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Life can sometimes feel out of sync when our actions and habits do not align with our values or goals. The end of the year is a perfect time to assess where you are walking the talk and where adjustments might be needed.In Step 2B of the Performance Planner (page 11), you can reflect on your alignment between what you value, the goals you set, and the actions you take. This process helps you identify gaps and create a plan to bring more congruence to your life in the year ahead. Additionally, as you are thinking about your goals for the new year, it is natural to have a list of several things you would like to do. This “walk the talk” page is a natural place to grab your “New Year’s Resolutions”, “mini goals” and hot actions you want to take. They tend to be more actions versus something that needs a full plan. Your SMART Goal in future sections is that one area you really want to develop and create a plan to ensure it happens. This is more of a “punch list” of actions you want to commit to and be intentional about in the new year to improve the different areas of your life.<h3>Why Walking the Talk Matters</h3>This step is not about perfection but about honesty and progress. Alignment creates integrity and clarity, which leads to more meaningful results.Here is why this step is impactful:<ul><li>Authenticity: Ensuring your actions reflect your values helps you stay true to yourself.</li><li>Clarity: Identifying gaps highlights areas to improve and where to focus your energy.</li><li>Momentum: Small shifts in alignment can lead to greater motivation and sustained progress.</li></ul><h3>How to Assess Your Alignment (Page 11 of the Planner)</h3><ol><li>Consider the 8 Key Areas of Your Life: Reflect on the eight areas and what you thought would make these areas a 10. Consider what actions would make each area better.</li><li>Identify Gaps: What creates a gap in this area and what change or action would make it better?</li><li>Plan Actions: Write down one to two actions you can take in the year ahead to improve alignment in each area.</li></ol><h3>Example Reflections</h3><ul><li>Health: In my health, I set a goal to work out three times a week and drink 8 glasses of water a day.</li><li>Finance: In my finances, I need to have a monthly budget, review it at the end of each month, and save $250/month.</li><li>Space: I will clear my desk and pick up my space at the end of each day.</li></ul><h3>Above and Beyond</h3><ul><li>Design: Look at the actions you want to take and assess if any would be able to “habit stack” and be built into an AM or PM routine. Try an app like Fabulous to get ticklers and reminders.</li><li>Seek Accountability: Share your reflections with a coach or accountability partner to stay on track.</li><li>Revisit Regularly: Alignment is not a one-time exercise. Check-in monthly to update, refine and adjust.</li></ul>Walking the Talk is about living in integrity with your values and goals. Take 20-30 minutes to complete this step and reflect on where small adjustments can make a big difference. After you finish your plan, this is a page you want to copy and post. Doing actions from this page is what will help you enjoy a sense of achievement and momentum in your life!It helps to fuel your steps toward your goal, which usually takes more time and effort to get off the ground. The Walk the Talk are simple sets that help you to lean strongly into creating the life you want!

Assess Your Alignment: Walk the Talk (Step 2B)

