Now that Christmas is behind us (I hope you had a wonderful one, by the way), it is time to start looking forward to the next year. This is a time when most of us take some time to reminisce about the year closing and set some goals for the one to come. I began a tradition a few years ago that has come to serve me well. It has given me perspective and assisted me in achieving my goals. I would love to pass this tradition on to you.
Sometime between Christmas and New Year’s, I schedule some time to be by myself. It may only take a few hours and it might require as much as a full day. During this time, I turn off all communication to the outside world. No phone. No Internet. No employees. Not even family. This is time for me alone.
I first take a look at the prior year and assess my progress on my various goals and ambitions. What worked? What didn’t? Why was I able to achieve 100% of some goals, less of others, and none of some? If I am honest with this information, I can use it to assist me in formulating my plan for the coming year.
I set goals in five categories of growth; physical, spiritual, social, financial, and mental. Once those goals are set (and WRITTEN DOWN), I move to the next stage. I like to write what I call an Annual Vision Story™. I date my document December 31 of the next year (so this week, I will write December 31, 2014 at the top of my paper). Each of my goals are then written in paragraph format as if they have already happened.
Let me illustrate. If one of my goals is to lose 20 pounds in 2014, I might say something like, “I am so happy to be 20 pounds lighter this year…” It is written in past tense as if it has already occurred. I make a similar statement with each of my goals. Almost every day of 2014, I will wake up and read this statement to myself. With just a few weeks, it starts to become ingrained in my mindset and begins to physically manifest itself in the way I eat, exercise, and life in general.
This small change has assisted me in achieving many more goals each year than I have otherwise been able to attain. Make sure to set realistic (but stretching) goals. Write them down. Be consistent about reviewing and working on them throughout the year. Make 2014 the best year ever in both your personal and business life.
Now, go create some value!
Dustin Harris is a multi-business owner, but he has found most of his success as a self-employed, residential real estate appraiser. He has been appraising for nearly two decades. He is the owner and President of Appraisal Precision and Consulting Group, Inc., and is a popular author, speaker and consultant. He owns and operates The Appraiser Coach where he personally advises and mentors other appraisers helping them to also run successful appraisal companies and increase their net worth. He and his wife reside in Idaho with their four children.
5 thoughts on “Creating Your Vision Story for 2014”
Dustin,
Very nice. Thanks for sharing. I have similar annual rituals during this last week/days of each year. You have inspired me to maybe put it in writing with your idea of dating the document next December 31st. I have an aversion to journaling/ writing stuff down–I don’t know why for sure–I write all-day-long maybe, I chronicle/schedule/plan etc. It’s just nice to sit and pray and think in silence sometimes and do nothing–kind of a joy and a luxury for us hardworking-types. Yet, sometime today/tonight, I think I’ll try your composition idea of writing from the future and giving thanks for goals accomplished. May God–who sees and knows all your good goals–bless you in your efforts this coming year.
Pat/Cincinnati appraiser
Dustin —
I am in the process of changing my terminology from “setting goals” to “writing plans” and writing them in the past tense as of the end of next year is another key feature.
I am in full agreement with many of your comments, especially concerning reporting a value range instead of point, but I have a problem with your sign off. Most of the mortgage fraud was facilitated by appraisers “creating value” instead of accurately reporting appropriate market activity.
Barry:
Thanks for the kind remarks and I wish you all the best on the “plans.” Regarding my tagline “Go Create Some Value,” please read this article and I think it will explain everything:
https://theappraisercoach.com/now-go-create-some-value/
Obviously, I do not believe that appraisers should be manipulating values. I am talking about creating value for others. Have a happy New Year.
Love your comments, Pat. Same to you.
The term that you use a lot is go “create some value”. I know you have an explanation for using such a term but that explanation doesn’t travel with the term “create some value” which on the surface makes the whole appraisal profession look or sound like a bunch of hocus pokus. “Create some value” without an explanation as to the meaning of the phrase just sounds bad. Maybe if so many appraisers had not “created value” we wouldn’t be in the situation that we are in today. Just a thought.