It’s so easy to see why the first of January is such a good time to set resolutions, why we choose then to start working on our goals. Having a whole new year ahead of us is exciting.
It’s a fresh start where we get to leave all the things we didn’t like about last year in the past. It can feel like the world is our oyster, that there’s nothing but opportunities ahead of us.
You can’t leave it to January. We all know that very quickly into the New Year we are back at work, the pressures mount, the demands placed upon us increase, and before we know it, we are overwhelmed.
Rather than waiting until January 2nd, 2019, why not start thinking about what you want to achieve next year, now? Now is a great time to start making, and adjusting, those big 2019 goals with a cool head and plenty of time to really decide what you want to get out of next year. You’ll have breathing room to really plan out what you want to do, rather than rush it all out in January. Waiting until January to set your goals may not be a great idea, you have too much enthusiasm which can cloud your judgment, set your sights too high, and inevitably when the first obstacle arrives the plan can get derailed. You need a more measured and realistic but still ambitious approach.
Even if you aren’t as disciplined, setting goals can be powerful to help you work hard towards something. You should never be fully content with where you currently are, but should always reach for more. Planning you next year goals in advance gives you time to think through your action items and action steps before the New Year starts.
Poor planning usually leads to poor performance. Giving yourself ample time to plan, write, and execute before it’s time to start working on your goals is a recipe for success. It also helps you prioritize your goals and focus on the things that are most important.
Get S.M.A.R.T. with your goals is the best way to achieve success. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-Specific.
Annual planning and strategy require all hands on deck. Setting goals in advance will set you up for growth and allow you to prosper. It doesn’t matter which area you want to focus on the most when it comes to your goals, but it does matter how well you plan for those goals. When you make the decision to focus on a particular goal or milestone, keep working until you achieve it.
With all this in place, you can be out front the first day of January and make progress before we even get to the end of the first week. All because you’ve taken the time to prepare your roadmap to guide you in advance.
Good Luck in 2019!
