We’re approaching September and, along with it, the sprint to the end of the year. The kids have just started school, but blink twice and we’ll be knee-deep in holiday prep and new year planning!
And if you are a business owner, salesperson, leader, or have set annual goals, you may be feeling the pressure to make a lot of magic happen in the next few months.
How can you do this successfully and purposefully?
Especially if you’re already feeling behind?
We could dive into action planning, time management, and other achievement-oriented strategies, but let’s take a step back for a moment first. Rather than looking ahead at all you need to do between now and December 31, start by looking back.
Here’s what I mean:
The Power Of Reflection
Reflection can take place in myriad ways, some more beneficial than others. Today, I encourage you to reflect, with intention, in two specific ways.
First, look back at the past year, paying special attention to the following questions:
* What’s worked well that you can build on?
* What has not worked as expected and what have you learned?
* What do you want more of in the next four months?
* What do you need to let go of? (Note this might include anything from a goal set back in January that no longer applies, to a negative story you’re repeating to yourself regarding a past mistake.)
* What are your highlight moments?
Much of this may come from the period of January until now, but consider looking back from 4th quarter of last year, too. This may provide you with information specific to the upcoming season.
Second, use your imagination and pretend it’s December 31 – then look back over the last four months. Not the entire year – just September to December – and ask yourself some different questions, such as:
* What, specifically, are you celebrating?
* What did you do differently in the last four months of the year, and what results did you experience?
* What 2-3 things did you hold as top priority throughout this time? How did you do that even with other tasks and responsibilities?
* What lessons did you learn that you want to take forward into the new year?
* What word would you use to describe these past four months – or perhaps to describe you, specifically, in these past four months?
Plan Forward, With Intention
Transformations and turnarounds can happen at any time – especially if we are intentional about creating them rather than merely floating along with circumstance.
I hope these two reflection points – looking back from now, and looking back from December 31 – bring you a new perspective and a boost of motivation for the season ahead. And if I can be of service during this time, contact me about coaching or consider enrolling in this upcoming home study course!
Happy reflective planning!