down my business and personal successes for the year. Many are tiny and seem insignificant but when they are gathered together on a single page I am often pleasantly surprised by what I have achieved.
Celebrate Those Successes
It’s important for us to reflect on our successes. Our lives are so busy and there is always so much to do, that we often focus on what we haven’t done rather than what we have. This can be demoralising and affect our motivation to continue to strive for what we want. By refocussing and celebrating our successes, no matter how small, it puts us in the right frame of mind to continue and plan for the year ahead.
Setting Intentions for 2019
I use the word ‘intention’ rather than ‘goal’ as I have learned from years of goal setting and achievement that I need to be kinder to myself. I still set myself monthly, quarterly and annual targets but by reframing them as intentions rather than goals means my overly competitive nature doesn’t kick in. For me a goal is to be achieved, if it is not achieved then it means I have failed and in the past I would have beaten myself up about this. This tiny reframe takes away the pressure but not the desire to achieve the outcome.
Getting in the Right Frame of Mind
Setting intentions is not a task that I can do on my computer or at my desk as I automatically switch into work mode and the driven individual who gets stuff done. It requires a different energy and for me is best done curled up on a sofa under a blanket, with a notebook and pen, and ideally with a mug of hot chocolate laced with amaretto. This allows me to tap into my creative energy and reminds me that self-care and fun must always factor into my plans for the coming year.
Only One Intention
Nowadays I only set one overall intention for my business for the year and this year it’s a big one. At this stage I am not concerned with the detail just the big picture. Focussing on what it will mean to me when that significant intention becomes a reality.
I strongly believe that this big picture stuff works but only if it supported by an action plan.
Action Plan
When you have a huge intention for a year trying to plan for it can be overwhelming. So, this year I am only planning for 90 days at a time.
With that overall intention in mind I have identified a handful of projects for the next 90 days that will move me towards the intention. They are all small but impactful tasks that will move me in the right direction and quite frankly I should be able to do without any assistance. However, I know how easy it is to make excuses, so we can stay in our comfort zone. I therefore have my accountability buddies on hand to keep me on track with gentle support or a swift kick up the backside should it be required.
Enlisting Support
We all need accountability buddies who will keep us on track and these may be a friend who is truly invested in our success, a mastermind group or a business coach or mentor.
Enjoy your planning and putting your support team in place.