Life can feel busy and full of priorities pulling you in many directions. It can be challenging to step back and see the bigger picture of where you are thriving and where there might be room for improvement. The Wheel of Life is a helpful tool to reflect and assess how balanced and fulfilled you feel across key areas of your life. It also helps to assess and determine which area you would most like to focus on in the year ahead.The end of the year is a great time to do a personal assessment of your life and the different areas that make up your world. In Step 2A of the Performance Planner (page 10), you have the opportunity to complete a <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ueRxMr0KWUrzgA40yK2kEPSWYhiQa8q5/view?usp=drive_link" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ueRxMr0KWUrzgA40yK2kEPSWYhiQa8q5/view?usp=drive_link" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wheel of Life</a> assessment. This visual tool guides you to reflect on eight main areas of life, rate your satisfaction, and create a clear picture of where you might want to focus your energy.<h3>Why the Wheel of Life Matters</h3>The Wheel of Life is not about achieving perfection or balance in every area. It is about creating awareness of where you feel aligned and where small shifts can lead to greater fulfillment. This step provides a foundation for setting meaningful goals that reflect what matters most to you.Here is why this step is impactful:<ol><li>Clarity: Visualizing your satisfaction across different areas helps you see what is working well and what might need attention.</li><li>Focus: By identifying areas that feel less aligned, you can direct your energy toward creating improvements where they will make the biggest difference.</li><li>Perspective: This exercise is a chance to step back and consider your life holistically, rather than getting caught up in day-to-day details.</li></ol><h3>How to Complete Your Wheel of Life (Page 10)</h3><ol><li>Reflect on the Eight Areas: The planner provides a template with areas such as health, finances, relationships, and personal growth. Use these or customize them to fit your life. (For example, volunteering might be under faith or fun. Learning new skills might be under growth or fun. A boyfriend/girlfriend might be under immediate family or friends. Pick the area that supports the key quadrants for you.) Here are ideas for each of the eight areas:<ul><li>Career/Work: Current job or business, satisfaction, salary, bonuses, benefits, coworkers, location, flexibility, challenge, opportunities for growth, sense of fulfillment, work-life balance, retirement plans, educational opportunities, and future potential.</li><li>Faith/Growth (Spiritual): Spiritual beliefs, reflective practices, commitment, traditions, community participation, teaching and sharing with others, family involvement, reading or studying, connection with God or a higher purpose, meaning of life, personal growth experiences, and giving back through volunteering.</li><li>Environment/Space (Office/Home): Living space, cleanliness, organization, ambiance, ability to relax at home, workspace functionality, vehicle maintenance, addressing nagging tolerations, creating an inspirational and supportive environment, and satisfaction with your surroundings.</li><li>Finances (Money/Resources): Income, savings, investments, budget, spending habits, debt, financial security, retirement plans, estate planning, tax planning, cash flow needs, insurance protections, charitable giving, and donating to causes you care about.</li><li>Health (Fitness, etc.): Physical condition, energy levels, mental and emotional well-being, fitness, sleep, nutrition, preventative care, posture, hygiene, overall appearance, sports or physical activities, stress management, and holistic health practices.</li><li>Immediate Family (Significant Other, etc.): Love relationship, mutual goals, parenting, family dynamics, family activities, communication, shared values, support, children’s education, instilling self-esteem, and traditions.</li><li>Extended Family/Friends (Social): Relationships with extended family, friendships, networking, supportive mentors, clubs or organizations, community service, political involvement, charitable efforts, entertaining others, family reunions, and meaningful connections.</li><li>Fun/Recreation: Hobbies, music, relaxation, creative activities, travel, cultural experiences, significant ideas, time with friends, audiobooks or reading, enjoying nature (like sunsets and flowers), activities that spark joy, and volunteering as a joyful way to connect and contribute.</li></ul></li><li>Rate Your Satisfaction: For each area, rate your current level of satisfaction on a scale from zero (could not be worse) to ten (perfect). Be honest with yourself—this is a personal reflection, not a judgment.</li><li>Assess the Areas: <ul><li>The Gain: Why did you give it the score you gave it? What were wins and successes? What is good?</li><li>The Gap: What kept it from being a 10? What is not what you want or desire? What is not working?</li><li>What Would Make It a 10?: What actions and activities would make a difference next year? What would you like to commit to doing that would make that area better?</li></ul></li><li>Reflect: Are there areas where you feel stuck or want to grow? Which areas feel strong and balanced? What one area, if improved, would naturally impact the others positively too? Example Reflections<ul><li>Personal: Health is rated a 9 because of consistent exercise, but finances are a 4 due to lingering debt. Improving my finance area would also improve my health by reducing stress.</li><li>Professional: Career is rated a 7 with good momentum, but personal growth is a 3 because there has been little time for new learning opportunities. If I grew by learning a new skill, it would both raise the 3 as well as open new opportunities in my career. </li></ul></li></ol><h3>Next Steps: How to Use Your Wheel of Life Insights</h3><ol><li>Celebrate Your Wins: Acknowledge areas where you feel high satisfaction and plan a way to celebrate it! Reflect on what you are doing that makes these areas strong and what is important to keep doing.</li><li>Identify Focus Areas: Choose one or two areas to prioritize for improvement this year.</li><li>Set Goals: Use these reflections to start setting specific, actionable goals in Step 4 of the planner.</li></ol><h3>Taking the Exercise to the Next Level</h3><ul><li>Journal Your Observations: Write about your ratings and why you chose them. This deeper reflection can help uncover patterns or insights.</li><li>Share with a Partner: Discuss your wheel with a trusted friend or coach to gain a fresh perspective or support.</li><li>Revisit Quarterly: Life shifts, and so will your Wheel of Life. Check-in throughout the year to adjust your focus as needed.</li></ul>The Wheel of Life is a simple yet powerful tool to help you see where you are and where you want to go. Take 20-30 minutes to complete this step and reflect on your findings. Small adjustments in key areas can create ripple effects that bring more fulfillment and alignment to your life.Happy assessing!

