Posted by Lending Club :: November 17, 2008 @ 10:10 am

Is 2008 turning out to be the year you expected? Or has it been a total surprise? After making an end of year review, you can make 2009 a better year by listing your goals, making a plan and starting on that plan now.

Why plan now?

1. You have better perspective. Plans should be made ahead of time. You cannot plan while in the heat of battle. You need the outside perspective that comes with planning ahead of time. This also allows you to visualize different scenarios and better plan for alternatives.
2. There will be no time during the holidays. Many people think that they will have time off during the holidays that they can use to plan. Only the most disciplined people accomplish this. The rest allow the time to slip and end up with no plans at all. Put it on your calendar now to make goals and plan them out for 2009.
3. You can plan for alternatives. Plans will not always turn out as you envision them. Especially when you are relying on external factors. So it is beneficial to think of alternatives when you find that your initial plans will no longer work. If you are able to think of alternatives now, they might end up costing you less and be more effective. You don’t want to have to pay the high price of convenience.
4. Keep yourself accountable. Make your plans ahead of time, print them out and put them somewhere where you will see them every day. If you haven’t made your plans yet, put a blank piece of paper or an empty binder on your desk. The physical presence of your plans will remind you every day that you have plans and that you should be working on them. You can also review details and mileposts to make sure that you are on track and nothing is being missed.