As we approach the new year, there’s something magical about the fresh start it brings. It’s a time filled with new ambitions, goals, and endless possibilities. For me, being a planner, it’s an exciting time to map out my plans and see what others have in store. Today, I want to take you behind the scenes of my yearly planning process and how I’m preparing for the new year. Let’s dive in!
Starting Early: Setting the Stage
I like to start this process fairly early – this year I started early November. I started putting together some rough ideas and plans. Doing this early allows me to relax and enjoy the holiday season, knowing that I’m prepared to hit the ground running come January. These initial ideas serve as a general vision for the year, and I will refine them into solid goals closer to New Year’s.
Mapping Out the Categories
To organize my thoughts and plans, I opened a blank Google Doc and began typing out categories for both my personal life and business. For the personal side, I listed family, home health, finances, learning, and personal growth. On the business front, I included admin, operations, content, memberships, shop, promotions, funnels, ads, and learning. These categories may sound familiar if you’re in the online business space, but feel free to customize them to suit your own life and current circumstances.
Exploring Personal Goals
Under each category, I listed a few things I want to accomplish. Some lists were longer, while others had only one or two items. This exercise helped me gain clarity on the direction I want to take in each area of my life. Let me share a couple of examples from my personal goals:
- Home: I plan to replace the flooring in a couple of rooms as part of our ongoing home improvement projects. Additionally, I want to declutter and organize, and I’m considering fun group challenges in my Organized Home Systems Academy membership to keep us accountable and motivated.
- Family: I aim to be more intentional about our family movie nights and game nights. Spending quality time together is important, and scheduling these activities once or twice a week will foster connection and create lasting memories. I also want to maintain consistency in our bedtime routine, which includes reading together. It’s a special bonding experience and a cherished part of our days.
Business Plans and Strategies
For fellow entrepreneurs, here are a few details from my business plans:
- Admin and Operations: My main goal is to establish a solid workflow and weekly schedule to stay on top of everything. Creating efficient systems and maintaining consistency amidst other life commitments is crucial for business growth.
- Content: I plan to release new videos at least two to three times a month, offering practical tips and ideas to live more intentionally and be more productive.
- Learning: To avoid getting distracted by shiny object syndrome, I’ve outlined specific books and programs that will support my goals for 2024. This focused approach ensures that my learning aligns with my overall plans and helps me make meaningful progress.
In summary, starting early and outlining rough ideas for the upcoming year as part of my yearly planning process has allowed me to clear my mind and fully enjoy the holiday season. By categorizing my personal and business goals, I have a clear direction to work towards. Remember, these initial ideas are not set in stone but serve as a foundation for solidifying my goals closer to New Year’s.
Now, it’s your turn! Have you started thinking about 2024 and what you want to accomplish? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s make the upcoming year a productive and fulfilling one together!
