2018

Today is December 1st. That means 2018 is just one month away.

Companies have already begun, or finished, their 2018 strategic plans and budgets.

Politicians are laying the groundwork for their 2018 campaigns.

Gyms have their January marketing plans ready to rock.

So have you started thinking about your 2018 goals and plans?

Why do most New Years Resolutions fail? Maybe because we come up with them on December 31st. This year, let’s do it differently.

You don’t achieve big goals just by thinking them. You’ve got to set up systems that will make you successful. And systems take time to plan and execute.

So this year, give yourself a better chance for success. Don’t wait until New Years Eve to slap together some resolutions.

Start now.

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One approach to resolutions:

1. What is your big theme? Your word of the year?
2. What are some specific goals/resolutions under that umbrella?
3. What are specific and actionable systems you can set up to help you achieve those goals?

Start now:

2018 is the year of ____________________.

Fill in the blank with one word or concept. Your word of the year. Your overarching theme that you can return to.

For me:
2016 was the year of generosity
2017 was the year of physical prowess (yes, please make fun of me)
2018 is the year of TBD, but a few ideas (please steal!):

Consistency
Connection
Doing Hard Things
Engagement
Independence
Health
Learning
Playfulness
Spirit
Relationship Building

After that, move on to step 2 (specific goals that fit your theme) and step 3 (actionable systems to help you achieve your goals).

Maybe this approach works for you, and maybe it doesn’t - the method is not the point. The point is to take a little extra time this December to do some reflection and set yourself up for "success" (whatever that means to you!) in 2018.

Start today!

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P.S. One fun and easy activity to get you excited for the new year: Research shows that a surprising amount of the enjoyment we derive from vacation comes not from the vacation itself, but from the planning and anticipation of the vacation. So begin your 2018 trip planning now. Here are 6 types of trips to get on your calendar as soon as possible:

1. A boys weekend or girls weekend with your closest friends in that category.

2. A one-on-one trip with your partner or spouse that is at least four days long. Or if you’re single, with a close friend or family member.

3. An outdoors trip - backpacking, camping, etc.

4. If you live somewhere that is cold in the winter - a trip to somewhere that is warm during one of the more gloomy months. If you live somewhere hot, then a trip to somewhere more temperate during one of the hotter months. Don’t feel the pressure to go big, a weekend is great (but might as well do 3 days right?!)

5. A trip within your own region: Plan a road trip to the cool town 2 hours away, go solo and make a reservation at a nice restaurant if that’s your thing. Rent a big house and split it with friends and then if that’s your thing.

6. A trip within your own city. It could be a day trip - hit up that museum you never get to but want to, go out to a nice lunch, and take a cooking class. Or if you really want to go for it, do an overnight! For example, Keeley and her best friend/co-founder already have a weekend planned in 2018 where they are staying at the Ace Hotel in downtown Portland and are going to be tourists in their own city. I love it!

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