Three weeks into 2012 is a stage when most of us are settling
into a New Year. If you are in the habit of making New Year's
resolutions, you may be already progressing with them.
If you prefer to write detailed goals, you may have them written and
displayed already, putting them into action.
Maybe you intend to do one of these but haven't quite got round to
doing so yet for one reason or another? Today, I'd like to write about
being clear on what we are trying to achieve. It is not intended to be
a goal setting exercise alone, but rather one to help you be clear on
how you would like to shape your life or business going forward. It is
also a chance to take stock and perhaps clear out any debris from last
year.
Regardless of the situation you are at right now, I'd like to share
with you some questions that I and my family sit down each January and
answer for ourselves. We make it a written exercise which we complete
individually without conferring and then, when completed, we compare
notes. As a family, it is a great thing to do. Not only because we
become clearer on how to plan our way our forward, it also serves as a
leveller between us, in that by taking the time to share our thinking
with each other, it never fails to strengthen, harmonise and enhance
understanding between us. I guess it's a bit like a stock take of where
we are at.
You can use it in any way you choose: for yourself, as a couple, as a
work team, as friends but I would suggest you begin with yourself as it
will most likely reveal some hidden surprises to help you. Have fun
with this!
1. What were my successes in 2011? (What
have I achieved?)
2. What learning do I value most
from 2011?
3. What am I grateful for?
4. What did I hope for in 2011
that I didn’t manage to achieve?
5. What do I wish for in 2012,
for myself?
6. What do I wish for in 2012
for those I care about?
7. What would I like to achieve
in 2012 at work, for my health/well
being and in my relationships?
8. How much effort am I willing
to make in order to achieve this?
9. What would I like for my
family?
10. What am I prepared to do in
order to achieve this?
• How will I know that come 31 December
2012, it will have been a happy and successful year for me? (Write
freely here; try to think beyond current obstacles that may appear to
lie in your way)
• How will I know that on 31st of
December 2012, this year will have been happy and successful year for
those I care about most? (Again write freely here, try to go beyond
obstacles)
• How can I make sure I stay on track
with my goals throughout the coming year?
• What can I do to get "back on track" if
I get distracted from my planned route to success?
• Who can I turn to for help if
necessary, so that I can feel “back on track” again as soon as possible?
• How appealing to me is a year full of
fun and good health, great relationships, enjoyable work and largely
free from stress? (Once again write freely here, write your ideal).
Good luck with this. Remember to keep your answers positive and in your
ideal. We all have challenges that may look difficult to resolve,
however the value of this exercise is to take yourself out of the
current situation and design your ideal. You will most likely discover
some wonderful insights which will HELP you resolve your challenges.
I'll leave you with a great quote from Wayne Dyer:
‘’ What comes out of you when you are squeezed, is what lies within
you!”
Have a great week
Billy.
