Start 2008 with the End in Mind
A pilot on the speaker, “Ladies and gentlemen, I have some good news and some bad news, our navigation system is down, but we have a good tailwind. So, while we don’t know where we are going to end up, we’ll get there sooner than expected.”
Have you already begun your planning for 2008? The new year is always a time for resolutions. Have you identified your goals or the “End in Mind”? How can we get where we want to be without a clear destination and navigation system in place?
Years ago I began using late December, early January, to review what I accomplished during the year and where I wanted to be at the end of the following year. It has been invaluable to me both personally and professionally.
About ten years ago, I was certified as a trainer for Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” If you haven’t read the book or attended a class, I highly recommend it. I review the book every year as I begin my planning. It talks about the importance of listening, creating balance in your life and becoming pro-active instead of reactive. The material is as relevant today as when the book was first published.
Beginning with the “End in Mind” is the first step in the process. Set your goals and write them down. Studies have been done that show the power of putting goals on paper. Then as we are overwhelmed with requests and activities, we can evaluate them. Do these things contribute to getting me to where I want to be? Just say “No” to things that not a good use of our limited time.
While I’m still working on fleshing out my goals here is a glimpse of a few:
Increase my business by 25%
Invest in one new rental property
Exercise 3 times a week
Join a photography club
So what are your goals for next year? Beginning with the “End in Mind” will ensure that we make significant progress in our quest for success. Here’s is to a healthy, happy and successful new year!
[…] It is almost New Year’s resolution time, and Jennifer Steck from Central Denver blog has a plan; start with the end of in mind. Great advice for all of us that sometimes have trouble keeping our resolutions! […]