Assess Your Balance with the Wheel of Life (Step 2A)

Life can be full of many tasks and projects and despite our best intentions can pile up. It is understandable how little things can turn into big things. &nbsp;Things like unfinished tasks, disorganized spaces, and lingering obligations can turn into frustrations and annoyances that quietly drain your energy and attention. These are called tolerations, and while they might seem insignificant on their own, together they create mental clutter that can hold you back. In Step 1C of the Performance Planner, you have the opportunity to take inventory of your tolerations. See page 9 of the planner to create a list of your top 30 tolerations. Doing this will help create space for growth and progress in the year ahead.<h3>Why a Tolerations Inventory Matters</h3>Clearing tolerations is not just about fixing what is broken; it is about freeing up your mental and emotional energy to focus on what truly matters. Here is why this step is impactful:<ol><li>Increase Focus: Eliminating small distractions helps you direct your energy toward your goals.</li><li>Reduce Stress: Addressing tolerations creates a sense of relief and control over your environment.</li><li>Build Momentum: Tackling small issues first provides quick wins that inspire you to handle larger challenges.</li></ol><h3>How to Create Your Tolerations Inventory (Page 9 of the Planner)</h3>The Performance Planner guides you through making a list of at least 30 tolerations, both personal and professional. Here is how to get started:<ol><li>Start Simple: Begin with obvious tolerations, such as a cluttered workspace or overdue appointments. Write down the first 10 that come to mind.</li><li>Dig Deeper: Think about subtler drains, like unresolved conflicts, outdated processes, or ignored health issues. Add another 10 to your list.</li><li>Look Closely: For the final 10, reflect on areas you might normally overlook. These could include digital clutter, neglected hobbies, or missed opportunities for self-care.</li></ol><h3>Examples of Tolerations</h3><ul><li>Personal: A messy garage, clothes waiting to be donated, or an appliance in need of repair.</li><li>Professional: A disorganized email inbox, incomplete reports, or a cumbersome workflow.</li><li>Classing yearly ones: go through and purge pictures from the past year, clean up your desk top, go through your documents, clean your desk drawer, update your passwords, etc.</li></ul><h3>Beyond the Planner – Taking Action on Your Tolerations</h3>Once you have identified your tolerations, it is time to tackle them. Here are some tips:<ul><li>Prioritize Quick Wins: Start with tolerations that take 10 minutes or less to address. These provide immediate satisfaction and motivation. Example: Organize a single desk drawer or make a avoided phone call.</li><li>Break It Down: For larger tolerations, identify smaller, manageable steps to make progress. Example: Instead of “Organize the garage,” begin with “Clean up the bird seed shelf.”</li><li>Create a Plan: Set a goal to resolve one toleration per week. Over the course of the year, this adds up to significant change.</li><li>Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your achievements as you clear each toleration. This reinforces your momentum.</li></ul>To deepen the impact of this exercise, consider:<ul><li>Tracking Your Progress: Keep your list visible and mark off items as you complete them.</li><li>Enlisting Support: Share your list with a coach or accountability partner who can encourage you to stay on track.</li><li>Setting Boundaries: Use your inventory as a guide to say “no” to new tolerations in the future.</li></ul>Clearing tolerations is not about achieving perfection; it is about creating freedom and focus. As you address these small drains, you will find yourself feeling lighter, more energized, and ready to take on bigger goals. Remember, each step you take brings you closer to a more intentional and fulfilling life. Take 30-60 minutes to create your Toleration Inventory and commit to tackling one item at a time. The impact will be well worth the effort. Happy decluttering!

