5 simple steps to set yourself up for success in the new year

By Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter

Since turning to coaching a few years ago, one of the things I’ve done with the people I coach is help them finish the current year well and be ready for the new year, because oftentimes the adults get to run our lives, not us.

At the end of the year, as we enter the new year, we begin with optimism and possibility, then experience the overwhelming weight of daily life and responsibilities that take hold of our rudder and take charge.

If you follow these 5 steps, you will take control of the ship and start commanding it again so you can be successful in the new year.

1. Reflect on the past year and everything you’ve done. List at least 25 successes you had last year. These successes are not necessarily work-related, although they can be. They can range from things like I paid my bills on time, I went to my kid’s soccer game in September, I completed a project on time and within budget, I solved a particularly difficult problem, I took a vacation, anything that when you think about the year represents something positive that you did during the year. Complete this list within a week. Please feel free to send me your list LinkedIn Let us celebrate your success.

2. The last few weeks of the year are the easiest time of year to connect and reconnect with people. Week 2 Your assignment is to send a text, email, e-card, or greeting card to someone from your past that says: “It’s been a hundred years since we last contacted. I thought I’d send a (text, email, e-card, Christmas, New Year, Hanukkah) card to see how you and your family are doing and see if we’ll catch up. Do you think you might have time in the next few weeks (by phone or Zoom) phone call, coffee, lunch or dinner) and get the message? Reconnect after a few days to start arranging the conversation. You never know when you may be able to help someone from your past, or if you need or want professional or personal help, building your network is your precautionary measure if something bad happens in the new year, and it would be to your benefit to start doing this as soon as possible in December.

3. Many adults lose control of their spending and start buying everything they want and everything they need. The bill comes later and they wonder where their money went. During the third week, spend at least two weeks recording everything you spend money on in an app or small notebook of your choice. Don’t make any changes in your behavior. If you buy a $5 cup of coffee twice a day, just record it. If you go out for a beer or a few drinks with friends at the end of the day, write it down. Do the same for any expenses you incur from reconnecting with people from your past. Do the same for every expense you normally incur, including charges that are automatically charged to your credit card or bank account. After two weeks, start paying attention to items that seem like a waste of money to you. Can you exchange 2 $5 coffees for 1 cup? Could you save money by switching from 2 $5 coffees to 2 smaller portions or a more expensive specialty coffee? Could you switch from 3 beers and a glass of wine to just 2, 1, or 1 soda with lemon? On a voluntary basis, take the initiative to cut back on some expenses and save money in case you need expenses later, lose your job, or are forced to make changes for any other reason.

4. Week 4, make a list of 25 things you hope to accomplish personally and professionally in the new year. They can be anything that is important to you. These include spending time with family each week, going back to school to get a degree or learn a new skill, or losing 10 pounds. Make a list of things that are meaningful to you in the new year.

5. Step 5, your task for week five is to look at your list of 25 things you want to accomplish and list the 5 most important things from that list. Make a headline that says “Things to Do in the New Year.” Make a second list of 20 more items titled “Things to Avoid in the New Year.” Focusing on 5 things in a year is achievable. Trying to do 25 consciously is much more difficult. After all, a dog chasing a rabbit can chase the rabbit it chases. A dog chases two rabbits and catches neither. I think you can do more than one thing, but not 25. Other ideas may creep on your list, but always returning to your top 5 priorities will help keep you grounded and bring your focus back to your personal priorities.

Personal and professional success is hard. Life is not long. We like to think of ourselves as immortal and act as if we are immortal too. Time is running out for all of us. Following this year-end model will remind you of things you’ve done well, reconnect with others, and point your compass in the direction of your choosing.

Ⓒ Big Game Hunters, Asheville, NC 2024

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