The holidays is a perfect time to plan for the new year. I spent mine thinking of the three words that will guide my actions and behaviours to achieve my goals and live the life I want to lead.
An assessment of my use of last year’s words (Purposeful, Groundbreaking and Global) helped make my selection—when I used them well, when I didn’t and when I forgot them altogether.
This year, I have vowed to use them for all substantial decisions on how I spend my time.
I realize that every decision impacts whether or not I am progressing against my goals. Everything counts. For example, if I agree to do something that is unplanned, the benefit must be greater than doing something else. It’s a choice. That’s why my first word is ‘Choiceful’. It will remind me of the implications of my decisions before I make them.
This year I want to grow by taking on new opportunities and challenges. This will require limiting the amount of activities that are repeats of things I have done in the past. New experiences and challenges are what I am motivated by this year.
My first two words will have limited impact if I don’t leave room in my schedule to seize opportunities. Michael Hyatt calls this creating margin. That’s why my third word is ‘Flexible’. I must keep enough room in my schedule so I can choose take on new experiences.
I felt the pain of zero margin over the past 3 months when I over-extended myself well beyond capacity. My cost was working non-stop, day and night, missing out on other parts of my life. I did it to myself and don’t want to do it again.
I am excited about my 3 word selections and how I will use them over the next 12 months. They are posted by my computer so I don’t forget them. I also plan to conduct a couple of check-ins over 2015 so I get the best use of them.
So what do you think? If you chose 3 words to help guide you in 2015, what would they be?
Phil
