 January is the time I coach my clients to take some quiet time for Strategic Planning. That means taking a step back and looking at the big picture, identifying goals, and figuring out a strategy on how to make things happen. This kind of attention is not just important for businesses; it’s also critical for your personal life, too. Otherwise, you can end up putting a lot of time and attention into things that take you off course from your true path.January is not only a great time for planning because it is the beginning of the year, it’s also the perfect time to slow down, be still, and quiet. Mother Nature, who is resting before the big growing stage of spring, supports this. We’re naturally drawn inward, to our deepest core. This is the place from which our inspiration comes, the place our internal compass lives. When we step back and plan from our inner wisdom, we chart a true course for the next season of our lives. There’s less regret, wasted time, and frustration. We get unstuck and move ahead, living from a deeper, more authentic place day to day. There are several things I have found that really facilitate this kind of big picture planning. Here are a few that I hope you’ll find to be helpful: Even a few hours away from your familiar surroundings, responsibilities, and usual distractions can really clear your mind and settle you into a deeper place of heart-centered insights. Start by taking a walk, a yoga class, or getting a massage, and then settle yourself somewhere quiet that you won’t be disturbed. If you can get away for a night or two this will really facilitate inner clarity. If getting away at all isn’t an option, a coaching session might help launch a process that you can take your time with, a little each day or each week. Here are some places I like for simple, inexpensive quiet:
If you'll notice, none of these places are spas or big fancy centers, which I find don’t have the kind of deep quiet I need for a mini-retreat like this. Also, don’t be put off by the fact that a place may have a religious affiliation. No one will ask you about religion or require you to be or believe anything in particular if you’re sitting in quiet reflection. What most will provide is a very simple place to meditate and be quiet. 2. Start with brainstorming. Let your mind wander and dream; indulge your flights of fancy, before getting down to the business of what is realistic and manageable. Try mind-mapping on big sheets of paper, making some sketch drawings (doodling for most), journaling, or collaging from old magazines. See what emerges from your creative interior before you impose left-brain prioritizing, list making, and deadline setting. 3. Get concrete. Now that you’ve dreamed the dream, put some legs under it with concrete lists of Strategic Outcomes (what you want to accomplish), Goals (what needs to happen to get the outcome), Tasks (what you’ll actually do) and a Timeline (when you want to complete each task). Remember, every outcome needs goals, every goal needs tasks, and every single task needs a deadline. 4. Find your theme for the year. What is this year about for you? Health? Patience? Simplifying? Notice what emerges as the overarching theme of how your soul wants to more deeply express itself in the coming year. Where are your lessons and longings pointing you? When you begin to align your actions, thoughts, and choices with a deeper soul-prompted theme, you’ll see yourself moving forward into more joy every single day. A word, phrase or image may emerge to guide you through the coming year. 5. Get support. Find a family member, friend, loved one, or supportive life coach or spiritual director to help you make the time to get away, organize your inquiry, process your experience, and stick to your plan once you return home. Taking a few hours or days away in January can provide you with a blueprint for a wonderful year. Let me know if I can help! |
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