The first winter storm of the season has arrived and with that an innate sense to hibernate. With the shortening days, crawling out of bed to work out has been an increasing challenge. Add on to that snow and wind – you guessed it – it is a pull the cover over your head kind of day.
As I write this my desk is cluttered with the pieces of a strategic plan I have committed to doing, designing the roadmap for 2010. Then there is my phone, my journals, coaching files for clients and three of my four cats (see above). They are smart enough to be sleeping, refusing to place one paw outside the door, content with their warm spot in the office.
Back to strategy. I was listening to an Abraham tape as I worked out the other day, actually my favorite material to walk on the treadmill with as I love the material and I laugh often. Ester Hicks, who channels Abraham, made the point that each of us are responsible for feathering our own nests.
I agreed. In fact this is what I teach, self-responsibility if you will. I had not heard it stated quite that way before. It conjured up a unique image for me, the nest and the feathering and I was left with the question, what is it I want to feather my nest with? This brought me back to the Strategic Plan I have been reflecting and, to some degree, brooding on.
I have not committed to writing goals and objectives since my health care days when, as a department director, it was required. Call me rebellious, but this was 12+ years ago now. You’ve got it, I have been in business as an entrepreneur all this time without a Strategic Plan. OMG!
Okay before you say, what were you thinking, let me be clear that I have always had a vision and certainly clear intentions, a corporate mission and values. Whew! Yes and, it is time to shift from a one extreme to the other and back to the middle. It is time to raise the bar as I have great dreams for roadSIGNS and ME FIRST and I know that I need to return once again to a structured approach that still allows flow. Let me see, is a flowing structure an oxymoron?
- This winter day has given me the opportunity to dive into reflection and lasso the thoughts that have so far lingered only in my head. It is time for pen to paper. The process:
- My hundred Year Legacy
- Clear intentions
- Concrete outcomes
- Concrete S.M.A.R.T. Goals
- Aligned and Attractive Actions.
Sound complex, not really! This approach simply honors all I used to do when practicing Management by Objectives, with all I have learned, the importance of living my ‘WHY’ and my intentions and marrying the two. It really is no more complex, it simply allows me to attract that flow that I seek. And with each step, I am feathering that nest.
I would love to hear your comments on my approach and for you to share yours. There is no right way, there is simply the way that is perfect for me and you.
The fury of flurries is slowing outside my window yet the chimes keep singing. They only sing in an easterly wind, signalling more to come. I plan to snuggle into my plan- another round of clarity please!
Until next time…
Betty