The frenetic rush of the holidays will soon give way to a new year brimming with opportunity. This transition period is the perfect time for business leaders to pause, reflect, and craft an intentional blueprint for what they want to accomplish in the months ahead.
As a long-time entrepreneur and master business coach, I have some end-of-year planning rituals that keep me focused, energized, and set up for success. Though I’m no genius, these simple yet powerful habits have served me well through the ups and downs. I’d love to share them with you.
Review and Set Inspiring Goals
I start by looking back at my goals for the year ending. What progress did I make? Where did I fall short? These reflections inform the vision I outline for the year ahead. I dream big and concrete, scribing a few ambitious but attainable targets to chase. Revisiting them daily keeps me motivated. I put special attention on celebrating wins before identifying growth areas. Building self-awareness and confidence propels me into the next season.
Do a Relationship Audit
Connecting genuinely with others drives me. I take stock of current relationships and make plans to nurture those that energize and inspire me most. I seek out new mentors I can continue learning from as well. Surrounding myself with positive people who challenge me to grow is vital. My community pushes me to deliver excellence while providing emotional ballast during stormy seas. They believe in me even when I doubt myself.
Block Out Time Strategically
While pushing myself is essential, rest and renewal enable me to show up as my best self, too. I carefully map out my schedule, balancing focused work blocks with self-care practices. Building this structure establishes order amidst the chaos. Without strategic boundaries, work efficiently overtakes life. My calendar reflects my priorities, guarding space for fitness, loved ones, and passion projects. I block out chunks for deep work where I can get into a flow state. Morning routines set the tone, too.
Catalog Lessons to Apply
I keep a running list of hard-won lessons, insights, and quotes I gather through books, podcasts, and my failures and successes. Revisiting this catalog allows me to glean perspective and breakthroughs I can translate into concrete actions. It reminds me growth comes incrementally. I file away inspiration and epiphanies so they can ripple through my days. What gem will you tuck away to revisit later? I tag entries by theme so I can refer back when facing related challenges.
The chance to hit “reset” is a gift. With some focused effort assessing where you are and where you want to be, you can leap confidently into new adventures and accomplishments. What will your actionable commitments be for the year ahead? I’m happy to lend an ear and share additional planning and goal-setting techniques that have worked for me over the years. Let’s connect.
