It is a New Year and time to reboot and refresh. Dust off what didn’t get done. Create new opportunities and bring them to fruition. Take the time to invest in what YOU need to do for 2021. Now, I realize this has been a challenging year, but I believe in the saying “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Here are suggestions for the top 5 planning must do’s this year.
Above all, being intentional about planning your year is a must for entrepreneurs and business minded individuals. Think about it like this, if you decided to complete that Master’s degree you will indeed have a planned schedule full of actionable items. Take that same approach for your business and plan 2021!
Tip 1: Be Clear About Your Task | Top 5 Planning Must Do’s
The first tip in our top 5 planning must so’s is to identify what does the big picture look like for you? In other words, think of it as taking your eyes off the tree in front of you and looking at the entire forest. For example, this year your task may be to decrease your business debt. So ask questions to gather your baseline facts.
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- How much debt do you want paid off?
- What are you already paying on debt?
- Can your business sacrifice anything to free income to go toward paying off debt?
- Are there other ways or new services you can offer to increase your business income?
- What is your debt free deadline and payment plan?
- How can you celebrate without increasing debt all over again?
- What protections can you put in place to make sure your business debt remains manageable?
Tip 2: Create SMART Action Items | Top 5 Planning Must Do’s
Clarifying the task is just the beginning. By the way, you have probably heard of the SMART method. In fact, this method has become a norm in the business world today. Furthermore, the SMART method will keep you focused as you pin point the specifics for your tasks. Use this modified version of the SMART method and write down an action item for each step.
Step One: Specific – This is your who, what and why
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- Who do you need to involve
- What do you need to do
- Why does this need to be done
Step Two: Measurable – How will you measure your progress, on a regular basis and consequently complete tasks successfully.
Step Three: Achievable – Do you have the resources, knowledge, skills and abilities to complete this task?
Step Four: Relevant – Is this task relevant to your big picture? Is this task a must have or a nice to have?
Step Five: Time – When does this need to be completed? Is this time-frame realistic?
Tip 3: Schedule Your Action Items | Top 5 Planning Must Do’s
People use different tools to plan. For me, I like the convivence of accessing my scheduled tasks from any devise! My preferred tool is Infinity because I lost my planner once while in the military. That was a disaster for my OCD perfectionist brain. What I like about Infinity is pay once use forever. At some point I know I will need to upgrade. In either case, any tool works, a spreadsheet, document, printed blank calendar or paper planner. Just don’t loose yours like I did. The whole point is to get your action items assigned to dates.
Protect Your Time
To provide an example, when I was planning for the New Year, I knew I needed to schedule writing time. I had to be intentional to block out an hour a week-day to do nothing but write. That is on my calendar. This is important for me because I write books and blogs. Now I have a view of not just the appointments on my calendar but the time I have protected to work on a component of my business. As a result, I completed my first book last year.
With this in mind protecting your time just as you would for a 9-5 employer is critical to your success. Without scheduling your action items they will not get completed or will be severely delayed. Trust me I know. I used to be that person that said well I will get to it. Newsflash, no you won’t. There are too many other things that compete for our time. If you don’t schedule your action items you will not see the results you desire.
Tip 4: Collaborate | Top 5 Planning Must Do’s
You don’t have to do it all yourself. As a matter of fact, you will make a greater impact with a like minded individual. Think about it, you don’t go to a hair salon to study science right? Not to mention there are people who are just as passionate about what you are passionate about. Remember to define roles and reach a healthy agreement before committing.
Tip 5: Take Care Of Yourself | Top 5 Planning Must Do’s
Finally, schedule time for yourself. Sometimes people work, work, and work some more. As a result this leads to general stress, irritability, and even serious health problems. If you can’t take care of yourself, how will you take care of your business?
While you are planning out your tasks, schedule time for yourself. It doesn’t have to be a trip to the Bahamas. I have had many peaceful moments, simply taking a day or a week off and relaxing around the house. In all honesty, I am happiest when I have people in my house eating a good meal. Whatever you decide, schedule time for yourself because it is vital to your success.
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