Happy New Year! We all get a fresh start today, so did you make some resolutions for 2024? Only 3% of people write goals, and most don’t know where to start or procrastinate in what they think is a long process. So here is a one-hour process starting with values or unifying principles through vision, mission and purpose, goals, habits, and first actions. The results will be similar to a ten-day effort because it capitalizes on the 80/20 rule.
Here’s a quick outline of my method: Start with the seven buckets or general areas of life; remember those: business and career, family and personal life, money and investments, health and fitness, personal growth and development, social and community activities, and spiritual development. Then write your values, vision, mission/purpose, goals, habits, and actions. If you do this in an hour, it’s good enough. Two rules: write it by hand; it embeds better in your memory and starts the unconscious action; and write quickly; when you stop, move to the next topic. Set a one-hour timer; it pushes deep thoughts to the fore. So here goes:
Values: What are your governing principles, values, virtues, and traits? Clarity is essential, so make them sentences and no more than seven. Hint: What would you die for? How will your family and friends remember you? Vision: What would it look like if your life was perfect, without obstacles? Use the seven areas to help you define that vision as far as you can see. What does a successful life look like?
Mission and Purpose: The mission and purpose are the engines for your vision. The mission is the who, what, when, where, and how you will achieve your vision. The purpose is your “why.” One mission and purpose. It doesn’t have to be your job. Hint: Whom do you serve and why? Goals: What do you need to accomplish in the seven areas of your life to attain your vision? Consider what knowledge, skills, and networks will assist in reaching these goals. Start with one goal per bucket because they will likely have supporting goals. Habits: What habits of thought and action do you need to develop to become the objective you, the person you described in your values and vision, and achieve your goals? Routines: What daily routines and consistent daily activities will contribute to achieving your goals and becoming “the objective you”? Actions: What actions must you take immediately to begin realizing your vision? Hint: Start by prioritizing your goals.
So that’s the process. Those seven goals are probably the highest priority in your mind. Now, you can do this drill for all the supporting goals, and you’ve already got values, vision, mission, and purpose done.
Remember, if you want to make a change, you must DO something! Choose your hard because the decisions available are to start something advantageous, reinforce doing something good, reduce something unhelpful, or stop doing something unhelpful. Start with your personal strategic plan with this one-hour drill.
If you need help with goals or want to learn more about leadership, sign up for my newsletter or set up an appointment at the link below:
https://connallyconsulting.com/contact
Remember, “all things are possible through prayer and heavy deadlifts.”™
