It’s at that time of year again when I begin to review my year and set goals for next year. It struck me that it might be a useful process to share with you all. I’ve also been using it with teams recently too and it works brilliantly getting everyone fired up for next year. Please let me know how you get on.
Step 1: Set aside some quiet time to get this done
It takes time to do this properly so make some space. It usually takes me at least an hour. You can focus on work or any other area of life which is appropriate.
Step 2: Write down your ‘podium’ moments in 2013
In an Olympic year, it’s an interesting question to ask yourself what were your highlights this year? Write them all down as you may be surprised just how many there are. Two of mine this year were my accreditation to Master Trainer of NLP and running NLP trainings in New York within view of the Empire State Building! Notice how good it feels when you realise just how many there are!
Step 3: What were your biggest learning points?
In NLP we say that there is no failure only feedback so this step is about identifying what you set out to achieve in 2012 but have not achieved yet. What is there for you to learn from these experiences? Remember that learnings are for you, always expressed in the positive and for the future. My biggest learning has been to get to know ‘My numbers for the business’ on a much more specific level and I’ve recently changed my accountant and accounting system to one that supports rather than inhibits me!
Step 4: Set Goals for 2013 (taking on board your key learning points from 2012)
Set clear and specific goals for 2013. I still use good old SMART as a reminder as I go through this part of the process. Ask yourself ‘where do I want to be by the end of 2013?’ Work back from there and set the goals that will assist you to deliver on those promises. My big goal for 2013 is to develop my new Age with Attitude brand as a separate business. I’ve set very specific targets for it.
Step 5: Take action
A very important step and maybe one of the reasons why you didn’t achieve what you wanted in 2012. Taking action changes your goals into reality whilst you keep focusing on what it is you want to achieve. Remember anything less than 100% effort on the important goals is sabotage! If you take 100% responsibility for achieving what you want you will get there.