Powering Into 2021
How are you in shedding 2020 and getting ready for 2021? Hopefully the holiday season has been a chance to reflect on what we have learned in 2020, celebrate our accomplishments and let go so we can concentrate on setting our 2021 paths for business and personal fulfilment. Here are six steps for successfully powering into 2021.
1. Start by taking a break from working in your business
It is vital to take a break and block some time to review results and develop goals and plans for the coming year. If possible, first take some time for yourself, friends and family. Do something different and not related to your business. Put the re-creation in recreation.
2. Schedule planning time
Once you have recharged, invest time in working on your business. There is so much noise in our everyday lives and businesses that it is easy to not invest the time and attention required to craft SMART goals and develop our plans for 2021. In addition to blocking time now for goal setting and plan formulation, you need to schedule regular goal review and plan adjustment sessions with yourself and your team. A trusted advisor can help keep you accountable and provide that fresh perspective. Now is a great time to connect with us and your other strategic partners (accountant, digital marketer, bookkeeper) before time slips away.
3. Look to the future“Instead of looking at the past, I put myself ahead twenty years and try to look at what I need to do now in order to get there then.” – Diana Ross Your 2021 goals will be more powerful if they are connected to a clear vision of where you want to be at least 5 years from now. We have a number of ways to help our clients envision and articulate a powerful and meaningful vision of success.
4. Understand your current reality
One of our project management colleagues would say “Predicting the future is easy. Understanding what is happening right now is the hard work.” One of the techniques that brings clarity to our clients is the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. This helps frame more immediate goals and plans in pursuit of your vision.
5. Ensure your goals are SMART
“Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed.” – Paulo Coelho
There are a number of explanations for the SMART acronym. The version we use is Specific, Attainable, Measurable, Relevant and Time-Bound. The SMART criteria ensure your goals are worthwhile and can effectively guide you plans and actions.
6. Get in the game
“Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them… It’s hard work that creates change.” – Shonda Rhimes
One certainty of any plan is that it will require adjustment. You won’t know where or how until you get in action. Segment your initiatives into quick wins, big projects, lights on and hard slogs or similar. Choose some quick wins and break larger projects into some initial tasks. Measure results, learn and adjust.