As we near the end of the year it’s customary to reflect on the year, think about the changes you wish to make and set your direction for the year ahead.
I thought 3 things might be useful for you to consider to help with this.
A time to reflect and set your direction
1 – A quiet couple of hours to reflect
Every year, I take a couple of hours at the end of the year, find a quiet coffee shop and sit with a notebook and reflect on the year. A lengthy journal on the year just passed. What went well (especially!) and what needs focus in the year ahead. A few pages of thoughts on all areas of life and work, with no specific structure. It’s surprising what comes out when you do this.
The second thing you might want to consider is a more structured view of events past, present and future. I thought it might be useful to share with you some example questions you can use for your reflections.
2 – Ask yourself these 10 questions to help your reflections
a) What has gone well and is working well for you?
b) What’s not working so well that you need to focus on?
c) What are your greatest current strengths?
d) What new skill could make the biggest impact for you in 2018?
e) What is one habit that does not serve you and you should stop?
f) What is one habit that you could introduce to make a significant impact?
g) What do you think are the 3 most important priorities and goals for you in 2018?
h) How fulfilled are you on a scale of 1-10?
i) What can you do to move this closer to 10?
j) Where do you see yourself in all key areas at the end of 2018?
3 – Set your course for 2018
If you don’t know the point B you are aiming for from the point A where you are currently, how will you know you have got to point B?
Direction starts with definition.
You may find it useful to use some form of visual tool to help do this. I use 3 concentric circles – the outer one for 3 years’ time, the 2nd one for 1 year and the inner one for 90 days. I then plot what I want to achieve in different areas of my business by drawing 8 spokes on the wheel.
You can set specific goals, which you know you can objectively measure.
You can create a picture of where you will be at the end of the year in a more narrative sense. What will you be doing? How will you be feeling etc.
Whichever way you define your direction, 2018 will need some guidance from you as to how it should play out!
Join me for a new Direction and Strategy Seminar
I am running this in partnership with the Nottinghamshire Law Society on January 18th 4.30pm-6.30pm.
Or please feel free to call me on 07912 143040 or email at tony@
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