It’s your game. Some rules may be your own; others may be created with you or dictated by others. But it is the game. The game of being ahead of ‘it.’
How we start the year and where we are in the game depends on you. If you wait until January 1 to begin to think about it, you are already behind. The beauty within December is our ability to look back on a year, finish it strong, and plan with vigor for the new year.
As an organization, plan your year now as best as you can. Map out the crucial elements and set clear expectations of where you are going in concept, strategy, or initiatives. It is even more likely because you are planning critical milestones. The milestones may be as simple as creative workshops, learning sessions, retreats, reviews, and planning sessions. However, the merely visible view of how you plan to execute affirms a strong intent with a defined path. Compare this to the vacation you say you will take versus the one you prepare for and begin to save, research and book.
As an individual, what are your objectives for next year? You likely have goals for your team or organization, but what of yourself? Have you considered what you would like to see differently in a year? These may be personal achievements, learning behaviors, family and social accomplishments, and vacations. If you can see it and truly want it – it requires commitment, consistency, and even sacrifice – you are likely to have your vision set. What is the plan to get there? What commitments do you need to make or changes to your existing behaviors?
Your schedule will fill up fast. You say you want to dedicate more time to strategic and creative thinking, improving your health, or acquiring new skills. When is this happening? Begin to set dates with yourself. Those with others will fill fast, and as usual, you will see that you, and those closest to you, are the last ones you give attention.
Suppose you want to be more strategic at work. Set blocks of time each week for that. If you need better team alignment, create a regular meeting schedule and daily huddles to increase communication and transparency. If you need to take time for yourself, do just that. Prepare your mornings for you, evenings for your family, and time to rest and play. The more deliberate your foresight is in getting there, the more likely you will look back in a year and be satisfied with how you have come along and where you are. It may not be perfect, but it will be far better than if you did not invest time now to map it out.
Start now, and see the year ahead. Use a spreadsheet, calendar, or any tool, even a piece of paper, and map it by initiative – work and personal. Then start with the significant events by quarter, and map out the monthly essentials. If you can get each initiative laid out, it is energizing. Then look at your calendar and block and schedule weekly and monthly meetings, and deliberately move these around as necessary. Your time first. Discuss with clients, colleagues and others who may be affected and let them know what you are doing and why?
Take a few weeks to do this before the end of the year holidays. You will be better prepared and feel it, too, have increased conviction towards your objectives, and will be on a path of improved success than if you did not take the time now. Your choice – take the time now, or be disappointed later.
