Now that we’re are the end of the year, you’re probably already thinking about the new year and what’s next. It’s common to want to dive head first into your next goals, but the best way to plan is to review and reflect on the previous year. We can gain a lot of insight that can help us as we move forward when we look back. So, let’s take some time to do a year in review to help us prepare for the new year.
What To Review
So, we know that we need to review, but what exactly should we take a look at? There are quite a few things that deserve our attention, so we can go into the new year with everything we need to achieve our goals. So, dedicate some time to sit and write out your review so you always have it on hand.
Goals – The main event is our goals. This is the time to look back at the goals we set. Did we achieve them? Did we get closer to achieving them? Why or why not?
Systems – In order to keep things in our lives and businesses running smoothly, we implement systems. Maybe you have a system for getting your kids ready for school or a sales system to find clients for your business. It’s time to take a look at those systems to see what’s working and what’s not working. It’s easy to just do things as you’ve always done them, but you might discover in your review that there is a better way.
Accountability – Goals and accountability go hand in hand. We need to hold ourselves accountable in order to make our goals happen. In what ways did you hold yourself accountable? Did you rely on a friend to motivate you to go to the gym? How’d that work out? These questions will help you understand how to better be accountable to your goals.
Wins – It’s important to look at the wins we’ve had on our goals journey. Big or small. Try to determine why you won them. What motivated you? What kept you accountable? Can you use those methods on other goals you’re struggling with?
Lessons – Just like the win, we need to review the lessons. If you didn’t achieve a goal of yours, this is the time to understand why. This is not the time to beat yourself up about it. It happens to everyone who’s ever set a goal. No, this is the time to be mindful and collect the lessons that will help us do better in the future.
Investments – In the pursuit of our goals, we often invest money to assist us. Maybe you hired a VA to help you get organized in your business, or you bought a healthy food subscription to help you eat out less. Investments can help us fast-track our methods and paths to our goals, but it’s important to review them to ensure that’s the case.
Celebrate What Worked For You
You might be thinking; what does celebrating wins have to do with your year in review? Celebrating isn’t just about rewarding yourself; it’s about positively reinforcing the behaviors and habits you took to reach that goal. As a result, you are more likely to keep doing things you get a positive reward for.
Remember, a win doesn’t always have to mean that you got to the result; maybe you’ve gotten closer than you’ve ever been before or reached a significant milestone along the way. This deserved celebration too!
Start Setting Your Goals
Now, we’re at the part that goal-getters find the most exciting – planning for the next year. The best part is that you know can use your year in review as a resource in your planning. Take the lessons and learnings and apply them when you’re planning your goals.
To get started, plan out your yearly goals, then start breaking them out into quarterly. For the first quarter of the year, start planning your goals and tasks monthly. As time goes on, you can flesh your goals out even more and create action plans that guide you.
Utilize a Goal Accountability Coach
Reviewing and planning your goals does not have to be a one-person activity. In fact, people often see more success when they plan with help. While some utilize friends and family, others have found success using Goal Accountability Coaches, people who work with goal planners.
As a goal accountability coach, I help my clients assess, plan, and achieve their goals. I hold my clients accountable and celebrate success along with them. I like to think of myself as a cheerleader with a strategy. Do you need some support to help you set your plan for 2023? I’m accepting new clients who want to achieve their goals! Book a complimentary call with me here.
