As a new year, a new month or even a new week gets under way, it’s important to take time to reflect on what’s gone before and plan for what comes next.

There are the ‘business as usual’ things that just carry on. Wheels set in motion that need little or no extra effort to make happen. None of us begin with a completely blank canvas.

But what of the other?

There are, for sure, plenty of areas when we have scope to make changes. It may be tweaking things slightly, stopping some things completely or beginning something new.

I find it very helpful to use a simple two column format to focus my thoughts: More of… and Less of…

What happened last year/month/week that I’d like more of?
What happened last year/month/week that I’d like less of?

It’s a great way to stimulate the goal setting process. Here’s a few examples for me that may help get you started:

• more helping people achieve meaningful goals
• less back-to-back Zoom meetings
• more fun with my kids (especially memorable trips)
• less of the admin work involved with the management apprenticeships I run
• less time wasted on my phone (be a better example to my kids!)
• more discipline, especially in writing blogs/articles etc

What is it you’d like more of / less of?

Write it down. Share it with others… and if you need extra some help (sometimes we know the changes we want to make will require some rigorous, impartial accountability), seek out a coach or counsellor who can help you make the changes you desire.