Your 4-Step Plan for a Successful New Year
The beginning of a new year signals a fresh start. Every year we resolve to..........
Making resolutions is easy. So too is breaking them. Keeping to them is the challenge. Follow this easy 4-step plan to break the cycle and enjoy a successful year ahead.
1. Look Back
Before racing ahead take time to look back. Think about the previous year and ask yourself the following questions:
- What went well?
- What didn’t go so well?
- What was in my control?
- What was outside my control?
- What was I most proud of?
- What mistake did I learn the most from?
After giving it some thought, jot down a list of your accomplishments and disappointments. Then write down what you would change. This will help shape your plans for the coming year.
2. Vision Board
Once you’ve written down what you want to achieve this year, create a vision board. It can online or physical. What’s important is that you keep it where you see it daily. If you go with an online version, make it your screen saver so you see it whenever you log on. With a hardcopy, place it where you’ll see it each morning. Perhaps inside your wardrobe door or a kitchen cupboard?
3. Be Specific
We set goals because we want to achieve them. But sometimes they just feel too big and we give up. Breaking your goal down into smaller actions will help you reach it. The more detailed the better. If your goal is to compete in a 5km run, then write down the steps you’ll need to take to do that. Maybe it starts with a walk around the block. Set yourself daily, weekly, and monthly targets and give yourself a deadline. Measure your success against these.
A goal without a plan is just a wish. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
4. Set up Systems
Your plan has a greater chance of success if you track it. When it comes to tracking systems, you are spoilt for choice. Use a digital calendar, an Excel spreadsheet, note taking apps, or a step tracker.
There are even dedicated goal setting apps to help you stay accountable. Strides and Momentum, to name just two.
If a physical diary is more your style, jump on the bullet journaling band wagon. This ‘analog system for the digital is age’ is fast gaining fans around the world.
By taking these four simple steps – review your past year, visual your future, be precise, use a workable system – you are well on your way to a successful year. Enjoy!
How we can help
If your plan includes buying property, get in touch to talk about the best options for you. Likewise, if you think it’s time for an insurance review, we can help there too.
These posts might help you with your planning:
8 Tips for Paying Your Mortgage off Faster
The Professionals You Need When Buying a House
Thinking of Investing in Property?
Stopping with Work? What Next?
When Should You Start Saving for Retirement?