Productivity

Refining My Goals and Habits for 2023: The Ultimate Guide (Almost)

How I plan for the new year

I prefer thinking on paper, especially when planning my year. Here: a blurred view of my annual calendar. Photo by Alice Kent.

2022 has been a chaotic and exhausting year, marked by many changes professionally and personally. I have a lot on my plate — probably too much — and with the end of the year approaching, now is the time to “face the productivity dragon” (see ). Here is a guide on how I am preparing to slay the beast in 2023 and lead a more intentional and transformative life.

Warning: This is intentionally a long post. I have benefited over the years from many detailed descriptions of planning processes, and I hope you will too!

The Tools

1. Notebook or note-taking app of your choice;
2. A good pen or keyboard;
3. Scratch paper;
4. My phone on aeroplane mode;
5. Uninterrupted block(s) of time;
6. Inspiring environment;
7. Pot of tea (or any comforting drink of choice).

The Steps

1. Setting the Environment
2. The Scratch Paper Dump: What Ideas And Tasks Are Floating Around My Brain?
3. Calendar Review: What Is Already Scheduled?