Reflect on Tolerations and Clear the Clutter! (Step 1C)

Reflection is a powerful tool for growth and clarity. Taking the time to thoughtfully answer key questions about your past year provides insights into what worked, what didn’t, and where you can adjust for the future. In Step 1B of the Performance Planner, you will explore specific reflection questions on pages 7 and 8 to assess your wins, challenges, and areas of growth. This process sets the stage for intentional and impactful planning for the year ahead. Take as much time as you need, but 15-30 minutes would be a good amount at minimum.<h3>Why Reflection Matters</h3><a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/19RtdS8VfUwCZnkmm4u9pNUMtzG73gXL9/view?usp=drive_link" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/19RtdS8VfUwCZnkmm4u9pNUMtzG73gXL9/view?usp=drive_link">Reflection questions </a>are not just a mental exercise; they are a mirror that helps you see patterns, understand your values, and identify opportunities for change. This step bridges the gap between where you have been and where you want to go.Here are three key reasons reflection is essential:<ol><li>Clarify Successes: Recognize what contributed to your achievements and how you can replicate those strategies moving forward.</li><li>Identify Energy Drains: Understanding what drained your energy allows you to create boundaries or systems to avoid similar pitfalls.</li><li>Focus on Growth: Pinpoint areas for improvement so you can create actionable plans to address them.</li></ol><h3>&nbsp;How to Use the Reflection Questions</h3>The questions are self-explanatory but in general, you are inventorying in noticing:<ol><li>Biggest Wins and Proudest Moments: Reflect on your major accomplishments, both personally and professionally. What stands out as your proudest achievement? Example: Completing a major work project, building a new habit, or fostering stronger relationships.</li><li>Lessons Learned: Consider what you learned and how you grew. These lessons can be powerful tools for your future. Example: Learning to delegate effectively or discovering the importance of maintaining a work-life balance.</li><li>Energy Audit: What gave you energy, and what drained you? This insight can help you align your actions with activities that energize and fulfill you. Example: Noticing that creative projects inspired you, while back-to-back meetings left you feeling depleted.</li><li>Habits, Routines, and Actions: Evaluate which habits propelled you forward and which ones held you back. Example: Daily exercise kept you focused, while late-night scrolling disrupted your sleep and productivity.</li></ol><h3>Expanding the Exercise</h3>To take this step even further, consider these additional activities:<ol><li>Journaling: Write freely about your reflections to uncover deeper insights. Focus on “why” certain moments stood out to you.</li><li>Highlight Themes: Identify recurring themes in your responses. For example, you might notice a pattern of thriving in collaborative environments or struggling with time management.</li><li>Note Goals: Use the lessons from this exercise to start noticing desired actions and goals for the coming year. For instance, “Spend more time on creative projects that energize me.”</li></ol><h3>Example Insights from Reflection Questions</h3><ul><li>Sarah realized her most fulfilling moments were tied to mentoring her team, which shaped her goal to prioritize leadership development.</li><li>Jake identified that his biggest challenges stemmed from overcommitting, leading him to set boundaries for the upcoming year.</li></ul>Reflection is not about perfection; it is about progress. Each insight you uncover becomes a building block for your future. Remember, every answer matters and every lesson learned is a step toward growth and success.Happy reflecting!

Reflect with Thought-Provoking Review Questions (Step 1B)

