Planning for 2009

It's that time of year again. January 1 marks the start of a new year. We look back at the previous year sometimes amazed at how much we accomplished, sometimes disappointed at what did or didn't happen. How do you feel about 2008? How would you like to feel about 2009? Now is the time to consider the possibilities for the new year, not as resolutions (which people seem to forget about by the end of February), but as written objectives which you will monitor throughout the year.

This week I will post a series of exercises, one each day, to help you get your 2009 plan in place. These exercises represent the short version of a process I originally developed for myself. It works for me and many others who have taken my workshops. It can work for you, too. Take the framework and make it your own. Change it to fit your life and your circumstances. Treat it as a process, revisiting it on a regular basis to track your progress. This keeps your life in front of you and enables you to enjoy the journey while working on your goals and dreams.

The "Strategic Planning for Your Life" framework consists of a series of exercises designed to inform you about yourself. There is a purpose to each exercise. Therefore, it is important that you do not take shortcuts. These exercises help you make explicit the following information:

• How you are unique and what gives you joy

• Why you are here

• Who you are (what roles you play)

• What you want to accomplish

• What is your timeline for accomplishing your goals and dreams

• How to sustain the plan

Exercise 1: What makes you unique? What gives you joy?

The first exercise is designed to elevate and make you aware of your emotions. It also celebrates your uniqueness in the world. Pay particular attention to the feelings you have writing each list, especially the list about what gives you joy.

In this order, write:

1. The tasks you like to do
   These tasks you enjoy, but you may not care to do them all time.

2. The tasks you don't like to do
   Doing these tasks creates internal stress and tension; if you never have to do these tasks again, it will be too soon!

3. The tasks you do well
   You don't necessarily love to do these tasks, but they are easy for you. Many people look to you to do these tasks, because they know they will be done right.

4. The tasks you don't do well
   There will always be someone else who can do these tasks better than you. When you try to do them, you feel anxiety and frustration.

5. What gives you absolute joy
   What is your "fire in the belly?" These tasks energize you. You can do them all day and never get tired. You can't wait to get up nd do it all again the next day.

Tomorrow: Why are you here on Earth at this place, at this time?

[Note: I go through my entire process for myself every January 1. You are invited to join me this year at my house from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., if you would rather have an in-person guided workshop. Let me know if you would like to attend: judy@mentorfactorinc.com]

Comments

[Linda O]

Judy,
I'm so glad you're doing this! It's just what I need. I'm sending it to a few friends who may want to follow, too. Happy New Year, my friend!