This is one of my favorite times of the year. In addition to all the special meaning and events of the holiday season, I really look forward to the start of a new year because it’s a natural time to dream and plan. In that spirit, I’d like to offer you a framework for getting ready to make 2023 the best year ever!
This framework comes from The Center for Executive Coaching, an organization that certified me as an executive coach. It consists of 8 questions that will provide both a stimulus for reflection and a starting point for planning.
I would like to share some thoughts of my own related to each of the 8 questions in hopes that it will help you think more deeply about each.
- What is your vision for a successful year? Vision is a word we hear often and involves the idea of using your imagination to see something that has not yet become real. Before you can achieve something, you must first conceive of it and see it in your mind’s eye. It’s important to remove limiting constraints to imagine a vision that is both exciting and desirable. Ask yourself the question “what would make next year a successful year?”
- What specific goals will you achieve? Once you have a vision of what you want next year, it’s time to create some specific goals that will quantify that vision. Goals are the tool that allow us to turn vision into reality. Goals should be written, should be specific and measurable, and should have a deadline. Start with 1-3 goals if you are new to the goal setting process.
- How will you achieve them? Create action plans for each of your goals. Be careful about overthinking and over engineering at this step. Better to keep it simple to avoid “getting lost in the weeds.”
- What do you need to start or stop doing? What do you need to do more or less of? If you are going to change your results you will need to change your actions and behaviors. Here is where you need to identify those changes.
- How will you support it? James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, says you don’t rise to the level of your goals, rather you fall to the level of your support systems. You cannot outrun your support systems. Resources, time in your schedule, education, and coaches are just a few examples of essential support systems that will allow you to achieve your vision.
- What new attitudes and beliefs do you need? To take improved actions necessary for improved results, you will need an improved mindset. What are the self-limiting beliefs that need to be changed? What attitudes or habits of thinking might be holding you back?
- What is your accountability strategy? This is an essential step that needs to be planned for and committed to. In addition to holding yourself accountable, who else needs to hold you accountable? This is where your supervisor or trusted advisor comes in. You need someone you have to check in with regularly to keep you at your best.
- What is your 30-day plan to get momentum? Now it’s time for some quick wins. Momentum is a powerful force when it comes to achieving improved results. Create a short-term plan that stacks up little wins from the start. When winning becomes the pattern, enthusiasm and energy is sure to follow.
If you’re reading this and you are a leader, consider turning these 8 questions into a workshop for your team. Helping your team plan and put in writing their vision and goals may be the single most important activity you can do, particularly at this time of year. If you need help with this, reach out to me and let’s discuss.