With all the hype around New Year, it’s any wonder you can feel overwhelmed. There are so many commercial programs / tools available now that promise you the best start to your personal and professional year. I love the concept of a New Year to review, appreciate, celebrate and refresh or create a new blueprint for the year ahead. But I don’t think you need to pay for it. This is where you have choices. Do you write a list for the year? Do you select an inspiring word? Do you create a vision board? Do you enroll in a program to create a personal or professional plan? Choose any of these and you will be well on your way to your best year yet. BUT, hang on, because I reckon there is a step before you make your choice. This is a creative process. And it’s as simple as asking yourself a series of questions. I’ve created two sets of questions. Take a look at the 2 Questions if you are time poor and want a quick refresh for the year ahead. OR Take a look at the 12 Questions if you have more time and want to tap more deeply into the year that was and make the New Year the best you can. Take a look and give them a go. OR share with others you know are wondering what to do about the New Year ahead.
2 Questions
As the New Year rolls around, take a few minutes to disrupt the flow and reset ready for your best year yet. Ask yourself the following questions.
Question 1
What worked well last year and what am I really proud of?
Question 2
What are the 2 key things I’m going to “do” and who am I going to “be” in this New Year?
There’s no hard and fast process here. You can read the questions and go through the answers in your head. You can take a note book (paper or electronic) and jot down the questions and answers and then turn them into a plan. You can then refer to them during the year and see how things are going. Or you can sit on the verandah and chat with someone you choose and see what comes up for both of you. You can then see what to take forward for you and as a shared intention. Lots of people tell us they have found the verandah option a game changer.
12 Questions
If you’re looking for more of a deep dive to disrupt and reset ready for your New Year, then these 12 questions are a must. I don’t recommend you go through these questions in your head. I think it best that you grab a note book (paper or electronic) and jot down the answers and then turn them into a plan. And I strongly encourage you to share and talk about these with others. This way you can also support and hold each other accountable too.
Question 1
What are my achievements from last year?
Question 2
What set backs did I overcome to achieve these?
Question 3
What did I produce last year?
Question 4
How did I positively impact others – in my family, my team, my workplace, my community or my industry?
Question 5
What new knowledge and skills did I gain?
Question 6
What could I have done differently across the year?
Question 7
What do I need to “let be” or “let go of” and not take into the New Year?
Question 8
What do I want / need to focus on in the New Year?
Question 9
Who do I want to “be” in the New Year?
Question 10
What are my key goals for the New Year and how will I know when I achieve them?
Question 11
How will you monitor the year ahead and take time out to recalibrate and celebrate your achievements on the go?
Question 12
What will the year ahead look like and how will you feel at the end of the year?
Over to You
Do you think the 2 or 12 questions suit you best? Will you think about the questions in your head? Jot them down – paper or electronically or take some time out with someone else and chat them through and create individual as well as shared intentions? Whichever you choose, remember it’s up to you to develop and implement a plan for your New Year. Many people tell us that even a small amount of thinking and planning creates clarity and confidence for their New Year. I want the same for you. Good luck. And please feel free to reach out to me here if you think I can help in any way.
Until next time!
