As we approach the end of one year and the beginning of another, it's natural to reflect on the past year and look forward to all the good things ahead for us in 2024!
Many of us aspire to make the upcoming year the best one yet, full of personal and professional achievements, growth, and happiness. While we can't predict every twist and turn the year will bring, we can take proactive steps to set ourselves up for success.
Let's explore effective strategies to prepare for your best year ever.
1. Reflect on the Past Year - go through your Calendar/diary:
What you should do more of, less of, or eliminate altogether?
Look at the growth opportunities you've persued and what the ROI was. Which gave a high return or which didn't?
Think about how much time you spent doing things you could have delegated.
What did you delegate that you could pick up again, or delegate to another person?
Did you spend enough time with your family/partner/friends?
What were your accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned? Reflecting on your past experiences can provide valuable insights into what you want to achieve in the coming year. Celebrate your successes (this is one of my favourite things to do), learn from your mistakes, and use this self-awareness as a foundation for your goals.
2. Set Clear and Specific Goals:
This year I have joined a different kind of networking group, and we keep ourselves accountable to our self-directed 90-day goals with each other. We use clear and specific goals, rather than vague resolutions. It has made such a difference with the incredibly visible accountability. This is another initiative of The Crate. There are still some spaces left for new members if this interests you.
3. Develop a Plan:
Setting goals is essential, but having a plan to achieve them is equally important. Create a detailed plan outlining the steps you need to take to reach your goals. Consider what resources, skills, or support you may need along the way. Having a structured plan will keep you organised and motivated throughout the year. I have a great planning tool that can assist with your plans.
4. What You Schedule gets Done:
"Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation." Make sure you schedule your project steps, goals and tasks into your Calendar and then follow through and do them. A good plan implemented today is better than a perfect plan implemented tomorrow.
5. Cultivate Positive Habits:
Your habits play a significant role in shaping your life. Everything we do is driven by habits. Identify habits that support your goals and work on cultivating them. Whether it's waking up early, exercising regularly, practicing mindfulness, or consistently working on your projects, positive habits can lead to long-term success.
Preparing for your best year ever is a deliberate and ongoing process. By doing the above you can position yourself for a year filled with growth, fulfillment, and achievement.
Remember that your journey is unique, and it's ok to adapt your plans along the way. With determination and the right strategies, you can make the upcoming year truly remarkable. Here's to your best year ever!
Contact Helen at helen@reachpotential.co.nz or 0275 822 045 if you would like to know more about The Crate's initiative - The Gathering, or want a copy of project planning tool.
Since 1995, Helen has built two successful businesses. First, Rikai Associates focuses on aiding Kiwis entering the Japanese business market, providing valuable insights. In the past 25 years, her second venture in training and coaching has spanned diverse industries. Actively expanding her team, she emphasises on a lifelong learning mindset, stemming from a family that prioritises education. With a Bachelor of Arts in Education (and Psychology), Helen's passion lies in teaching, training, coaching, and mentoring.