There is a reason the strap line for The Baobab Way is ‘Simplifying the Science of Life.’ That is because I like to keep things simple. I also value space – space in my diary, space in my surroundings, space in my mind. For me, that translates to calmness. I also like space and permission to use a process freely and intuitively. It gives me freedom.
That is why this year my preferred planning tool is BE DO HAVE.
Simply ask yourself these questions:
Who do I want to be?
What do I want to do?
What do I want to have?
You can do it in a Structured Way:
Take an A4 sheet of paper, write BE at the top of the page; take a second sheet, write DO at the top; then a third sheet and write HAVE at the top. Now as you consider these questions and dream about your ideal year, it may dawn on you that being more focused on your business or career is desirable. So write ‘Focused’ on the BE sheet. If you have young children, you may want to spend more time with your children. So write that on the DO sheet. Follow it up with ‘be a better parent’ or your equivalent on the BE sheet. Perhaps you’ve been thinking it is time to replace your car, so write ‘new car’ on the HAVE sheet and so on. I’m sure you get the idea.
Or the Free Wheeling Way:
As you consider the questions … Who do I want to be? What do I want to do?What do I want to have?
Simply write it all down. List it, bullet it, write in sentences or phrases to jog your memory – it really does not matter – it’s for your eyes only. Let it lie on your desk for a few days while you mull it over so you can add those ideas that come to mind while you’re busy doing something else.
Once you’ve gathered your thoughts in this way, you can organize it into a BE-DO-HAVE list for easy reference and to remind you of your dreams and desires.
It keeps the focus
However you created your Be Do Have list, when an opportunity comes along and you’re not sure if it’s for you, review your list. See if it fits. Will it take you in the direction you’re aiming for or not?
Much as we would like to, we cannot do everything. More often than not we have to choose between what we’ll do and what we won’t. It is much easier to say no and stick to it when you know it will take you off track. Armed with your Be Do Have list, you can make a conscious choice to say no and free up your resources. That’s more time and energy for activities and opportunities that will move you forward. And you can do it guilt free.
It’s all about Intention
With a Be Do Have list, you set your intentions. For me, that is far more powerful as a guide for the year and for my life than setting specific goals. That comes later.
Occasionally I come across a Be-Do-Have list I made years ago. It is fun to look back and see what has come to pass, what I am still aspiring to and what new things are on my list now.
So go on, ask yourself
Who do I want to be?
What do I want to do?
What do I want to have?
Let your mind roam free. Dream on. You may just surprise yourself!
Photo Credit Irum
