It’s December. You know what that means, right? It’s time for annual planning! I’m a big nerd for strategic planning but I think that this process can be helpful to everyone – whether you own your own business, are climbing the corporate ladder, are rocking the non-profit world or you’re still trying to figure it all out. Like any big, ominous task, I like to break it into tiny bite-sized pieces. Today we’re going to talk about step 1 – Your Year in Review.
Reflecting back on a whole year can be tricky. It’s easy to start getting caught up in remembering every single thing that happened. Let’s make this as simple as possible. Get a piece of paper out – I like to do all of my planning on a huge Post-it note easel board with colorful markers, but any piece of paper will do – split in down the middle into two columns. On the left side write ‘What Went Well’ and on the right side write ‘What Went Not-So-Well.’ Now just start filling those columns in. Here are some thought-starters:
- What have you accomplished during 2011?
- What was fun and exhilarating?
- What new things did you try?
- Who did you meet?
- Where did you go?
- What are you most proud of from the past year?
- When did you feel most like yourself?
- If you had goals that you set, did you achieve them?
- Any disappointments or setbacks?
- What did not go as expected?
Just start writing things down. Once you get started, more experiences and thoughts will keep popping into your head. Remember this is YOUR year in review – there are no right answers and no magic formula. Once you’re satisfied with your massive list of incredible things you’ve done this year, begin thinking of what you’ve learned. Take a look at the ‘What Went Well’ list – what lessons and takeaways can you get from your successes. Now take a look at the ‘What Went Not-So-Well’ side, what can you learn from some of the setbacks or disappointments you’ve had? Write out 5-7 Lessons from 2011.
In reviewing your lessons, decide on what you will definitely be keeping as you head into the new year. Is there a particular learning or attitude that was particular helpful during this past year? On the flip side, think of 1 thing that you will let go of in the new year.
Easy peasy, right? Here’s a quick review:
- Big piece of paper split into 2 columns: What Went Well + What Went Not-So-Well [colorful markers optional but very helpful]
- Write 5-7 Lessons Learned from the past year
- Decide on what you’re keeping from this year and at least 1 thing that you will let go of as you move into the next year
- Give yourself a high five because you’re one step closer to an incredible annual plan
Here are a couple of helpful Vintage Polka Dot articles to help you on your way: You, Inc. Quarterly Review + Lessons Learned From 2 Years of Business + Developing Your Strategic Plan
Do you usually do an annual plan? If yes, what do you do differently? If not, will you do one this year?
