Six steps to planning out an amazing 2019.

I have written a lot in the past about the habits and commitments I plan for each year (that I think would be pretty rad for any single mum really – check them out here and here). But never have I written about HOW I plan out a successful year.

It was the topic of last week’s podcast episode, and you can listen to it here:

But if you are more of a reader, I have summarised the main points for you in this post.

Also, if you can give yourself a couple of hours for this, even better! Is childfree and uninterrupted asking for too much? Ha! Probably. But if you do have the opportunity or option to have some time for yourself, use it. Remember nothing will change if you don’t change things up.

Why not make this year extraordinary?

Here is my guide to planning out an amazing 2019. Bring it!

1. Reflect.

The end of a year or the start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on the year that was. Often we focus on what we want for the next year but we don’t look back and reflect on the year that has passed. If you’re a regular listener to the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast or reader of the blog, you will know that I am most definitely NOT about living in the past. But in this case, I think it is a very valuable step in the planning process. And I believe most people who have worked in project management, or on any projects, would probably agree. It’s not about dwelling in the past, it’s about looking at your life as a project and looking at where you can make improvements.

Reflect on last year and ask yourself: what worked for you, and what didn’t? What made you happy? What can you do more of? What do you want to do less of?

For me, for instance, I know that practicing gratitude made a very positive difference to my life (for the third year running now) and I definitely plan to continue that in 2019. Something I could improve on this year, however, based on last year, is quality time with my daughter (and less worrying about and actioning ALL of the things that need to be done at home ALL of the time). Dating is another area I want to work on this year, especially when I compare it to my efforts last year. Walking is something that worked wonders for me last year and is definitely something I want to do more of in 2019 too.

2. Dream big.

Those that have completed a mentoring program with me one-on-one, or taken my Don’t Just Survive, THRIVE online course, know that I am a big believer in goal setting. Part of this process, for me, is dreaming BIG. It’s giving myself a good thirty minutes (set an alarm if you’re a time watcher) to lie down on the couch, or in bed, and just daydream about what I really want in life, and what my ideal life looks like. And the start of the new year is a perfect time to do it. Look, I’m all for making changes every day or any day (no matter what the date), but I think most will agree that there is something about a new year that whispers new beginning. It suggests a cleansing or freshness of some sorts. It’s a chance for renewal.

Try it for yourself. Give yourself some time to lie down and visualise what you want, and write it out. A good strategy is to imagine yourself on the 31^st December at the end of the new year (2019 in this case) and picture everything you’ve (ideally) done. What are you proud of accomplishing? What are you disappointed about that another year has gone by and you haven’t done it yet? This should help you work out what is important to you. What would a successful year look like to you? Think about the different aspects of your life. Remember, you are more than a mum. You are a woman (or man), an individual. And this is YOUR life too.

3. Identify your goals.

Next, it’s time to look at what you dreamed about and identify a couple of goals, habits or commitments that you want to implement in your year. What do you want? Say it out loud. Write them down.

4. Schedule it in.

Now that you have worked out exactly what you want to achieve this year, it’s time to schedule it in. You can actually sit down with a yearly planner if you have specific monthly goals. If it’s a “SMART” goal you should have an end date for that goal – put it in the calendar, and schedule in the steps that you need to take throughout the year to reach that goal. For instance, if it’s a marathon, you may want to schedule in regular training sessions each week.

Perhaps it’s more of a lifestyle change that you want to have this year and maybe that means introducing new healthy habits. Work out what your non-negotiables are and schedule them in. Exercising at least three times a week, or re-working your schedule so that you get at least 8 hours sleep every night might be your non-negotiables. Or if you want to find a partner, maybe a non-negotiable is to go on a date once a fortnight.

Or maybe you have a particular savings goal? Set up a direct debit so that some of your pay goes directly into a savings account each week.

5. What do you need to do?

Now that you know exactly what you want to achieve this year, ask yourself: What do I need to do, and who do I need to be to make this happen? Having an I can’t do this attitude, for example, is not going to help you have an amazing year. Sometimes it’s as simple as having a change in attitude or a mindset shift. Easier said than done, I know. These things take practice. Maybe having a mindset shift is even THE goal for this year? In which case, GO YOU! A positive mindset is something that I believe to be very important. I believe it can completely transform your life.

Maybe it’s changing your evening or morning routine? For me, it’s continuing to get up early to get things ticked off the list before it’s even time to get my daughter ready for school (getting these things done and making the most of my day so I can get them done is a part of what I need to do to reach MY yearly goals).

Regardless of what it is, work out how you need to show up this year.

6. Put it into action.

This is as simple as it sounds. In the words of Nike, and one of my life mottos: Just Do It. And to kick things off, give yourself a high five that you’ve undertaken this exercise and CELEBRATE. You see, most people don’t go through a process like this. But by doing it, you’re halfway there. You’re halfway to having the kind of year that you really want. And we are all about rewards, every step of the way. So maybe that means taking yourself out to the beach, or having a glass of wine in the bath, or getting yourself an ice-cream. Whatever it is – treat yourself – you deserve it!

I hope this year is everything you want to be. And with your plan in place, there’s no reason why it can’t be.

P.S DID YOU KNOW?

You can book one-on-one coaching with Julia Hasche from wherever you are in the world!

Have you just parted ways with your partner, and feeling lost?
Have you been single for a little while now and need assistance with getting your life back on track and feeling empowered?

Click HERE to read about coaching and read some testimonials, and book in here for your complimentary Clarity Call.

The purpose of the Clarity Call is:

For me to get to know you and understand an overview of your current situation and where you are at.
For us to establish what you need assistance with to move forward.
To see if we are a good fit to work together.