Resolution…BAD! Plan…GOOD!
How many things did you want to get done last year? How many of those things did you actually complete? (Awkward pause) Yep, me too!
Although, 2011 was a great year, I do feel that what I expected of myself fell short. Why? I lived in a world controlled by chaos. (Or as I like to call it, Controlled Chaos.) So here is my SIMPLE, YET ATTAINABLE solution for myself and what I think could be a great solution for any of you who were honest enough to admit your planning flaws from 2011. (This is not a resolution by the way. Get that word out of your vocabulary…PLEASE! Use the term PLAN.)
Controlled Chaos 2011
Write It Down – One Goal Per Quarter. Although obvious, it is necessary. Take that little smart phone of yours, use the note pad feature and type in ONE PROJECT per quarter (every three months). This sets a realistic goal that is attainable. Pick the big projects that will better your health, your family life, your relationship, further your career or help you achieve a dream. Pick 4 total projects for the year that will help you MOVE FORWARD.
Set Deadlines For Each Goal. This is important for success. Break out each portion of the project and place it on a weekly timeline. Place the deadline for each week in your outlook or phone calendar etc. Then set reminders for your deadline. For example, set a daily time reminder to sit down and write at 6pm, workout Tuesdays and Thursdays or whatever the task may be to hit your quarterly goal. HINT: Be realistic! Taking every moment of every day will make you burn out quick. Utilize a couple of days a week or something that you feel comfortable with to hit your goal and don’t ignore or put off your reminders. The moment your phone or calendar reminder says to act…DO IT! Procrastination = Failure.
Measure Your Goals Weekly. Pick one day a week, just 15 minutes or so, to measure your weekly success. Did you meet your pre-determined goals for the week? If you didn’t, what can you do to get back on track? You MUST do this on a weekly basis to avoid getting too far behind on what you considered to be important for the quarter. ADVICE: Not everything is going to go perfectly. Do not be hard on yourself if you get behind. Make this process FUN and you will complete your goals!
- Write It Down – One goal per quarter (every 3 months starting in January)
- Set Deadlines – Use daily phone and calendar reminders to keep yourself on track.
- Measure Weekly – Use 15 minutes every Sunday to track your progress.
That’s it! Take about 1 to 2 hours out of the first week of January to set up your 2012 PLAN. I will be setting my 2012 plan up over the next week… Join me!
If you have any questions, concerns or if you just want to track with me… respond to this post.
Have A Happy New Year!
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