Getting ready for a new year is HUGE for me. I like to plan, map out, and look ahead at the year to come so that when January 1st rolls around, I can just PRESS go.

Sometimes it feels like you need a crystal ball to plan in advance, other times it just feels like you need to know what the heck you’re doing to plan in advance.

For me, I think planning ahead is important to me for two reasons:

1. Stop putting out fires and running around like a chicken with my head cut off: When I first started my business, I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to be doing so I tried to do ALL of it at once, ALL the time, just so I didn’t miss a step. I felt like I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off and when I wasn’t running around–I was just putting out fires. Addressing each new thing (or new bright shiny idea) as it was thrown to me. If I saw other coaches launching a new years offering, I scrambled to think that I needed to do the same. I felt chaotic, overwhelmed, and beginning to burn out.

2. I like to love life on my own terms: Following exhibit A…(see above), I realized that each year could be exactly what I wanted it to be….first of course, I had to figure out what I wanted. Knowing what you want and confidently going for it i’s a secret recipe that I talk to my clients about ALL THE TIME. It goes something like this:

PURPOSE + CLARITY + ACCOUNTABILITY = ACTION

I’ve been quiet on my blog for the last few weeks because I’ve been putting the finishing touches on my planning for 2016 (and helping quite a few ambitious women to do that same).

Here’s the thing, being “busy” and “overwhelmed” in your life (and business) isn’t a badge of honor. It just sucks.

On my blog today, I want to share some of my planning secrets for you. Whether you have a business of your own, a job, no job, a goldfish, etc. you need to plan ahead.

As the fabulous Danielle LaPorte said, “Planning your day turns into living your life.”

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6 Tips to The Best Year Yet:

  1. Put The Brakes On: You, my friend, need to start at the beginning. I know that as ambitious women, once we read the first chapter, we want to skip to the end of the book–not so fast. Do yourself a favor and enjoy the journey. We’ve got 12 months to prepare for, give yourself a little time to plan accordingly.
  2. What’s Your Why?: When you think about the year ahead, what do you want to accomplish? Surprisingly, what’s more important than the actual accomplishment? Knowing WHY you want to achieve your goals. Our WHY is our fuel and without the fuel, we won’t make it very far.
  3. Learn What You Want: One of the biggest mistakes I hear my clients making is saying, “I just want to make a lot of money,” “I just want to feel good.” I can help you with that but we first need get some clarity around what will make you happy, healthy, and feel successful. Instead of feeling overwhelmed to “figure it all out,” break your life down into manageable areas then decide what you want from there (i.e. Self-Care, Family, Friends, Finances, Career, Spirituality)
  4. Think About It: It can be a Tesla or getting a promotion but if you aren’t clear about what you want to experience or achieve in your year ahead, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll actually check that box on your list. As Ralph Waldo Emerson kindly pointed out, “We become what we think about all day long.” He wasn’t messing around. Get clear about what you want and then keep it top of mind (all day long).
  5. Don’t Forget the Supporting Cast: We all know that your “big goal” is the star of the show but did you know you will actually get more done when you pay attention to the details. You want to run a 5k? It’s more than just lacing up your shoes. The success of achieving your goal is in the details–getting enough sleep, eating right, making time for runs, etc.
  6. Forget Going It Alone: According to a Dominican University of California research study conducted by Dr. Gail Matthews, you are 76% more likely to achieve your goals by holding yourself accountable to someone than “going it alone.” This isn’t too surprising–how often do you set a goal then fail to meet your mark. When we are less likely to let down a friend or coach than we are ourselves.

At the end of the day, my formula still prevails.

 

PURPOSE + CLARITY + ACCOUNTABILITY = ACTION

 

In the comments below, I want to hear from you. How will you take action for the new year?

 

Are you ready to figure out what’s holding you back? I would love to see how I can help. Click here to speak with my team and find out how you can make a shift in your life.