Join your host, Jillian Dolberry, your “pocket online business manager,” in bi-weekly episodes of The Grace-Filled CEO podcast, the resource you’ve been waiting for to manage all the parts of your life.
Jillian speaks directly to the woman wearing many hats (you know you’re living at least some of them): mom, wife, and caretaker … or boss, a writer, a daughter, a sister, a friend, even a CEO. If you’re going to succeed at any or all of them, it’s going to take a lot of work! And Jillian is here to show you exactly how, with timely conversations and solid resources, sprinkled with a little grace for you, your work, and all of the roles you fill! Find this and more on The Grace-Filled CEO podcast.
Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or at www.jilliandolberry.com/podcast. You can also continue the conversation with Jillian on Instagram at @jilliandolberry.
As we reflect on the previous year and look toward the upcoming year, it's the perfect time to create a plan that combines ambition with flexibility. Remember: the best plans aren't rigid—they're resilient.
How To Plan For The Year Ahead
Before diving into setting goals for the year, let's acknowledge a fundamental truth: life happens. The most successful year isn't about perfect execution—it's about adaptable planning with built-in grace for life's inevitable surprises.
Step One: Reflect
Before rushing into planning session mode, take time to assess where you've been:
What's Working?
- Review your wins from last year
- Identify successful systems
- Note effective daily routines
- Acknowledge personal growth
- Celebrate team achievements
What Are You Tolerating?
- Inefficient processes
- Draining relationships
- Outdated systems
- Compromised standards
- Postponed decisions
Step Two: Dream Big
This is where we let our imagination soar. Your big goals should excite and inspire you! Consider:
Lifestyle Dreams
- Family time quality
- Schedule flexibility
- Personal development
- Health and wellness
- Work-life integration
Financial Goals
- Revenue targets
- Profit margins
- Investment plans
- Savings goals
- Giving objectives
Team Development
- Hiring needs
- Culture building
- Training programs
- Leadership development
- Team engagement
Client Service Evolution
- Service offerings
- Client experience
- Delivery methods
- Value proposition
- Support systems
Operational Improvements
- Systems optimization
- Process automation
- Resource allocation
- Efficiency gains
- Quality standards
Growth Initiatives
- Marketing strategies
- Network expansion
- Partnership opportunities
- Market positioning
- Brand development
Step Three: Strategic Planning
Now let's turn those dreams into SMART goals:
- Set Up Your Framework
- Use a digital calendar
- Schedule quarterly reviews
- Plan weekly and monthly check-ins
- Set reminders for key dates
- Note birthdays, anniversaries, and important events
- Goal Implementation
- Break down big goals into manageable chunks
- Assign clear ownership
- Create measurable milestones
- Establish accountability systems
- Schedule regular progress reviews
- Resource Allocation
- Identify needed tools
- Plan team assignments
- Budget appropriately
- Schedule training
- Arrange support systems
New Planning Strategies for Today
Since originally publishing this guide, I've discovered additional planning approaches that make a significant difference:
Integration of AI Tools
- Automated task management
- Predictive analytics
- Process automation
- Performance tracking
- Resource optimization
Hybrid Work Planning
- Remote team coordination
- Digital collaboration
- In-person gatherings
- Communication protocols
- Team bonding activities
Wellness Integration
- Mental health support
- Stress management
- Work-life boundaries
- Team well-being
- Sustainable practices
Implementation Steps
- Upload your goals to your project management system
- Create and assign specific tasks
- Gather necessary resources
- Schedule regular check-ins
- Establish accountability partnerships
Remember: Grace isn't just a nice addition to your plan—it's the foundation. Build flexibility into every goal, knowing that adaptation isn't failure—it's wisdom.
Connect with me on Instagram @jilliandolberry for more planning tips and grace-filled business strategies.
+ view comments . . .