We are getting close to the end of the quarter and then just have one more quarter in 2025, so let’s take a review of our planning. First of all, do you plan? Do you plan what you want to accomplish on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis? Or do you just keep that never ending to-do list and just keep adding things to it instead of really planning what you want to accomplish?
I would challenge you to take the time (at least quarterly) to make some plans for yourself. Put the time to do your planning in your calendar and spend your planning time somewhere where you can unplug from the world and where you won’t be disturbed. I have actually found that I like to do this at my local library because it is quiet and no one thinks to look for me there!
Since I am assuming you are doing this planning on a quarterly basis, first spend a few minutes thinking about what you accomplished during the last 90 days. Write down what you accomplished, what you wanted to accomplish and didn’t and what went right or wrong with each of your tasks. What about any new skills you learned in the last quarter, did any of them really stand out?
Then let’s work on our short term vision. This short term vision can include things that you want to accomplish during the next quarter or in the next 2 to 3 years. The vision will probably include any of the items that you didn’t accomplish during the last quarter that you still want to accomplish (and this assumes it is something you really still do want to accomplish).
When we talk about vision, we may also want to consider new relationships, new skills or education that we may need and even making more money. When we set this vision and these goals for the next quarter, make sure you include both personal and professional goals. Then consider the actionable items that will get you to these goals and be sure to remind yourself during the quarter of the goals you set to ensure that you are on track to accomplish them.
One final note for this week is that sometimes obstacles come into play. Don’t beat yourself up about obstacles as they happen! That is why we take the time to visit and re-visit our goals and how we will accomplish them. Not all will happen overnight so allowing yourself time to achieve them and to do them right will be key!