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on the journey you’ve just completed. Taking a moment to celebrate your wins and milestones provides clarity, motivation, and a foundation for future growth. Reviewing the past year’s highlights is more than a feel-good exercise, it is a strategic tool to understand your progress, identify your strengths, and set the stage for intentional planning.<h3>&nbsp;First, Why Reviewing Highlights Matters:</h3><ol><li>Celebrate Progress: Recognizing achievements reinforces a positive mindset and builds confidence.</li><li>Identify Patterns: Highlights reveal what worked well: activities, habits, or approaches worth replicating.</li><li>Clarify Values: Understanding what is most important to you and what you pick to highlight shows your core values and helps with planning in the future.</li></ol><h3>Next, How to Reflect on Past Year Highlights:</h3>Look at the months of the past year and make note of significant events, achievements, or personal milestones.If you are using the Performance Planner, make note of key memories in each month on page 6 of the planner.<ol><li>Calendar: Check your calendar and note what was on it</li><li>Pictures: Look at your pictures and what projects, memories, or events happened</li><li>Memory Bank: Reflect on your major achievements, successes, and or significant memories and reflect on what month they happened Consider: What were your biggest wins last year? What are you most proud of achieving last year and when did that happen?<ul><li>Which moments brought you the most joy or fulfillment and when did that happen?</li><li>When did you start a new habit, challenge, or program that has been impactful?</li><li>When would you say you successfully overcame significant challenges?Example:</li><li>Jan: Completed a major project at work.</li><li>Feb/March: Trained for and completed a half marathon.</li><li>April: Took a leadership course that improved communication skills.</li><li>May: Strengthened relationships by spending more time with family. Graduation parties &amp; family vacation.</li></ul></li></ol><h3>Above and Beyond – More from Your Highlights:</h3>In addition to noting them as a yearly summary or your highlights for the last year, these additional activities can support you to fully lean into and process them more.<ol><li>Create a Visual Timeline: Use a tool like Canva or PowerPoint to design a timeline of key events. Create an annual photo book. &nbsp;Visualizing your year gives you a holistic perspective.</li><li>Journal About What Stands Out: Write about the moments that were most meaningful and why they mattered. This deeper reflection helps uncover patterns and values.</li><li>Share with a Trusted Partner: Discussing your highlights with a mentor, coach, or friend can offer new insights and perspectives.</li><li>Plan a celebration: Do something special for yourself or find a way to celebrate your achievements.</li></ol>Taking time to review your past year’s highlights is a rewarding practice that sets the tone for purposeful planning. As you reflect, celebrate your progress, honor your wins, and carry those lessons forward. Your highlights are not just memories, they are stepping stones to future success. You can take one hour or one day for this step. If you are doing the planner in a day, please 30-60 minutes for this step. If you have more time, giving yourself more time for the above and beyond can be significant and impactful. You will appreciate it most after you have done this process for a few years! Have fun!

Reflecting on Your Wins And Past Year’s Highlights (Step 1A)

<h3>Episode #44 Learning Guide for Podcast &nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>Topic: 4 Awarenesses Leaders Need for Strong Accountability Podcast: The Innovative Leader Series Listen Here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1k3hTTuQQo" data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1k3hTTuQQo" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1k3hTTuQQo﻿</a>Episode Focus:Accountability is not about control—it is about alignment, clarity, and care. This episode highlights four awarenesses leaders need to move from “squishy accountability” to strong, effective leadership that supports real follow-through.<h3>4 Awarenesses Every Leader Needs for Strong Accountability</h3><ol><li>Clarity in Roles and Expectations<ul><li>Confusion creates fog. Clear responsibilities prevent misalignment.</li><li>Tools like the EOS Accountability Chart can help define “Who is doing what by when—and how do we know?”</li><li>Reflection: Where might your team have role overlap, missing ownership, or “bouncing balls”? What needs to be clarified?</li></ul></li><li>Adaptability During Uncertainty and Change<ul><li>Change is constant. Leaders must stay centered to lead others through it.</li><li>Focus acts as your “spotting point”—like a gymnast keeping balance during cartwheels.</li><li>Stay aligned with mission, goals, and quarterly priorities—even when everything feels in motion.</li><li>Reflection: How are you helping your team stay anchored during fast-moving change?</li></ul></li><li>Effectiveness in Communication<ul><li>Clear, frequent, and two-way communication builds trust and team cohesion.</li><li>Use the SCARF model to reduce threat and foster connection (Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness).</li><li>Leaders must communicate both down and up. Managing up is not optional—it is good leadership.</li><li>Reflection: Are you creating regular space to check in, realign, and support clarity both ways?</li></ul></li><li>Courage in Addressing Conflict<ul><li>Conflict avoidance leads to drift. Facing issues with care keeps relationships and performance healthy.</li><li>First, check: Was the expectation clear? Was training or support provided? Leaders should seek to understand before acting. Tools like Never Split the Difference and The Anatomy of Peace support this mindset.</li><li>Reflection: Where have you hesitated to address misalignment? What conversation needs to happen now.</li></ul></li></ol>Tools &amp; Resources Mentioned:<ul><li style="">EOS Accountability Chart</li><li style="">SCARF Model (David Rock)</li><li style="">Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss</li><li style="">The Anatomy of Peace by The Arbinger Institute</li></ul>Listener Reflection Questions:<ul><li>Which of these four awarenesses is strongest for you right now?</li><li>Where are you noticing breakdowns or friction in accountability?</li><li>How do you stay focused and grounded in the midst of change?</li><li>What helps you address conflict clearly and constructively?</li></ul>

TILP 44: 4 Awarenesses Leaders Need for Strong Accountability

Synergy Strategies