The One Thing I Do at the Beginning of Each Year
Yesterday, I blogged about a ritual I have performed at the end of every year, for the last twenty-seven years. Today, I will share with you a second ritual I do, as a follow up. It enables me to enter a new year “on purpose.” After I invest a morning reviewing the previous year, I spend the second half of the day previewing the new year. Once again, I think, I write and I pray as I open a new chapter of my life.
I don’t simply create a list of goals, although some of the items I will list below feel a lot like a “goal.” I like to view it as an “action” list and a “standard” list. What are the actions I plan to take and what are the standards I plan to live by over the next year?
Here are the issues I address to create the goals, actions and standards for 2013:
1. What are my greatest dreams for 2013? What projects will these dreams require of me? What daily actions must I engage in to fulfill them?
2. What standards will I live by, throughout the next year:
- Health Standards
- Family Standards
- Financial Standards
- Friendship Standards
- Personal / Spiritual Standards
3.In what areas of my life do I most want to grow in 2013?
4. What books will I read this next year to achieve those growth goals?
5. What mentors will I seek out to achieve those growth goals?
6. What magazines will I scan and file to achieve those growth goals?
7. What events will I attend to achieve those growth goals?
8. What podcasts (audio recordings) will I listen to, to help me grow?
9. What will I do Monday through Friday to be intentional about my growth?
I want to be better in January of 2014 than I was January 2013. To do this, I have found that the issue is not prioritizing your schedule but rather scheduling your priorities. This means I must put into my calendar those things I say are the most important habits and attitudes I can embrace. Our character is simply made up of the habits and attitudes we possess daily.
This week, I’ll post a video blog that compliments what I’ve shared here. If you don’t have an action plan, feel free to try mine.
Tim, your passion to improve is an encouragement to me. Appreciate you sharing your method of reviewing and previewing the year. Thank you for all you do to make a difference and help leaders rise above going through life mindlessly and take advantage of what God has blessed us so richly with…life. Pray your 2013 is a great one! Thank you.
Thanks so much, Greg! I hope that 2013 is a tremendous year for you as well!
Tim,Do you know that you have a daily follower in Ethiopia(East Africa).
Every time I check my Email-one of the very few reasons is to check for your newsletter.May you keep up the good work.blessed!
Robera,
Thanks for taking time to comment – that’s so encouraging to know that I have someone following all the way from Ethiopia! I hope the posts are helpful and that you are blessed in your work!
Tim