Happy New Year!
It’s a time to let go of the old, ring in the new, and make plans for this bright and shiny year ahead.
Right? Right.
Unless you’re feeling resistant or uninspired when you think about your goals for this New Year.
If the idea of making a year plan for 2013 feels a bit overwhelming, or if you’re not clear about what you want to achieve, then I have some tips for you. Because let’s face it. While a new year may sound freeing, fun and invigorating, making a plan may not.
Tip #1: Start With the End In Mind
If you’re not sure what you want to achieve or do in the New Year, try this.
Imagine it’s December, 2013. This year is already over. It’s a quiet winter evening and you decide to sit down and write one of those “year-in-review” letters to your dearest friend. What would you want to tell him or her? What did you experience this year that was out-of-this-world wonderful? What did you get to do? What did you experience that filled your heart… or maybe your bank account?
Did you write and publish your book this year?
Did you take that vacation to Tahiti?
Did you launch a new program, that one you’ve been thinking about?
As you sit and write this letter, think about all the things you would love to experience in this year. And see what ideas, impulses and creative sparks come to you. Notice what excites you, thrills you, and let those things guide your goal-making and plans for this year.
This is tweetable!: Begin with the end in mind. As you make plans for this New Year, imagine it’s December ’13. What do you want to experience this year?
Tip #2: Just Pick 2 or 3 Milestones
Rather than create an elaborate plan for 2013, you can simply pick one or two things you want to focus on or achieve this year. What project or goal is calling you right now? What milestones do you want to reach?
You don’t have to plan every week, month, quarter or millisecond of 2013. Instead, focus on 2-3 inspiring goals and craft a general plan to help you achieve those goals.
One of my goals this year is to create a detailed content creation plan. I know. It doesn’t sound all that sexy. But for me, because I have a lot of great content I want to share and leverage into different programs and products, this idea truly excites and inspires me! So, it makes sense to include it in my overall plans for this year.
What is it for you? What 2-3 things would really you really love to do this year? Let those milestones guide you.
Tip #3: Don’t Create a Plan for This Year
(“What did she just say? Don’t create a plan? Is she crazy?”)
Yeah, I know. I should be telling you to create a marketing plan and a content creation calendar and a timeline and blah, blah, blah. And I do believe that kind of planning can be helpful and dramatically increase your overall productivity and effectiveness. Plus, it helps you avoid making a lot stupid mistakes and feeling stressed, behind and under-the-gun.
But as I’ve grown older and hopefully wiser, I know there is a lot of value in taking things day by day. Why not stay open to the inspiration and impulses that come in their own way, and let those inspirations move you to what’s next? If you have a fair degree of self-awareness, and your happier with less structure, this could be the perfect option for you. Give yourself permission to be led by your inner wisdom and guidance on a day to day basis. Who knows. You may be more productive than ever!
Those are my 3 Tips for you if you’re feeling a bit stuck or resistant about making plans for the New Year. Try one on and let me know how it fits by leaving comment below. I’d love to hear from you, as always.