I love the end of December. We get Christmas, my birthday (selfish), and New Year’s.
Today starts the brief window of about one to two weeks of everybody at their most optimistic. It never lasts but at least we get to see people setting goals, dreaming big, believing in themselves, and hoping for change. You get a peek into who they want to be. After the first few weeks of January people usually hide that part away from the public again. We get embarrassed because we've already slipped up on our plans so we might as well give up all together. We feel stupid for even trying. Shut it down.
I really hope I don't fall into the same pattern. I've done it before. I have the capacity to do it again.
I started using Michael Hyatt's Full Focus Planner at the beginning of December and I really hope it can help stay on track. It's really dragging me out of my comfort zone. No one has ever accused me of being organized. It's all very new and strange for me to even attempt this. I had to watch 11 training videos to learn how to use this planner.
My favorite aspect of the planner is how you set goals. You’re supposed to make them big and risky. Clearly define them. I’ve seen a lot of people on instagram with resolutions like “be better with money” or “be less stressed.” What does that even mean? It’s so vague and forgettable. How are you going to measure it?
It’s all about SMART goals, baby! Specific, measurable, attainable, relevant (or risky), and time-bound. Give it a deadline!
After you’ve figured out what your goals are, the planner has a space for you to write out WHY the goal is important to you and you designate a REWARD for when you finish it. I love that. That why is going to keep you motivated and if that doesn’t work you can remind yourself of that sweet present you’re going to give yourself when you finally complete the goal.
I’ve got my goals all figured out. I’m excited for 2019. Big things are coming.