Sometimes in order to move forward, we need to look at where we've been. One of the best ways to conduct this review is through something we call a "situational analysis". This means using a SWOT analysis for reviewing your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Strengths mean acknowledging what we do best. Granted, sometimes we're our own worst critics, but if you take the time to also look at your strengths or gifts--what comes easy to you, you can incorporate those into planning for your future efforts.
Weaknesses mean things we're often putting off because we don't like to do them--like planning. Or it can mean looking at some of the areas in our life where we need improvement to help us move beyond.
Opportunities are those avenues that lie ahead. Planning gives us the opportunity to visualize our week, our days and our month, to see where things are hectic and where things are slow. In visualizing this on a whiteboard or piece of paper, or online calendar, you may be able to help juggle things around to free up space where things are too full and move it to space where you have more open times. A word of caution though, don't over-pack your calendar. It's important to have "downtime" to truly refresh your mind and your emotional self.
Threats are those things we know we need to change and sometimes are those things that come from external forces for which we don't have control. This is where planning can help the most. What's most common this time of year is losing weight. Did you know that 10 extra pounds can put three times that amount of strain on your hips, weight, and knees? That's three times the effort when we walk, run or work out. A weight loss plan or something like a clean eating program (get rid of the sugar and preservatives) can help you refocus and make a difference.
The advent of technology makes it much easier to plan. In your calendar, you can color code events that are similar to see how much time you're spending there and see how you can balance it out.
For example, if you need more clients, the best way to reach them is through a personal referral. You can color code a client outreach activity for every three days, to help build your network.
You can color code your children's school activities to help guard that time against being missed. Kids grow up quickly and many people say they never regret the time they gave their kids, but they do regret the time they gave their work that took away from family.
And you can color code time for you. There's a reason the "calm app" is so popular. Just a few minutes a day to let your mind rest, is a great plan for getting emotional clarity for the future.
These are our thoughts, what are yours? Let us know by replying and we'll share your tips on our FB page. This month we'll be offering more inspiration on planning, organization and thought leadership. Be sure to join us by liking us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MagicalMktg/
Planning Guide
We have some great planning guides for you and your team. You can personalize them with your own branding, to help people remember you all year long.
To order, call Kristin at 623-587-1748 or email kristin@magicalmarketing.com.