One holiday ended and we are rapidly approaching the New Year. This is the time people set a goal or a “resolution” and inevitably within weeks break that resolution. Last year during this time we had to get out of town because of the craziness of 2020 so my usual reflection didn’t not happen.
This year I will take time to reflect on the past year and prepare for the next both professionally and personally. I know this, I am the limiter to my success. If I don’t take time to plan a path of growth, I will limit the potential success I can have. 
Last year around this time I shared a friend’s method of evaluating the year. This year can I share with you a personal growth plan? If you read to the end you will see a link to a page where you can get a free resource to help you think into your growth plan.
Vision
Purpose and vision can easily get confused. This is when we are asking what am I about right now? Purpose is our “why” behind all we do. For example, I do what I do to help leaders transform so they can be transformational agents at work, home, and in their communities. A vision statement for this purpose is what I am about for a period. For example, on a personal level my vision is to equip my children to be men who know and live out their purpose. This vision will change as they leave my home.
A professional vision specifically relates to your professional life. You may desire to get promoted to a new position or grow your business results to a certain level. Maybe you see an area you need to grow in professionally that you want to focus on. This vision is something that will keep you moving toward your professional goals.
Top 5 Values
At times with one on one clients I challenge them to determine their values. Knowing our top values serves as a filter for knowing what to say no to as we make decisions. Many tools exist that can help you determine your values. If you need help determining your top values let me know and I can provide a resource to assist in that process.
Top 3 Goals
This is where we get very specific. Look at the next thirty days and decide what are three specific, measurable, reachable, and stretching goals you want to accomplish both personally and professionally. Next look at three months and determine the same answer. Finally determine what the top three things you want to accomplish this next year are both personally and professionally.
Annual Personal Development Goals
This final section is broader and more focused on intentionally developing ourselves. In the book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership author and leadership expert John Maxwell’s first law is The Law of the Lid which states:
“Leadership ability determines a person’s level of effectiveness.”
We are the lid on our business, leadership, and life. This final section helps us think intentionally about ways to raise our lid by increasing our awareness. One of the ways to accomplish this is learning from others. As you think into the year ahead what books will you read, people will you intentionally meet and learn from, and events will you attend to help you grow? This will provide a simple personal growth plan to maintain.
One Word
For a few years now I have decided on a word for the year. This may or may not be a beneficial exercise for you. I find it provides a simple purpose or vision for the next twelve months that I can easily remember. It could be courage, focus, trust, discipline, or any number of words. Don’t overthink this one. Let the word come to you. You will know it when it does.
I hope you have found this helpful. As I mentioned at the beginning if you want a resource to help you walk through this process go to https://bit.ly/WheelPGP to receive access to your free growth plan guide. Make the most intentional and purposeful year yet! Lead Well.
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