Topic: January

January planning should align with an individual's current energy levels rather than external pressures to "hit the ground running." Business owners are encouraged to choose between a high-activity "Team Go" approach or a "Team Slow" approach characterized by spaciousness and reflection. Success for the month depends on ensuring that to-do lists and goals match the desired emotional state of the entrepreneur.

As the second quarter of the year begins, business owners are encouraged to revisit the intentions and goals they established in January. While habit trackers serve as useful motivational tools for some, they can lead to frustration and guilt for individuals with perfectionist tendencies who struggle to maintain a flawless record.

January planning should reflect an individual's current energy levels rather than following a standard template. Business owners are encouraged to choose between a high-activity "team go" approach or a "team slow" approach based on whether they desire a buzzy or spacious month.

A gentle planning framework was initially tested with a mastermind group before launching as a three-month pilot program on November 30, 2020. Although the original plan was to open the club to the public in early 2021, the fatigue of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decision to slow down. This period of reflection allowed for a deeper evaluation of how the club could best serve both the members and the founder.

January planning should focus on personal alignment and core values rather than the pressure of lofty New Year resolutions. Reflecting on what feels natural versus what feels difficult allows business owners to build a picture of what truly matters for their growth in 2024. This process of tuning into internal priorities is compared to spending time in a "treehouse" to gain perspective.

The transition into January 2024 presents a choice between high-energy activity and a slower, more reflective pace. Business owners are encouraged to evaluate whether their monthly plans align with their desired emotional state, whether that be buzzy activity or spacious calm. This self-check ensures that productivity goals remain sustainable and personalized to individual needs.

The transition into 2024 brings a surge of marketing for planners that promise to solve organizational problems. While January 1st offers a clean slate for new habits, many individuals find that shiny new systems fall by the wayside by February. Personal experience with David Allen’s Getting Things Done system in 2006 illustrates how adopting external organizational frameworks can lead to feelings of inadequacy when they fail to stick.