Today I’ve been focused on planning and goal-setting. It really never ends for me; I’m continuously developing systems and standardizing processes to make my work (and my life) more efficient so I can be more effective in what I do. Although I like to keep it as simple and sustainable as I can.
I’ve created a month by month yearly plan for my business. Starting out with these basic categories: Focus, Budget, Marketing, Networking, Communication, Research & Development, Continuing Education and Record-keeping, I consider what needs to be done in each category for each month. It acts as an at-a-glance reminder of where I’m at in terms of accomplishing tasks and setting benchmarks toward my ultimate goals.
You can do the same kind of thing with your personal goals and planning this way as well. Julie Morgenstern’s book: “Time Management from the Inside Out” is a ‘must read’ if you want to be a master of your own time. I’ve recently re-read it to prepare for a workshop I’m presenting at a local company later this month.
Consider your own major life categories (Family, Friends, Money, Health, etc) identify your ‘big picture’ goals (closer relationships, balanced budget, good nutrition and regular fitness), establish dedicated times in your calendar to focus on each category (dinnertime with family, 1st & 15th of the month budget review, Monday and Friday afternoons at the gym) and finally plug in incremental tasks (call Aunt Adela, make extra mortgage payments 4 times a year, buy yoga mat and hand weights).
Over-simplified, I know! But that’s basically it. You have to give the important people and things in your life a ‘place’. Otherwise, you’ll never achieve those big, audacious goals you’re set on accomplishing!
I know I’ve written about this kind of thing before, but I just had to say it again in a new way. Hope it gets you motivated to ‘plan your work and work your plan’. That’s how the successful folks do it. And you can too. Happy planning!
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