Congratulations, you’ve made it! As we near the end of 2022 and pause for the holidays, it is the perfect time to reflect on successes of your year and to make plans for an even better 2023.
 
Each of us has different core values and strengths to offer to the world. Would you like to leverage your strengths and values for an ordinary year or an extraordinary year in 2023? Would you like a “better than average” year, a superior year, an exceptional year that is so much better than past years due to intentionality?
 
Try this simple, yet effective, way to plan for an intentionally exceptional year, whether you own a business, want to start a business, have a job, or are simply trying to determine how to balance your life to align with your values. 

1. List successes
Take 10-15 minutes to list all your successes in 2022. The successes should be for the whole you: financial, health, family, intellectual, spiritual, community, and career. Whatever a 2022 success looks like for you, no matter how small or how great, write it down.

2. Identify impact
Circle the top 3 successes that make you the proudest and helped you to “live your best life” in 2022.

3. Address regrets
Next, take 5-10 minutes to list your 2022 regrets. What wasn’t accomplished? Did you miss an important business goal? Did you miss a child’s milestone due to traveling? Was your life all work and no play? Gain weight? Not exercise? Lost money? Didn’t start your dream business? Make note of the regrets that make you feel a bit queasy – like a punch in the gut. Write down all of them…no one is looking. (You can shred it after setting your 2023 goals.) However, this exercise should not result in personal judgement. Instead, review the list of regrets with curiosity instead of concern. You did your best, now it’s time to move on.

4. Create intentions
Develop 1-3 guidelines of intentions that you want to set for the coming year. They should be impactful, short statements (no more than 3 or 4 words), start with a verb, and have meaning to you. Some examples: “Make a difference,” “Prioritize family,” “Care for myself,” “Live sustainably,” “Get started.” One of my intentions for 2023 is “Remember what matters.” Determine the guidelines that have the most meaning to you and what you want from your life.

5. Frame the year
Take time to review the results of steps 1-4. What have you discovered about yourself? How can you re-create successes and take them further? What can you avoid or reprioritize to avoid regrets? How do you want to spend your time in 2023?

6. Create goals that matter
Create up to 10 goals for 2023. The goals should address the whole you – financial, health, family, intellectual, spiritual, community, and career. The goals can be short-term and long-term but also thoughtfully achievable. The goals should be phrased in a handful of words that are actionable and specific. These goals that you write down should have the most meaning to you for intentionally being the best you. (Remember what matters.)
 
7. Maintain accountability
Make the 2023 goals happen. As you move through the year, take small steps towards the larger impactful goals on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Do you want to write a book? Set aside 10 minutes each day to journal. Do you want to start a business? Lay out the specific mini-milestones. Do you want to spend more time with family? Determine how, when, and where – and schedule it. Maintain momentum through 2023 by scheduling time with yourself monthly to review the goals, celebrate successes, and adjust as necessary. 
 
Now is the time to gather a notebook and pen, and invest the time in yourself to create an Intentional year. CIE will be holding an Intentional planning program in January. Watch our list of CIE programs for the January date to be announced or email us at [email protected] to pre-register.