For the last few years I have been doing this simple little exercise at the start of the year to help get focused around things that are important both personally and professionally.
I have found it to be really useful and one that has made a big difference.
I don’t know about you but making plans and actually achieving them is always challenging and at the start of the year I find myself at the start of that loop all over again making promises that often will never materialise!
A few years ago I was inspired to go about my goal setting in a different way thanks to a book I read called “The Art of Possibility” by Benjamin and Rosamund Zander (a really interesting motivational book by the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and his wife who is an executive coach).
Benjamin Zander, the conductor had the task every year of bringing out the very best from a large group of very talented musicians.
His approach is rooted in the power of visualisation – the simple idea behind this is that if you visualise what you want to achieve then there is a much better chance of it actually happening (unbelievers ….stop reading now !!)
Here goes ..
Take a pen and paper and simply write your diary entry in advance for the last working day of the year to come..
Imagine just before you switch off the lights in the office, before you head out the door to do some last minute shopping and enjoy a well-earned rest, you quietly write your diary entry.
Tuesday, 23rd December, 2014
I had a great year because ….
Be specific, include personal and professional goals and when you are done
Sign it!
Place your note in an envelope and seal it – on the last day of every month open your envelope and have a peep to see how you are progressing.
…what are you waiting for?
By the way ….Happy New Year!
Greg Canty is a partner of Fuzion
Fuzion are a Marketing, PR and Graphic Design agency in Ireland with offices in Cork and Dublin
