We are halfway through January. How is your year going so far? How are you feeling about your goals, your time, and your direction?
When we consider planning we must first remember to get clear on where we want to go, what have we experienced, and what have we learned. Looking back is an important step to move forward. When reflecting back, think broadly and use some of these questions:
What were your victories, what great decisions did you make, what were the magic moments, what were the proactive moments
What have you learned, were there breakthrough moments or thoughts
Who are your communities, who have you met, who have you taught, who have you learned from
How has your health been, what challenges have you overcome, what have you been grateful for
Have there been stressful times, were the moments when you were triggered, were the moments when you felt out of alignment
Have there been any relationship challenges
Once you get clear on where you are going, you can begin to map out where you want to go, and how you’ll get there, that’s where planning tools come in. There are a lot of options out there, embrace trying several different types. Here are a few tips on how to choose a planner and process that works for you:
Be ready to try multiple formats and tools and adjust if something doesn’t work for you
Try different formats: daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly
How structured do you like to work? There are planners that have a blank sheet you can fill out (i.e. Bullet Planner) or very structured planners with many prompts for reflecting (i.e. Panda Planner)
Are you a creative thinker who likes to thought-provoking questions and space to draw and map out your dreams (i.e. Passion Planner) or maybe something that reflects inspiration and goal setting (i.e. The Life You Want Planner by Oprah
Do you like paper or digital formats? Try a paper planner and digital planners (i.e. Asana, OneNote, DayOne)
What size planner do you like? If you like to write a lot consider a larger size (8.5 x 11in), if you like to make notes on the go try a smaller format (planners come in the size of a smartphone)
Most of all remember to be open to trying new things and figure out what works for you. Solutions that seem to work for others but cause you frustration or resistance are not worth forcing. Let it go and try something else.
Remember that is continuous. It’s never too late to start, to adjust, to try something new. This is also your reminder that planning is for you, and no one else. It is about building a life that brings you happiness, as I’m reminded of one of my favorite quotes from 2021, “do what makes your soul grow.”.
Quote of the Week
Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible. - Tony Robbins
Resources
Planners
Panda Planner: a planner to reclaim your happiness
The Life You Want Planner by Oprah: I am trying this planner out this year and can’t wait to share my review with you!
Passion Planner: I used this planner last year and it’s great for creative brainstorming as well as organized lists.
Bullet Planner: This has been a popular planner for a while and they continue to expand their resources with books and now an app.
OneNote: a digital tool for tracking goals and tasks
DayOne: a simple journaling app
Asana: a popular tasks tracking tool
Books & Articles
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear: This breakthrough book from James Clear is the most comprehensive guide on how to change your habits and get 1% better every day
Forget New Year’s Resolutions and Conduct a ‘Past Year Review’ Instead by Tim Ferris: A great write-up and podcast on the art of a past year review
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza: this book bridges the gap between the sciences of quantum physics, neuroscience, brain chemistry, biology, and genetics to show you what is truly possible.
Courses
James Clear 30 Days to Better Habits: A simple step-by-step guide for forming habits that stick: A framework and a plan to start building better habits
The 100 Day Challenge by Gary Ryan Blair: Introducing a totally new way to achieve your goals.
Learning to Lead LIVE
The full replay of the Learning to Lead LIVE discussion is available now on clubhouse.
Learning to Lead LIVE on Clubhouse will be back next week (Saturday, January 22 @ 9:30 am PST). Topics are on Wednesdays so be sure to subscribe!
Is there a topic you’d like us to cover? Do you have any questions for the Learning to Lead team? Comment or DM me.
Events
The 2022 Virtual California Conference for Women - March 2, 2022: Renew. Reconnect. Re-ignite. Inspiration, Motivation, and Connection
TED 2022 - April 2022: Applications are open now. Come and be part of something extraordinary.
Gallup at Work Summit 2022 - June 7-8, 2022: The workplace and leadership conference where professional development and greater performance unite
Networking & Job Openings
Current Job Openings:
Are you hiring? Send your job to be included in this newsletter and connect with leaders in our network
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