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Exploring different year planning techniques

As we stand in the hallway of a new year, the possibilities are endless, and the potential for growth and transformation is within reach. One of the most effective ways to harness this potential is through strategic planning. However, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to year planning. Let's see various year planning techniques to help you choose the one that resonates most with your goals.


1. Traditional yearly planning

This is the classic approach where you set specific goals for the year ahead. Break these goals down into monthly, weekly, and even daily tasks. It's a methodical way to map out your path to success, allowing you to see your progress over time. If you have too many goals, than prioritize which ones are the most important to begin with.


2. The one-word approach

Choose a single word that encapsulates what you want to focus on or achieve in the upcoming year. This approach provides a simple yet powerful guiding principle that helps you make decisions and set intentions that align with your chosen word. Set spesific goals and create habits around this main theme, get creative with planning.


3. Vision board and visual planning

Visual learners often find success in creating vision boards. Collect images, quotes, and symbols that represent your goals and dreams. By placing this visual representation where you can see it daily, you keep your objectives at the forefront of your mind. Keep it in our personal space, on your phone or a private pinterest board, and revisit daily. This will make your subconscious come up with ideas, even when you are doing other things.


4. The 12-week year

In this method, you divide your year into four 12-week cycles instead of 12 months. This approach creates a sense of urgency, making it easier to stay focused and productive. The main reason it could work for you, because we are always doing better with a set time frame. Have you been in a situation where you procrastinated till last minute and then got creative in a short period? If you have time till the end of the year, it is more likely that you won't do much to reach those goals till December, than think, okay the new year is coming so I will start then. Grab your most important goals first and set the timer for the next 12 weeks, then come up with a plan to achive them. This way you will even have time for other dreams in your year, and feel an immediate success.


5. Goal setting and habit stacking

Combine goal setting with habit formation. Identify a series of small, consistent habits that, when stacked together, lead to the accomplishment of your larger objectives. This approach emphasizes the process over the outcome. For example you want to move more, but love watching tv instead? combine the two together, watch your favourite show only during a workout, that way you instantly in the mood to do something healthy and feel rewarded.


6. Bullet journaling

Bullet journals are highly customizable and adaptable to individual preferences. They allow you to organize your goals, tasks, and schedules in a creative and visually appealing manner. You can use colors, stickers, or keep it as minimal as you wish. Just don't forget to focus on your goals more than colouring your planner. Also this method can function as a nice meditation, or me time.


7. Mind mapping

For the visually inclined, mind mapping is a great way to brainstorm ideas, set goals, and create a visual representation of your plan. It's an effective method for organizing thoughts and generating innovative solutions. Get a centre goal and try to find different aspects that are needed to reach it. For example your main goal is to get healthier this year, then you will have map branches like excercise, eating, spleep, mindset. Then you break these down further into smaller habits: eating - more vegetables, more fruits, limit junk foods, eat more wholefoods, take vitamins, eat mindfully, etc.


8. S.M.A.R.T. goals

This acronym stands for

Specific - write down your goal as specific as you can, make it clear what you want to achive.

Measurable - if you can put it into numbers you will know exactly when you reached a milestone. If you want to get fitter, then aim for 5 workouts a week. Start with 2 and keep increasing gradually until you reach what your set goal was.

Achievable - be realistic with yourself. Loosing 30 pounds in a month is not too realistic, and it didn't come up on you in the same period, did it?

Relevant - does this goal fit you and your values and lifestyle? Do you want to achive it for yourself or because of other?

Time-bound - have a set period of time for even the partitial goals, becasue we work better under pressure and also can adjust your habits better if you don't see the results in the set time frame.

It's a framework for setting goals that are clear and well-defined, making it easier to track and achieve them.


9. Reverse engineering

Start with your ultimate goal and work backward, breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This technique can make daunting goals seem more achievable. Always go backwards, and find out what step would be needed to reach that point in your journey. You can write down these steps to get a final map for your way.


10. Life wheel assessment

Consider different life areas, such as career, relationships, health, and personal development. Rate your satisfaction in each area and set goals to improve your life balance. This helps to get a priority list and set goals aligned with it.


11. Time blocking and prioritization

Allocate specific blocks of time in your day for different activities, such as work, family, and personal growth. This approach ensures you're dedicating time to what matters most. When you list your daily tasks separate them into these categories and time frames. This helps to set aside time for yourself too, and rejuvenate to get energy for the next day.


12. Adaptive planning

This technique embraces adaptability. Instead of a rigid plan, it involves setting intentions and adjusting your course as needed. It's a flexible approach that's ideal for those who prefer spontaneity. Try to maintain habits insted of specitif goals, and be open to new and creative solutions whenever a problem comes up.


Each of these year planning techniques has its unique strengths, and the right one for you depends on your personal preferences and goals. Whether you opt for a traditional approach or something more innovative, the key is to find a planning method that resonates with your aspirations and motivates you to take action. If you feel like you can't choose one or another, then get creative and combine them together.


If you liked these tips follow for more on Instagram, if you need help, book a free 1:1 coaching session with me.

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