Who Else Wants 2016 to Be a Great Year?

Maybe you are like me, and towards the end of each year, you reflect back and then set some goals for the next year. I was preparing myself for that annual activity, and decided that I wanted to take a different approach this year. I am sharing this so that maybe I can provide you with some new ideas, or an incentive to refresh your annual planning process.

One day last week, I was thinking about the goals I had achieved in 2015, and where I fell short of my targets. I also wondered if 2015 would really have been better if I achieved all my goals. That may sound crazy, but I was thinking that even if I achieved my goals, would I be the person I wanted to be.

The question that stuck in my head was, “How can I become a better person?” It is a much different question than, “What goals do I want to achieve in 2016?” My focus shifted from accomplishing a specific thing, to development. How can I grow my character? How can I improve my life?

Since that day of reflection, my attitude towards a plan for 2016 has been very stimulating. What does it really mean to be a better person?

With those thoughts in mind, I have started compiling areas to explore for my 2016 plan. Here is the list I have so far.

• My attitude and how it affects everything I do
• My faith
• My relationships and investing in them
• My generosity both money and time
• My values and how I live them
• My continued growth
• My mental, physical, and spiritual health
• My self-esteem
• Making and handling commitments to others and myself
• My approach to priorities

I think through this approach I will be able to develop a 2016 plan that is very rewarding, and probably more valuable than simply setting goals. I am excited about this approach and where it may lead me.

Some questions for you to think about:

1. What else do you think belongs on this list?
2. What is your plan for an end of year review?
3. What do you want to achieve in 2016?