Some people like to start their New Year off with a list of resolutions, while others prefer to set intentions (this is all the rage on social media). Still others stick to the traditional SMART goal setting process (strategic, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound).
I don’t personally have a preference on which approach you choose. What is important is that you are intentional and proactive in building the life you want and being the leader you want to be. Without a plan “the demands of everyday life — the here and now — can overwhelm us, leaving little time to think about the long term and what we are working toward.”
Here’s a new approach that you may find valuable. Authors of the HBR article, “Use Strategic Thinking to Create the Life You Want,” took a seven-step corporate strategic planning process and transformed it into a useful personal planning process. They call their life strategy process “an integrated set of choices that positions a person to live a great life.” It’s based on answering these seven questions:
- How do I define a great life?
- What is my life purpose?
- What is my life vision?
- How do I assess my life portfolio?
- What can I learn from benchmarks?
- What portfolio choices can I make?
- How can I ensure a successful, sustained life change?
Once you’ve answered those questions, the authors walk you through a process of turning that information into a one-page life strategy plan using the template they provide. I encourage you to check it out and let me know if this approach is helpful!