How to make things happen in 2015
I have always made New Year’s resolutions, but they are rarely more than a vague promise to do something better in the coming year. In fact, the only time I can remember keeping a New Year’s resolution was last year, when I resolved to give up playing Candy Crush. I went cold turkey on the 1st January 2014 and have never looked back…
This year, things are a different. I am getting better at setting tangible goals (perhaps this is why I was able to quit Candy Crush?), which are actually achievable.
Have you ever looked at a friend or stranger and think, “wow, they have really got it sorted?” or “I wish I could do what they have done”? Amazing things rarely just happen. Sure, life is full of great surprises, but the chances are, if you are admiring someone’s achievements or career, a fair bit of effort has gone in to get them where they are today.
Even with tangible goals, it’s hard to make things happen without a plan. The start of the year is a great time to reflect on where you are at and make some great plans for the year ahead. It's time to make things happen in 2015.
The importance of planning was reinforced the other night when I tuned into Fiona Craig’s online webinar on how to create an amazing 2015. I have been following Fiona’s blog for ages now, and always make sure I tune into her workshops, which are free (yay!) and always inspiring and practical.
As a follower of Fiona, I was aware that last year she had breast cancer. Not that an outsider would know, because Fiona’s blog and website ticked along unscathed. In fact, people were shocked when Fiona posted about her treatment at the end of the year, because her business seemed to be growing at an incredible pace.
This isn’t because she is a superwoman (sorry Fiona!). It’s because she had a plan.
At the start of last year, Fiona made a plan for what she was going to achieve in her business each month: her speaking engagements, client commitments, and blog topics every week for the year. While I can’t imagine what Fiona went through, knowing exactly what she was going every month and being organised freed her up to focus on her health, without letting her business slip.
So this year, I am making a plan. Fiona suggests thinking about your “destination” first (ie where you want to be in the short/long term). If you are organised, you can see where you are going. You are in control.
I am writing it down. I recently read this article about conducting a “life audit” and liked the idea – I think this will tie in with the planning process nicely.
Then, I am sharing these plans with my friends and family. I am going to be accountable. In fact, I am having breakfast this week with a friend who is joining me with the life audit and goal planning so that we can share our goals and keep each other on track.
What are your goals this year? Have you set aside some time to think about how you will achieve them? Feel free to comment below, I would love to hear all about your big dreams too!
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Phoebe