Chapter 1: The Mid-Year Reality Check

As we approach the second half of 2022, it's likely that many of your New Year's resolutions remain unfulfilled. If you were to evaluate your current satisfaction with life, would you feel content?

It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed by external factors—whether it’s the ongoing pandemic, economic challenges, or global conflicts. However, you’re not satisfied with the current state of affairs. You crave more joy, financial stability, love, and overall fulfillment.

If you're among the many who feel stuck, it's time to take action. Change is indeed possible, and this article serves as your mid-year motivation to help you define your goals and devise a strategic plan for success. Remember, if you have no clear direction, you're unlikely to reach your destination.

Abraham Lincoln famously said, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." Do you aspire to lead a life rich in spiritual, physical, mental, financial, social, and intellectual growth? Most people do, yet few attain this richness because it requires effort.

Think of goal-setting as navigating with a map. To reach your desired destination by year-end, you need to:

1. Assess your current position.
2. Clearly define your goals.
3. Outline a route to achieve them.

This process involves self-reflection, goal setting, and taking decisive action.

Many self-help authors lack real-world experience in what they write about; they merely recycle information. Conversely, I bring a wealth of both personal and professional insights to the table. Having served as an executive at a publicly traded firm, I've participated in strategic planning retreats with expert consultants. Now, as a management consultant, I aid clients in developing and executing their business strategies. Most importantly, I have crafted and followed a personal life plan for each of the past 13 years.

Through these experiences, I've gleaned valuable lessons about what works and what doesn’t, and I can assure you that how you envision your future will significantly influence your success.

Yogi Berra wisely noted, "If you don’t know where you’re going, you might end up somewhere else."

Make the remainder of 2022 count. Your life is a blank canvas; it’s time to create a masterpiece.

Chapter 2: Crafting Your Strategy for Success

To optimize the rest of 2022, you need a well-thought-out strategy. The term "strategy" has its roots in the Greek word "strategos," which refers to a military leader whose objective is to confront and overcome challenges.

You need a strategy to conquer your obstacles—be it distraction, procrastination, fear, or financial strain. While it may be easier to maintain the status quo, true growth requires confronting your shortcomings. Acknowledging these areas may initially feel uncomfortable, but bringing them to light makes them less daunting.

You may still have doubts, but remember that your mindset shapes your future. Engaging in this process will bring emotional and mental benefits, boosting your energy, hope, and excitement. I've witnessed these changes firsthand and can affirm the following outcomes:

• Increased awareness
• Greater confidence
• Enhanced clarity
• Boosted enthusiasm
• Heightened happiness
• Renewed optimism

You deserve to experience these feelings, but you must focus on your aspirations for the rest of the year and take immediate action. Let’s get started.

Chapter 3: My Proven Method for Success

"Lazy people soon become poor; hard workers will get rich." (Proverbs 10:4 NLTse)

Nothing worthwhile comes easily.

For the past 13 years, I’ve held an extensive planning session each December. During this time, I assess the past year’s successes and failures, set clear objectives, and envision my goals for the next one, three, and ten years. However, for your mid-year goal-setting strategy, let’s focus on what I do in July. I review my progress against my annual plan and make adjustments based on new developments. Here’s a modified version of my process for you to follow for the next six months:

Step 1: Schedule Your Goal-Setting Session

Each individual’s needs differ, but here are a few best practices:

• Choose a location away from your home and workplace.
• Find a comfortable, quiet environment free from distractions.

According to research from the University of California, it takes over 23 minutes to regain focus after an interruption. Therefore, select a serene setting conducive to productivity and creativity.

Your agenda should reflect your objectives and available time, so don’t overwhelm yourself during your first attempt. Consider using the following format:

• Morning: Arrive at your location and relax.
• 9:45–10:00 a.m.: Pray, meditate, or listen to calming music.
• 10:00–10:15 a.m.: Write down your goals for the session.
• 10:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Conduct a life assessment and journal your thoughts.
• 12:00–12:15 p.m.: Take a break—walk or stretch.
• 12:15–1:00 p.m.: Enjoy lunch.
• 1:00–1:15 p.m.: Pray, meditate, or listen to calming music again.
• 1:15–2:00 p.m.: Journal your reflections, key insights, and action steps.

Pro Tip: Bring a healthy lunch to avoid distractions. The relaxation period is crucial for creative thinking—don’t skip it!

Step 2: Initiate a Life Assessment

A life assessment allows you to identify where your time is spent, where you excel, and where improvement is needed.

When I first developed my life plan, I focused on four key areas: Family, Work, Personal, and Spiritual. Over the years, I've broadened these categories for greater specificity, enabling me to set targeted goals.

Currently, I use a life assessment tool created by Michael Hyatt. It’s straightforward and takes about ten minutes to complete, breaking your life into ten areas and scoring your responses. This tool effectively highlights both strengths and areas needing attention.

Pro Tip: During my year-end planning sessions, I compare my current assessment with past evaluations to gauge my progress, which is quite motivating.

Step 3: Create an Action Plan

Don’t let the life assessment overwhelm you. For your first attempt, select three or four key areas to focus on for the remainder of the year and develop specific goals around them.

Make sure to document your thoughts and feelings during this process—don’t rely on memory.

Pro Tip: Keep a dedicated journal or document for your planning. This will allow you to track your progress over the years.

For each of your chosen areas, respond to these questions:

1. What do you want to achieve by year-end? (List everything first, then narrow it down to the top two goals for each area.)
2. What strengths can you leverage to achieve these goals?
3. What obstacles might you face?
4. What specific action steps are necessary?
5. By when do you aim to accomplish each goal?

Pro Tip: Visualize the satisfaction you’ll feel upon achieving your goals. Picture how your life will improve by year-end. Use this vision to fuel your motivation.

Final Thoughts

"Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity; hasty shortcuts lead to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5–6 NLTse)

I hope you feel inspired to embark on this journey. After all, how often do you get the chance to focus on your desires, goals, and dreams?

To summarize, this planning process centers on YOU. It involves:

• Assessing your current situation.
• Defining your aspirations.
• Creating a plan to reach them.

I encourage you to invest time in yourself and engage in this process. The rewards will extend beyond 2022 and into your future.