How Has Your Year Been?

December starts the final month of the year. Just as our government is trying to get #Budget2021 approved, this budget represent what’s the plan for 2021, and probably beyond it.  December is also a good time for us to assess what’s gone right this year, what’s gone wrong, and what steps we can take to finish the year with strong forward momentum. 

 Preparing for a positive conclusion for 2021 could also help you end this difficult year with a real sense of personal accomplishment. Answer these three questions and put an action plan in place to achieve your most important goals and start laying the groundwork for a successful 2021 as well. 

1. What are my top goals for the next 3 months?

We’ve all had to deal with a myriad of challenges and changes in 2020. Those experiences probably had a profound impact on the goals you set for yourself way back in January. Perhaps, due to social distancing or work displacement, some goals just aren’t very realistic right now. Or perhaps community needs, or covid-19 has helped you see things in new light and inspired new goals that have jumped to the top of your list. 

The space between the things we want to do and the things we can do in this environment might feel overwhelming. But if you try to do too much in a short space of time, you’ll only scatter minimal progress across targets that you won’t be any closer to hitting. Instead, reflect on how 2020 has affected you personally, professionally, emotionally, and physically. Focus your attention on one or two practical goals that will give you the most fulfillment. File away any goals that don’t make the cut for your 2021 game plan. 

2020 may be ending, but your life is just about to enter a new chapter come 2021.

 
2. What can I do today?

 Once you’ve broken down your list of goals, it’s time to break down those goals even further into actionable daily steps. These little achievements will build up to major accomplishments over time if you’re diligent about crossing them off your to-do list. 

Again, some of your goals might have to change to accommodate 2020. Your “exercise three days per week” goal might have to take place in front of a computer rather than at a gym. This step might also help you improve a vague goal, like, “I want to give back,” with a more specific and actionable step, like, “I’m going to call the local charitable organization, or food bank and see if they have any volunteer opportunities.” Making that phone call will lead you to another actionable step that you can take tomorrow, and so on. 

3. How will I hold myself accountable?

Effective goal setting creates a stepladder that builds on the previous day’s progress and keeps you moving closer to your ultimate goal. But some days getting up on that ladder is easier than others. 

Many people (including myself) maintain motivation through short-term rewards. For example, when you’ve made it halfway to your savings goal for a down payment on a new house, treat yourself and your spouse to a nice dinner. If you accomplish your daily KPIs for four days in a row, give yourself a Friday afternoon off and watch a movie, or play some games. 

 Another strategy is to track your progress. There are many online tools and apps you can use to check off daily tasks (such as Apple’s Reminder, Microsoft’s To-Do, Evernote, etc). It could also be fun to personalize a pen-and-paper journal that combines your to-do lists with reflections on your journey. If you are trying to build a habit, there’s app like Streaks and Habitory that you can leverage on.

 Finally, there’s no stronger accountability system than other people. Knowing that your running buddy is waiting for you on the track will get you out of the house even when your bed is especially cozy. In CMCO and time of Covid-19 threat, you can do virtual jogging-date with your buddy. 

 And whatever you’re trying to get better at, you can find groups of likeminded strivers online who will inspire you to write more, cook healthier meals, baking those sugar-rush cookies, or even learn how to do budgeting.

We would love to be part of the support system that helps you achieve your financial goals. Let’s schedule a 2020 review,discuss where you want your financial plan to lead you by the end of the year, and plan for a smoother, happier 2021 on all front of your life.