I’m not sure why, but I can remember a lot of social media posts at the end of last year talking about how everyone was happy to kiss 2016 good bye. I think I felt the same way. It wasn’t a terrible year, but there wasn’t anything particularly special about it either. It was just kind of, “meh.” Now, contrasting that sediment with how I feel this year, couldn’t be any different. 2017 was full of learning and growing. From deepening relationships with family and friends, to learning some easy (and not so easy) life lessons, and expanding my professional practices of project management, personal training, coaching, and more, I look back with nothing other than gratitude. With that feeling being the overarching theme for the last year, I’ve been asking myself how I should plan for 2018 (I probably should have been thinking about it sooner than today!). Should I tackle some new resolutions? Would they help me evolve? Should I stick with the status quo that lead to a great 2017? How much time should I look back, or plan for the future? Well, here are a few quick thoughts that I’ve jotted down. You may or may not find them helpful, but they work for me. I’d also love to hear what works for you! Resolutions & Planning I’ve decided not to make any traditional “resolutions,” but instead take an approach that has served me daily throughout 2017. That is using the format of the “5-Minute Journal.” This great little tool has helped me stay focused on the things that matter most daily. So much so, that I thought “why not apply it to the year?” If you’re not familiar with the 5-Minute Journal concept, keep on reading for a brief overview. At the end of today’s blog, you can see exactly what I’m reflecting on for 2017, and planning for in 2018. And, while the Journal is not a substitute for goal setting, it has helped me accomplish much of what I’ve set out to do.
That said, I will certainly do a little more formal goal planning for 2018. In the past I’ve used tools like Evernote and ToodleDo to keep me on track. This year however, I’m trying to simplify my digital life, so will simply be using Apple’s Notes application. If you’re interested in my approach to goal planning & how I’ll use Notes to accomplish it, stay tuned. I’ll be releasing a short video & demo in the next few weeks! For now, onto the Journal… The 5-Minute Journal Approach The 5-Minute Journal isn’t new. I’ve had a paper copy that I’ve used for years. Recently I have switched to the free iPhone app. I can’t decide which I like best, and somedays I use both. But you’re basically committing to taking 5 minutes in the morning, and 5 minutes in the evening, to journal a few important thoughts every day. Here’s the simple template you’re asked to complete (you can literally copy this onto a note pad and do it): Morning Entry
Simple, right? In my goal planning video, I’ll talk a bit more about how I answer these each day, but there’s not much to overthink! This quick, easy, effective approach also makes a quick review of 2017, and high-level overview for 2018 possible. See below for how I’ve applied these questions to a short entry for 2017/2018. Try doing the same for yourself! The 5-Minute Year 2017 Reflection
2018 Look Ahead
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AuthorKen Presutti is a certified ChiRunning instructor, ACE Personal trainer, Spinning instructor, and coach. This blog is a mix of new articles and posts from his original blog, Overkill is Underrated. Archives
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