How to Plan an Epic Year

a MAGICAL New Year’s Exercise

Mapping out your entire 2024, setting clear goals, and placing them on the calendar are instrumental steps in shaping a purposeful and fulfilling year. For the last 7 or 8 years, I have taken time every New Year's Eve and New Year's Day to plan my upcoming year - it's become a sacred tradition for me.

Establishing a roadmap for the year ahead creates a sense of direction and intentionality, turning aspirations into tangible plans.

List your goals and mark them in the season you want to accomplish them: winter, spring, summer, fall, or specific months or dates. Putting goals on the calendar adds a structured timeline and instills a commitment to their achievement. 

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My BIG ASS CALENDAR

This is a picture of my new Big Ass Calendar. I’ve never used a large calendar where you see the entire year at one-glace. The Big Ass Calendar was invented by Jesse Itzler and encourages you to plan your year with balance, adventure, and goal setting in a way that sets you up for success. I colored coded my events with post-it notes so I can tell immediately how much time goes towards travel, playing with my granddaughter, tennis, special occasions, etc. I’m going to try it this year and suspect it will be magical.

*I also use a digital calendar on my computer and phone with appointment times, locations, and minor details that I don’t put on the big calendar. The big calendar is for big, meaningful events (not the typical day to day stuff).

If you’re interested in the Big Ass Calendar, you can find it by clicking the button at the bottom of this email.

1. MISOGI

2. GOAL DUMP

3. QUARTERLY GOALS

4. ADVENTURES

MISOGI - A misogi is an old Japanese tradition where you do one big year-defining thing every year. If you're lucky, you can fit in two. I learned about this from Jesse Itzler. Last year, his Misogi was biking across America with friends. Other examples are launching a podcast, writing/publishing a book, learning a foreign language, or a trip/vacation you've been longing to take. Your Misogi could be something that scares you, excites you, or something you're passionate about. It needs to define your year - something you’ll talk about and remember fondly for the rest of your life - something that lights you up. Incorporating a life-defining or year-defining experience infuses excitement and meaning into your life journey, serving as a memorable highlight. 

GOAL DUMP - A Goal Dump is a list of goals you want to accomplish in the upcoming year, big and small. Just dump them all out of your mind and on one piece of paper. Then, prioritize them from #1 most important to the last that is least important. See where they fit into your year and put them on the calendar. You can list personal goals like incorporating new healthy habits, more self-care, and healing as part of your plan. Initiating new habits reinforces positive change and personal growth, contributing to a transformative year. 

QUARTERLY GOALS - accomplish a mid-size goal every quarter. This could be a new habit, an online course, a business goal, etc. Accomplishing something quarterly keeps things fresh and exciting and keeps you stimulated and engaged (helping to prevent complacency, laziness, and depression).

ADVENTURES - have an adventure once every 8 weeks. It could be a weekend away, an overnight trip, camping, a one-day experience, or something simple like a cooking class with your partner or a picnic with your grandchild. It doesn't have to be expensive - just something you don't usually do every day or every week. It should be something out of the ordinary that will help create beautiful experiences and memories.

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Putting things on your calendar and attaching dates provides a visual guide and is essential because it reinforces accountability and motivation. Be sure to step outside your comfort zone and push yourself, but also remain reasonable with attainable goals so you aren't taxed and overwhelmed - this also allows you to enjoy the ride.

The last tip that has served me well is planning out my days, having a morning and evening routine, and reserving time on the calendar daily to accomplish the goals I’ve set. Clear organization and discipline help me stick to the schedule. This comprehensive approach ensures that every day aligns with my overarching objectives, fostering a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and continuous progress throughout the year.

RESOURCES: Read any of the articles below…

Happy New Year!