[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This is the time of year when people start to look back at the year that almost has completed and look forward to the new year. They purchase new calendars and planners, maybe some printables, and think about how they’re going to rock their goals in the coming new year. What I’m about to say may sound a bit heretical, especially since everyone in the coaching/author space is all about planning. But I’m here to show you another way.

It’s okay to plan, but just not a lot.

Look, there’s nothing more frustrating than mapping out a plan, hitting it hard and then having something happen to derail it. Maybe it’s something like your health (hello, pandemic!) or an economic situation (hello, pandemic again!). It could be a change in course such as a family change or returning to school. Whatever it is, the more you watch those well laid out and detailed plans slip by the wayside, the more frustrated you feel. I’ve been there. It doesn’t matter how much coffee you drink out of your Girl Boss mug or how many affirmations you say to yourself, when life hands you lemons, sometimes you just need to freeze them and throw them at something.

Instead, think about planning like a cuisine. You know you want Mexican or Italian or Thai food. But what flavors, what type of food, well that’s up to interpretation. One night you can have tacos. The next lasagna. Or perhaps it’s ravioli or some kind of tomato mozzarella salad on crisp arugula with lots of basil. What matters is that your dinner isn’t going to look like someone else’s dinner, even if you all eat at the same restaurant. You see where I’m going with this?

What that means is your year isn’t going to look like someone else’s year, and making room in your plan for unforeseen circumstances doesn’t mean you’re admitting failure or having a negative mindset. It means you’re setting yourself up for success!

So yes, buy that planner. Buy that calendar. Think about what you want to do in 2021. Even drop by my Facebook group and tell me about it. But make sure that you’re not booking yourself January 1 to December 31. Make sure there’s room in there for vacations and for things happening. Make sure your plans can breathe, because that’s when they really flourish.[/vc_column_text][vc_zigzag color=”orange” el_width=”70″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to our newsletter and receive my free word count tracker. Track daily counts, a rolling monthly average, total word counts and more. In addition, you’ll receive our free gift, Social Media Header Magic. Learn how to turn your social media headers into promotion opportunities for your books! Plus, be the first to hear about our author giveaway and sales bundle events, discounts on classes and services, plus more![/vc_column_text]

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