A Guide to Completing A Mid-Year Review of Your 2018 Goals
When it comes to planning, I admit that I may be just a tad bit intense. Hey! I can’t help it. It kinda runs in my family.
During my 2nd career as an HR professional (I’m now somewhere between career #4 and #5) I worked for my dad at his IT company. He was very methodical about planning, monitoring and evaluating every aspect of the business. At the time I didn’t completely share his love for project management but over time I’ve come to be just as big a PM proponent as he. It has followed me and spills into every area of my life.
2018 is a goal-crushing year for me. I decided towards the end of 2017 that I wasn’t leaving anything on the table in 2018, that I was going to pursue the visions God laid on my heart with vigor and faithfulness, ready to see Him work through the efforts and see how He’d bless each of them. Now that we are nearing the end of the 2nd quarter of the year (can you believe we are halfway through 2018????) I decided to take advantage of the long holiday weekend to do my own mid-year checkup to review how I’m doing. Sure we aren’t technically at the mid-year point just yet but I took advantage of the downtime because in just a few days I will be going non-stop for the next 2 months. Thus, I seized the opportunity. KAIM I understand that not everyone shares the same level of passion for this type of stuff as I do. But it is so helpful. It puts into perspective what you’ve accomplished. It identifies the areas that still need work. It provides a trajectory for the future.
I haven’t always been this excited about “project managing my life” (believe it or not) and get that your mind just may not be wired like this. Therefore, I’m giving you 4 painless steps to help you reflect on the first half of the year and prepare to crush it the next 6-7 months. I promise, it’ll only take a few minutes. But it will do wonders in getting you set for the rest of the year. Here goes!
1. Celebrate. What milestones have you achieved this year? It may be something that you completed and checked off your list. Or, it may be a work in progress that you are seeing results with. Nothing’s too small to celebrate.
Ask: What successes have I experienced during the first half of the year?
Then, find a special way to celebrate. I’m celebrating mine by having lunch in the city with a girlfriend I haven’t seen in a few months 😊 What better way for a foodie that loves lunchtime convos to celebrate?!
2. Strategize. Determine your goals for the next 6-7 months. Be specific about what you need to start or do more of. It may be finishing something you started or taking the next step in a series of steps. It can be learning a new skill or setting time aside to pursue an interest. Hint: Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound).
Ask: What are my goals for the rest of the year?
3. Prepare. Crushing goals isn’t easy work. It takes a certain level of conviction, motivation and perseverance. Get your mind and attitude “right” and focus on what lies ahead. Ensure your body is physically ready by establishing/maintaining a healthy lifestyle and include proactive ways of integrating self-care. Determine what you need to do to prepare for the next 6-7 months.
Ask: What do I need to do to be spiritually, mentally, emotionally, financially and physically prepared? (Feel free to add any other “-ly”s that will be helpful for you.)
4. Close the door. Some things didn’t work out the first half of the year. Perhaps some people, groups, networks weren’t quite right for where you currently are and where you will be headed the rest of the year. That’s absolutely fine. With respect and tact, you can close doors that need to be shut and/or accept the one’s that He or others have shut.
Ask: What doors do I need to shut? What doors have been shut that I can acknowledge and accept?
This may feel a little stuffy or formalized for some. But, do me a favor and try it. Then, let me know how it went. Any surprises? If I were a betting woman I’d bet that you’ve come farther and achieved more than you originally thought. But I’m not a betting one, but I know you have. So, share in the comments. I want to celebrate with you!