When it comes to mapping out the year ahead, I do the same thing every year.

I start with a fresh 12 month calendar.
Some highlighters.
And a pencil.

Then I mark out all the important dates.

But I do this in a very particular order. 

First, I start with the dates I can’t move. Think school holidays, uni exam weeks, birthdays, anniversaries, and public holidays like Easter, Christmas etc. These are all the things I can’t change…even if I wanted to. 

Then I add my pleasure adventures. Think family holidays, solo retreats, long weekends with friends, concerts, festivals etc. Maybe I know exactly what these pleasure adventures are or maybe I don’t. Either way, I make a point of scheduling in the bare minimum.

Then I add any important work dates. Think online workshops, classes, trainings, speaking gigs, events, deadlines etc. I always start with the things that are already locked in. Then I add the things I want to prioritise and commit to.

Mapping out the year like this allows me to see the overall ebb and flow. It also allows me to ask the important questions likes:

• Do I have enough white space so I can stay open to spontaneity?
• Do I have enough down time so I can rest and recharge?
• Do I have enough bandwidth to do each project justice or am I stretching myself thin?
• Does this year feel energising and expansive or stressful and draining?

If adjustments need to be made, I’ll make them. Otherwise, if it’s feeling good and looking good, then it’s play time!

What about you? How do you map out your year? Do you center your life around pleasure too? 

I hope so. But if not, maybe 2022 is the year you do. 

Big Love