New year, new you, right? But before we plunge headfirst into resolutions that tend to fade faster than a New Year’s Eve firework, let’s take a step back and listen to a master of productivity: Tim Ferriss. His “Past Year Review” method isn’t about setting arbitrary goals; it’s about decoding the patterns of your own life to find the sweet spot where joy meets fulfilment.
Step 1: Dive into the Deep End of 2023 (A Time Traveller’s Guide):
Imagine your calendar and photo album as a treasure map leading to your most authentic goals. Gather them, grab a notebook, and embark on a journey of self-discovery:
- Peak Moments: Jot down anything that sent your mood soaring in 2023. Was it that epic mountain trek, the unexpected laughter-filled dinner with friends, or mastering a new skill? These are your joy nuggets.
- Valley of Despair: Don’t shy away from the lows. Note down what drained your energy, triggered overwhelm, or left you feeling unfulfilled. These are your energy vampires.
Step 2: The Pareto Principle of Your Passions (The 20/80 Rule of Happiness):
Remember Pareto’s Principle? Apply it to your emotions. What 20% of your activities brought you the most joy in 2023? Was it connecting with nature, creating art, or spending time with loved ones? These are the golden threads to weave into your 2024 tapestry.
Now, flip the coin. What 20% of your activities sapped your energy and triggered negativity? The late-night work binges, toxic relationships, or soul-crushing commutes? These are your red flags to banish from your future calendar.
Step 3: From Review to Action – Making 2024 Sing: (Where Joy Meets Action):
Here’s where the magic happens. Don’t just dream about your joy nuggets; schedule them into your 2024 calendar now! Block off dates for that mountain hike, reserve time for your creative pursuits, and prioritize those heart-warming family gatherings. Treat these positive patterns like VIP guests in your life; give them the prime time slots they deserve.
But remember, simply removing the energy vampires isn’t enough. That leaves a void, a fridge magnet missing its counterpart. To fill that space, embrace the “NOT TO DO” list. Write down those red flags in bold letters, stick it somewhere visible, and let it serve as your daily mantra. If it’s not a “hell yes,” it’s a no.
Fuel your 2024 with intention: Inject that mountain hike onto your calendar, sign up for that pottery class, schedule that family reunion. Don’t let life happen to you, design the life you crave.
Bonus Tips:
- Don’t overload your calendar: Start small, prioritize ruthlessly. Quality over quantity.
- Share your goals: Accountability is a powerful motivator. Find a support system, a “cheerleading squad” to keep you on track.
- Celebrate wins, big and small: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how incremental.
- Be flexible: Life throws curveballs. Adapt, adjust, but never abandon your north star.
Fuelling Your Goal-Setting Fire:
- “Tribe of Mentors” by Tim Ferriss: This book is a goldmine of wisdom from high achievers, offering insights on goal-setting and finding your unique path.
- “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg: Understanding the science behind habits can help you build positive ones and break free from negative ones that hinder your progress.
- “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin: This inspiring book guides you through a year of self-discovery, helping you identify what truly brings you joy and fulfillment.
- “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey: This classic book offers timeless principles for goal-setting and personal growth.
- “The ONE Thing” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan: Learn to focus on the single most important thing and achieve extraordinary results.
- “Atomic Habits” by James Clear: Understand the science of habit formation and build lasting positive changes.
- “Tools of Titans” by Tim Ferriss: A treasure trove of tactics and insights from top performers across various fields.
- “The 12 Week Year” by Brian Moran: Master time management and break down your goals into actionable sprints.
Remember: The Past Year Review is a journey, not a one-time event. Revisit it throughout the year, learn from your experiences, and adjust your course. It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. So, grab your calendar, dive into your past, and start charting your course towards a 2024 filled with joy, purpose, and perhaps, even a few Bali sunsets.
Let’s ditch the resolutions and embrace the power of the Past Year Review. It’s time to make 2024 the year you truly live, not just exist.
Prof. Dr. Prahlada N. B
28 December 2023
Mogadishu, Somalia.
As rightly said by you Prahlada Sir,
Reflecting on the successes & challenges of this year will provide valuable insights for setting meaningful goals for upcoming year,
2024.
One should take a honest look at the factors that contributed to the challenges faced this year, & how to
address them in the coming year.
Based on the reflections of this year, one should first identify the key areas of life, & prioritize them for improvement in 2024.This may include career advancement, personal growth, health & wellness , relationships, financial stability or any other area of importance / interest.
Action plan should be drawn for each of the goals.
Regularly one should review the goals, & make adjustments as needed to stay on track.
One should remember that life can be unpredictable, & circumstances may change throughout the year. So one should be open to adjustments in goals as needed, to accomodate new opportunities or challenges.
Overall, our goals should align with our aspirations & reflect our personal growth journey.
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