It seems like all we hear over the first few weeks of January is about things to do for the new year. I can’t speak to all the new year recommendations out there, but it is a really good time to take stock of the past year and make a plan for the next 12 months.
Experts keep telling us that folks who make a plan and write it down are about 80% more successful in completing the plan. When we started making a plan for Hays Service and reviewing it weekly, quarterly, and annually, both our revenue and profits increased. We didn’t change everything or set out grandiose, pie-in-the-sky plans, but the constant discussion of how we were doing compared to our plan created some significant improvements.
When it comes to your personal growth, do you have a plan? Most people don’t. While we’re in a planning mood for the new year, maybe it’s time to take a weekend with your spouse, a significant other, or a close and trusted family member or friend and start brainstorming. Write down whatever pops up.
Don’t stress about what comes up in the conversation, and don’t second guess what anyone says – just start making some annual goals and maybe establish a few timelines. It doesn’t matter where you start; just start somewhere!
Then pick a regular day – the first Sunday of each month, for example – and review your progress. Don’t be to hard on yourself, just discuss where you are on your journey. The results over a year’s worth of planning and reviewing will surprise you.
Don’t wait too long to review, or it won’t work. If you only evaluate your progress once summer is in full swing, you won’t have as much time to adjust your actions if you’re not making the advances you want.
The goal of this exercise is to create accountability. Maybe you’re accountable to your spouse or partner, maybe to your family, or even to yourself. But when you’re accountable for your progress, you’ll make more progress.
We get excited here at Hays during the planning season. We know we exceeded some goals and fell short on some others. Your personal goals may go the same way. Just so long as progress is being made, it’s no big deal. If progress is lacking, then it’s time to dig deeper and make some harder decisions.
The key is to make the process fun and exciting. Don’t beat up on each other (or yourself) during the review sessions. At the end of the year, look back – and then start fresh with a clean slate to plan your growth in the coming year. If you do it right, you’ll look forward to the process, I guarantee it!
This will be the last time this year I’ll say this: Happy New Year! It’s up to you to make it happen.
Coach Cal