Year in Review/Preview: Past, Present, Future

"Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now." ~Alan Lakein, American Author, Time Management Expert

Since "Time flies!" and "Where has the time gone?" are likely somewhat common expressions or exasperations in your life, how great is it that we have a chance to look back on time, and unlock the keys to our successes and opportunities to be present in our plans, and look ahead to what is to come! I use what I call The Year in Review/Preview for this fun, reflective, planning activity.

Your Year in Review/Preview is to be done alone, and can be shared with others who complete the Year in Review/Preview or those who do not...it's up to you!

The idea is to go back through your experiences, your memories, and any anticipation or angst in order to ready yourself for each month of the year ahead.

Allow quiet reflection when completing the Year in Review/Preview. Finish each statement without hesitation or concern for how others would perceive it. The "something else" section is for anything else you want to share. Do this for each month as you look back at 2012 and ahead to 2013:

1) My favorite memory of this month

2) The smell/taste I associate with this month

3) The best activity for the month

4) Something I plan to do

5) Something I don't plan to do

6) Something else about this month

7) Someone I will see/outreach to this month

8) Something I will stop or start this month

9) A personal goal/accomplishment for the month

10) Professional goal/accomplishment for the month

The outcome anticipated is to gain perspective, and have a plan when approaching the chunks of time we call months (and years). This is an effective planning tool, a sharing tool (if you make that choice), a balancing tool, and a fun tool for many!

Enjoy! Make it a terrific time in your life for appreciating the past, being present now, and for planning for a great future!