The 12/31 Vision
As the year comes to a close and I reflect on all that’s happened in past twelve months, I wanted to share with you something that helped me keep my wins high and my losses low.
It was a bit of an experiment, but at the beginning of 2017 I mapped out what I called my “12/31 Studio Vision.” It became my theme for the year: how did I want my studio (and my life) to look on the last day of the year, 12/31/2017? What, exactly, did finishing strong look like? What steps would I need to take over the course of the year to finish strong on that day? Reminding myself of this theme all year long affected every decision I made and every task I prioritized.
Well, I’m VERY happy to report that this experiment worked exactly as I’d hoped it would. The 12/31 Studio Vision had a profound influence on every area of my life, from new programs to new projects; from my family to my finances; from my downtime to my dinner table. Having this end-of-the-year view in my periphery for twelve months kept me on track through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship (and daily life!).
One of my biggest dream goals;
Building a new studio facility and international training campus—is taking shape now, in part because I was able to give it the focus it needed this year.
So what about YOUR vision? My encouragement from this experience is that you, too, can create an all-encompassing theme for the year ahead and accomplish more than you ever thought possible. Use my “12/31” idea or create something new that fits the way you like to organize ideas and goals. However you approach it, I recommend starting with these three Q&A exercises:
Reflection – Before casting your vision for the new year, weigh in on last year. Were you happy with what you accomplished . Look back on your whole year (pull out your calendar to jog your memory if you need to!) and consider the outcomes you experienced and why they happened they way they happened. If you could go back in time, what would you have done differently?
Reorganization – Based on last year’s wins and losses, think about how you need to reorganize—and re-prioritize—for this new vision you want to establish. Where are the places in your business or personal life that need reorganization in order for you to clearly see how your vision can become achievable? For me, last year, I had to reorganize my mindset about my vital priorities. I knew I couldn’t find more time (none of us can!); I just had to use my time more wisely.
Response – With your reflections and reorganization in place, now it’s time to respond with action: create your all-encompassing vision for 2018. What will your studio look like at the end of the new year? Consider each area of your business, from your people to your programs. What will your life as a studio owner look like at that point? Think about your family, friends, and health too.
Here’s the challenge to continue asking yourself:
What is the “big picture” for this year that I am striving for? See that big picture ahead of you, as clear as possible, in bright, vivid colors. You can only know what steps to take if you know where you are headed!
My wish for you this new year is that you will do the work to have a great finish to it when we talk again next year at this time <3.
Love, Misty