Do This Before You Obsess About New Year's Resolutions

Even the best laid plans don’t always work out. You don’t have to look farther than my 7th grade school photo to know that. Let’s just say that a girl with naturally curly hair shouldn’t get a perm. Even if all her friends are doing it. Unless of course, her dream is to look like Little Orphan Annie. If so, then I nailed it.

Anyhoo, its only January 2nd, and I already feel behind. I had planned my last week of the year as I do every year. Year-end review, goal setting, vision boarding, word of the year. All. The. Things. For a goal setting junkie like me, this time of year is nirvana.

Fresh clean calendar. Check.

Brand spanking new set of colorful markers and inspirational stickers. Check.

A few days off to reminisce about last year and dream about the next. Check.

A nasty virus from the rugrats (aka my adorable nieces and nephews). Check.

Hmm, that last one threw a kink in my well laid plans. And I was, well--laid out. For a week. If we’re keeping score on Netflix hours logged, I’m the winner. But my productivity. Not so much.

My type A, achieving self reared it’s ugly head yesterday. I’m so far behind! I haven’t done anything in days!! How will this year start without MY PLAN??!!!

If you can relate at all, it’s time for a pep talk. I gave myself one this morning, so I’ll pass it along to you just in case.

It’s going to be ok. Just breathe. Now breathe again. Press the easy button. Look at only what must get done today. You can work on your word for the year later. Or maybe you can choose it now. How about relax? That’s a good one.

And before you start working like mad on New Year’s Resolutions or goals, maybe take some time to look back at 2018 and take account for all that is good.

In our last mastermind meeting of the year in December, I gave our group a few questions to answer before diving into 2019 strategic planning. I’ll include them for you below. But promise me one thing before you get started. Take a deep breath and know that everything happens on time at the right time and for your ultimate good if you’re willing to let it.

End of Year Review:

What did I do, create, or experience this year that I’m really proud of?

What mistakes did I make that taught me something? What lessons did I learn that I can leverage?

What were my fondest memories?

Am I closer to friends and family? Why or why not?

What books and mentors had the greatest impact on me? Why?

What did I procrastinate on and fail to get done? Why?

What did I accomplish in 2018 – big projects, milestones, new habits, new thought patterns, anything that achieved a positive result.

What is one thing in my business that got the best results?

What really worked this year?

What were the biggest revenue generators this year?

Do a quick brain dump of dreams / goals to possibly pursue in 2019.

What kind of person will I need to be to accomplish those goals?