When planning the year ahead you should start by asking yourself a few questions. You should also review the previous year. This only really needs to take a few minutes but it will help you to close the year ready to start a new one.

Planning the Year Ahead

Ask Yourself:

• What do you want the year to look like?
• Where do you see yourself at the end of the year?
• What do you hope to achieve and create over the course of the year?

Try not to spend too much time thinking about these answers as it will divert your attention and make your year and aims appear overly busy and a little bit too ambitious, causing you to feel deflated by the end of the year.

So make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, grab that packet of biscuits, open a blank page in your notebook and let’s begin.

My Process for Planning the Year Ahead

1. Review the previous year

Take any to do lists that you may have made during the previous year and review how much you managed to tick off. Look back on the various areas of your life and take note of the areas that worked and what didn’t. Recognise your achievements and any aspects that you’re proud of as well as focusing on areas that could have been improved and that you need to learn from.

2. Breakdown your life into areas

Work, money, physical and mental health, friends and family, hobbies, blogging etc. All of these areas are important and need to be thought about.

3. Set your goals for each area

After you’ve broken down your life into areas, think about what you want to achieve in each one. Consider goals that are achieveable but don’t over simplify everything just to make life easier.

4. Create a financial plan

I’m not a financial expert so I’m going to recommend you read the following blogs and websites:

Money Saving Expert

Laura Ann Moore

The Frugal Cottage

Joleisa

The Money Whisperer

Make a note of all of your incomings and outgoings, make a conscious effort to save something every month and ensure any credit cards you may have are paid off in full.

If you have any business ventures make sure you keep these financial details separate and don’t confuse them.

5. Decide how you will meet these goals

The hardest part of planning the year ahead probably isn’t thinking about your goals but working out how to actually achieve them. This could be anything from taking a course, to clearing out your wardrobe, from hiring a coach or someone to help clean your house.

Think about what time and money your can afford and how best to spend it, then consider outsourcing anything else.

6. Create a daily/weekly routine

The best method I have for achieving goals is to create to do lists, but first you need to understand your routine. Write down everything you do every day, from the moment you get up in the morning to the time you go to bed.

You really need to focus on the time you consider as relaxation, if you use it for mindlessly scrolling social media then put the phone away and pick up a book, do something creative, get some exercise. Don’t forget, it’s fine to be busy but you also need to remember that busy doesn’t necessarily mean productive and it also won’t always allow you to take time for yourself.

7. Write down to do lists for each day/week/month

Whenever you have a job to do, break it down into smaller tasks and tick them off as they are completed. Think about what you have planned over the next day, week and month, then write down everything you need to do, buy, and plan for each activity and trip.

Why is Planning the Year Ahead Important?

To be clear on what you want

You’ll realise what is important

Remember: Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for happiness. Aim for contentment. 

Have you started planning the year ahead?

Let me know in the comments.