How To Turn 2020 Into Your Best Year Ever

If you’re anything like me, you start each year full of grand plans and lofty goals. Many of which are exactly the same as last year (no I really really am going to give up chocolate this year…)

But 2020 has been.....errr unexpected, unprecedented, horrific (insert appropriate adjective) and has probably thrown you way off course.

So, in today’s article I want to share with you the simple 3 step plan I’ve put in place for myself, and my clients, to ensure that we turn this sh*t-storm of a year around and make it a great year for us personally.  

And, whether your goals are to get into your best shape physically, start that new business or even just get the washing done without killing a small person - I'm hoping these 3 tips are going to help you:

1) Set Yourself Targets

Obvious. Yes. But I’m not talking about goals here, I’m talking about targets. Targets are more focused than goals and they’re easier to manage and realize.

The trick, when creating your targets is to focus on the specific results that you want and then set a target around those specific results. As part of this, determine exactly what you want, the minimum you are willing to accept and that results that would exceed even your wildest expectations.

Create just 3 targets for the year, because each of them will have a list of objectives, and you don't want to create a totally overwhelming situation that terrifies you to such an extent you never even get started.

Then, with each target specified for the year ahead, look at the target for the quarter and then for the month. Then create and follow a plan of action for each target, breaking it down from the year plan into the quarter plans into this month’s and then this week’s plan.

Because once you have determined the key results you want to achieve you can list all the actions that must take place in order to achieve that result, take responsibility or delegate the tasks and assign resources accordingly.

Now you have a concrete plan of action, you know what you need to do, and you know how to achieve it.

2. Find Yourself a Mentor / Coach / Accountability Partner

The goal here is to find someone who will hold you accountable to your targets for the week, month or quarter.

By arranging weekly, monthly or quarterly meetings with this person, you are sharing your progress, and results with someone who knows and understands your targets. In this meeting you’ll discuss what you’ve been doing, the challenges you’re facing, you’ll brainstorm ideas and have a supportive soundboard to work with.

Knowing that you have this meeting in place, with someone who is going to ask you about your progress, and what you’ve achieved over the week or month, you’re much more likely to put in the work, over come your excuses and create the results that you want. This person will also help to keep you motivated and positive if, and when, times get tough.

I both have, and am, a mentor, and, finding a mentor was one of the most important things that I've done for my business.

This is a very basic template that we follow in our meetings together:

• Tasks completed this week / month
• Tasks not completed this week / month and why
• Challenges / Concerns
• Weekly Win
• Targets for next week / month
• Monthly Target Status
• Quaterly Target Status
• Yearly Target Status

3. Learn to Delegate Effectively

You can’t do everything yourself. Really you can’t. And the reality is that there are likely to be a number of people who are more suited and, frankly, better at some things that you are.

Any computer programming related, video editing, accountancy based project – is delegated by me, immediately.

Honestly, I'm crap at all these things, and I know this because I’ve tried to do them all myself, and, after countless hours (and tears) I learnt the hard way.

So, instead of struggling through tasks  you're kinda bad at, save yourself time, and heartache, by delegating the task to someone who can, and focus your attention on those things which you, and only you, can do.

If you’re like most of us, you find delegating pretty tricky. So, here’s my simple step-by-step guide to delegating effectively:

1. Decide on those tasks that you can't / don't want to / or plain hate to do
2. Make a list of suitable people / businesses who can complete this task
3. Check on their capacity: do they have the time? can they do it on budget?
4. Match the task to the person and ask them to do it
5. Explain clearly what you need them to do and ask them to repeat back what you’ve asked, to ensure they have full understanding
6. Clarify any gaps or misunderstandings and confirm the exact deliverable, costs, and deadlines
7. Ensure that communication is honest and open, if they need help, an extension of the deadline etc it’s important that they feel that they can approach you and talk to you about it.  If it’s a big project schedule in progress reports and meetings so that you’re clear on how it’s going and there are no big surprises along the way!

So those were some simple ideas for ‘The 3 Things You Need To Do To Turn 2020 Around To Make It Your Best Year Yet’, do let me know if you’ve found this helpful, and what your plans are for the rest of the year.

You can do anything you want to, just focus, believe and take action!

And if you'd like to work more closely with me then please click here to find out how.