4 Simple Steps to Get Things Done in 2019
This is the time of year when we think ahead to the New Year, am I right? I want to share four simple steps you can take today to make 2019 your best year ever.
I do all of my brainstorming and goal setting in my planner, and you can check out the 2019 printable version at the link below.
If you don't have the planner, just grab a notebook, a blank sheet of paper, or just open a Word doc or use the notes app on your phone, and let's get to it!
1. celebrate 2018
It's easy to think about the goals we didn't accomplish or the things we didn't do. The past is the past and can't be changed so, while we can learn from it, there is no reason to dwell on what didn't happen. Instead, look back with gratitude about the things you did do. The people you hung out with. The memories you made.
Action step: Spend 10 minutes journaling your favorite memories of 2018.
2. Brainstorm things you want to do in 2019
You can call this step "brainstorming goals," but sometimes the word "goal" is scary. We think about goals we may have set in the past and didn't accomplish. We don't need that kind of negativity in our lives, lol.
Instead, think of things you want to make happen, or things you want to do this year. It could be taking a vacation, or ordering filet mignon at that pricey steakhouse you've never been to you. Maybe it's committing to a yoga practice, or deciding to learn a language. Big things, little things, it's all good. What do you want to see happen in the New Year?
Action step: Set a timer for 10 minutes and brainstorm things you want to do, see, or achieve in 2019.
3. Choose one thing and plan to make it happen.
Look at your list.... what idea sounds the most appealing? Or, what thing can you knock off in an hour, or a day or a week? Circle it! I like to start with something on the simple side, but it's your life. You choose what you want to make happen.
Then make a plan. It's easy, just brainstorm all the action steps you need to accomplish your goal or "thing." The action steps are what seem intimidating, but they shouldn't. You are just making a list. So, for the example of having a steak at the cool local restaurant you haven't tried, it could be:
decide who you want to invite
text them and find a date that works for everyone
make a reservation and put it on your calendar
pick out a cool outfit to wear
go to the restaurant and enjoy!
Obviously some goals will be a lot more complicated, but the process is the same. Break it down into small, manageable steps and add the steps to your calendar, a few at a time.
Sometimes you won't know all of the steps you need to take, and that's ok. Add "research" as one of your action steps.
Action step: Brainstorm a list of all the steps you need to accomplish your goal. Then add a few to your calendar. Once completed, add more.
4. repeat the process.
The secret to getting things done is simple... just follow the process above and repeat, over and over again. It's how you get your house decluttered, it's how you finish work projects, it's how you make time to get yo' self to the gym.
I hope you found these simple steps to getting things done helpful. If you'd like to check out the printable planner I use to plan my goals and action steps, you can check it out in the Plan a Healthy Life shop at the link below:
2019 Life Planner
Complete goal setting and life planning system.
