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.
Why Walking the Talk Matters
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:
- Authenticity: Ensuring your actions reflect your values helps you stay true to yourself.
- Clarity: Identifying gaps highlights areas to improve and where to focus your energy.
- Momentum: Small shifts in alignment can lead to greater motivation and sustained progress.
How to Assess Your Alignment (Page 11 of the Planner)
- 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.
- Identify Gaps: What creates a gap in this area and what change or action would make it better?
- Plan Actions: Write down one to two actions you can take in the year ahead to improve alignment in each area.
Example Reflections
- Health: In my health, I set a goal to work out three times a week and drink 8 glasses of water a day.
- Finance: In my finances, I need to have a monthly budget, review it at the end of each month, and save $250/month.
- Space: I will clear my desk and pick up my space at the end of each day.
Above and Beyond
- 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.
- Seek Accountability: Share your reflections with a coach or accountability partner to stay on track.
- Revisit Regularly: Alignment is not a one-time exercise. Check-in monthly to update, refine and adjust.
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!
Introducing the Performance Planner: Reflect, Focus, Achieve
Reflecting on Your Wins And Past Year’s Highlights (Performance Planner Step 1A)
Reflect with Thought-Provoking Review Questions (Performance Planner Step 1B)
Reflect on Tolerations and Clear the Clutter! (Performance Planner Step 1C)
Assess Your Balance with the Wheel of Life (Performance Planner Step 2A)
