Let's Plan on It

As we approach the end of the year, it is a great time to reflect on how the year went and what we want to accomplish in the coming year – professionally and personally.

Normally, this is the time when gyms start to salivate for all those people who want to launch the new year with the intention of getting back in shape. With the ongoing pandemic, I question how many people are joining gyms, and instead, are buying Peloton bikes or other stationary equipment for their home gyms.

Whether it is joining a gym or committing to a home fitness studio, I am often amazed at how quickly that surge of renewed energy starts to fade by springtime for many people. They go from giving full gas to no gas in a matter of a few months. They then fall back into their lazy ways and self-justification as to why they have no more time for exercise, only to lose self-esteem and confidence due to being out of shape and not at their desired weight.
 
I see this happen in the business world, as well. Professionals review the business plans that they wrote at the beginning of the year; they realize that many of their goals were not met and put them back into their plan for the next year. Rinse and repeat.

Many of their goals may have been very ambitious, which I have no problem with as long as one gives their best effort throughout the year to achieve them without giving up. This is the key here – stick with it. Be patient and persistent.

Setting milestones throughout the year can help keep the motivation going. Establishing the What, Why, How and By When will put more context and motivation in a plan. What is it that you are trying to accomplish? Why is that important to you? How are you going to do it? And, by When?

Professionals are notorious for setting goals without enough reasons as to why it is important and holding themselves accountable by when they want to accomplish them.

If you are a planner, think about putting together a plan that you can sustain in small steps over the course of the year. More importantly, visit your plan on a quarterly basis to see how you are tracking rather than reviewing it at the end of the year. Sometimes adjustments need to be made throughout the year. That is okay. Just try your best to keep your eye on the ball.

Whether it is trying to get into better shape or generating more revenue in 2022, planning can work. It is often a matter of learning how to keep the foot on the gas in a more gradual progression over the course of the year to avoid running out of gas by springtime.

Here is to all of us planning on a successful 2022!