As the new year approaches, I find it essential to take a step back and reflect on how I plan my year ahead. It’s not just about setting goals; it’s about creating a roadmap that balances personal fulfillment and professional success. Here’s how I do it:
The first step in my planning process is clearing up my mind and space. I believe that a clutter-free environment leads to a clutter-free mind. To achieve this, I unsubscribe from unnecessary emails, clear my schedule of repetitive rhythms, cancel subscriptions I’m not using anymore, and declutter my mental headspace. This preparation ensures I’m ready to tackle the year ahead.
I use a big physical calendar divided by seasons: spring/summer and fall/winter. This visual representation helps me see the entire year at a glance, making it easier to plan accordingly. Once I’ve plotted everything on the big calendar, I transfer the events and appointments into my daily calendar.
I start by prioritizing personal and family commitments first. This includes birthdays, kids’ school holidays, and any family events. By prioritizing these moments, I ensure that I am present for my loved ones and create lasting adventures and memories together.
Next, I carve out time for adventures with friends and colleagues. Whether it’s weekend getaways, mini retreats, full retreats, motorcycle trips, or team-building activities, these experiences are crucial for maintaining “you time.” They strengthen relationships and foster collaboration.
Once my personal life is mapped out, I shift my focus to professional commitments. I plot all important events, conferences, and deadlines on the calendar. This allows me to visualize busy periods and prepare accordingly.
Finally, I implement time blocking for certain periods of the year dedicated to appointments and staff partner collaborations. By allocating specific times for these activities, I can maintain focus and ensure that they don’t interfere with my personal commitments.
Planning my year ahead is more than just scheduling; it’s about creating a balanced life where personal joy meets professional ambition. With this structured approach as a roadmap to a positive and adventurous life, I feel more prepared to embrace whatever the year brings.
This practice stems from years of being busy without carving enough time to prioritize what matters most to me. Once you plan your life accordingly, you can use your calendar as an excuse to schedule appropriate meetings at the right times.
Hope this tip helps you as you prepare for the new year!
Your Friend
Danijel Slisko
