The sun has risen on 2023. This time of year – holidays and entering our new year– can come with a bevy of emotions. These emotions can make us feel a bit schizophrenic. One minute, we are shedding tears of joy in gratitude for our family, friends, health, and/or our freedom-filled life. Another minute, our eyes well-up with tears from perceived missteps, regrets, or unfulfilled promises. It’s easy to fall into a toxic pattern of self-talk where we speak in “should have” language. Stop shoulding on yourself!
You Are Human
We are human beings living a human experience, not a celestial experience; at least not yet. Being a human being means we have psychological, physical and emotional levers that are always in-play.
As a human being, we are part of the animal kingdom. Although, there is a lot that differentiates homosapiens from other animals. At the root, as humans, it is our mental ability and agility that separates us from other species. For centuries, our cognitive capabilities have enabled us to evolve; different than other animals. We’ve generated countless innovations toward society, culture, arts, entertainment, science, and technology.
2023 Planning; 2022 Reflecting
Our brains have turned into a weapon to assist our growth and development for us as individuals and for us, collectively, as a civilization. Weapons have dual purposes. As with most weapons, we must exercise caution and care. Our mental dexterity is a tool for us to use to our benefit.
As you reflect on your 2022 year, have a critical eye on what happened (and didn’t happen). When you dissect your 2022 year, be clear-minded, factual and objective. Be critical of the activities, actions and results: not of you as a person. Reflect respectfully, otherwise we can feel de-motivated. AND, remember to inventory and carry anything you still want to achieve (that you may not have achieved yet) into your 2023 planning.
Here are a few suggestions for you to execute a simple game-plan:
- Project your outcomes for 2023
- Schedule your 2023 year
- Plan your month
- Organize your week
- Prioritize your day
Project Your Outcomes for 2023
Carve out a couple hours in a day for dedicated quiet-time. In this time, gain clarity around what you want to achieve by the end of 2023 for your life, health, family, business, and finances. Get a journal out and start free-form writing: By December 2023 “I will…” statements.
Schedule Your 2023 Year
Stephen Covey (check him out if you do not know who I am referring to) suggests that life is made up of big rocks, small pebbles, and grains of sand.
The big rocks represent the big things we actually really want to achieve in our life. When laying out your year ahead, get out your physical or digital calendar and put the big rocks in your calendar first. As an example, plug in your two big vacations, your annual family reunion, or your standing kids seasonal school breaks.
Plan Your Month
Take a look at the month calendar and from this birds-eye view, determine the “outline” for the month. What is the strategy you will use to approach this 30-day window, and at the end of this stretch of time, what you want to have accomplished? What are the big rocks you can check off this month that will result in your annual goals being met?
Organize Your Week
Fill in the holes with the activities you need to accomplish this week to meet your monthly/annual goals. What are the one or two big objectives (either personal or professional) you need to move the needle on for this week to be successful?
Prioritize Your Day
Pick out the top 3-5 tasks (calls, documents, personal notes, appointments, or projects) that have your attention for that day. What tasks are time-sensitive and need your immediate attention? How can you organize your time in a way that doesn’t elicit a “I should have…” reflection at the end of the day?
Conquering Your 2023 Planning
These suggestions are meant to help you front-load your day, week, month or year. You DO NOT have to implement all 5 of the above. Pick one area that you feel most compelled (or challenged with) and start slowly by implementing that one idea/activity to help you stay organized, on pace and in front of – not behind – your priorities.
Accomplishing 1, 2, or 3 of these will help you feel prepared, and less frantic. If you dedicate a few hours this month to accomplish one of two of the above you will feel more clarity and energy as we head into the rest of this new year!
