10 Top Tips on How to Prepare for the Year Ahead

Whether you are looking to advance your career or change direction, planning will help you stay focused to achieve your goals this year.

Here are our top tips:

1. Review the past year

Before you can plan for the year ahead, you need to review the year you just had.

No doubt there were victories, mistakes and experiences you can learn from. Reflect on your growth over the year and if anything held you back. Write these down so you can use them to make a plan for the year ahead.

• Identify three large wins and three areas that need work
• Look at how you spend your time through the year – did it align with your goals?

Knowing these details will set the foundation as you plan for the year ahead.

2. Make a plan for the year ahead

Think of exactly where you want to be by 31st December this year. Now, it’s time to plan the steps you will need to take to get there.

Note down key activities or achievements along the way that will help you reach that outcome. These could be projects, mentorships, or skills development. Also, take into consideration possible obstacles. If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that you always need to have a plan B.

Make your goals achievable and very specific. Be realistic about what is possible to accomplish in the time you have. We are only setting a plan for the year ahead, not the next five.

3. Establish a routine

If you can incorporate tasks that help drive you to your goals as part of your daily routine, those you do on a perpetual basis, these are going to make the most impact. For example, you could listen to a podcast for 30 minutes each day whilst getting ready, which would help to develop your knowledge of an industry or skill and it’s an easy task to add to your everyday routine.

4. Work on a side project

Explore your passions by working on a side project. Side projects help you learn new techniques and skills that you may otherwise never learn in your daily job, and can benefit your career. They encourage creativity, self-development, confidence and training – all of these skills will also benefit you in your work environment.

5. Make use of your annual leave

The stress and burnout of continuously working isn't good for you and nor does it increase your work productivity. Don't be that person who brags about how little time they've taken for themselves because of their work life!

Only by putting annual leave into your plan for the year ahead can you ensure it becomes a priority. If it helps, pencil it in. You can always move your plans, you just can’t cancel them. You have annual leave for a reason!

6. Set up your environment for success

Your environment has a major impact on your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, whether you realise it or not. Changing your environment makes lasting change a lot easier.

A good idea to start would be to organise and declutter your space. Even just cleaning out your desk can have a positive impact, as it can free your mind for decision making and free up the physical space.

Decide to let go of things that distract you and will no longer serve you in the upcoming year. Decide to surround yourself with people and things that inspire and motivate you. And start now! This will also help you give more attention, priority, and energy to your goals.  

7. Invest in self-development

Investing in your continuing professional development is essential to keep your skills fresh, knowledge up-to-date and constantly grow. Podcasts, blogs, professional association’s publications, social media and online courses make this easier than ever. Start small, aim to sign up for an online course or read one book a month.

8. Build your network

Who will help you achieve your career goals? Do you know the right people to help you make that next step? Building your network is essential for knowledge and career growth. Aim to surround yourself with career mentors or people who will help/guide you on your career path. As the saying goes, if you are the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.

9. Hold yourself accountable or find someone who will

If you set goals and don’t share them with anyone, it’s no big deal if you don’t achieve them. You would be the only person who knew about your secret goal, and if you are okay with letting yourself down, there is no accountability for not achieving that goal.

If this sounds like you, then tell someone about your goals, this will motivate you to stay on track and keep you focused. Sometimes, simply knowing someone else knows your goal makes the biggest difference!

10. Allow for flexibility

A plan for the year ahead is only as good as your ability to understand that things happen outside of our control. It’s about patience, consistency, and flexing your plan when you need to.

You can’t control everything in life, so roll with the ups and downs and don’t worry if you fall off track for a little while!

We hope these tips help!