It’s natural at the end of the year to take a quick spin through the highlights of the year, and look ahead.

Here’s the simple “Three C’s” framework I use for planning, review and decision-making:

1. Clearing
2. Creating
3. Connecting

You can use it for quick daily, weekly or monthly planning and review. It works for annual planning and review as well.

As you look back on 2009, consider:

1. CLEARING

- What did you release or clear during the year?

- What space did you open up, whether in your calendar, office or home?

- What limiting habits, beliefs or other constraints did you let go?

2. CREATING

- What products, services and results did you create or produce this year?

- What did you invent or envision that’s still compelling, whether you got the work done on this creation in 2009 or not?

- Is this idea or creation something you want to continue in 2010 or beyond?

3. CONNECTING

- What new people did connect with this year?

- What relationships did you strengthen?

- What connections did you make for others?

And using the Three C’s to look ahead to create a better 2010, consider:

1. CLEARING

- What time and space do you want to open up in your work or life in the new year?

- What habits or beliefs are still holding you back that you’re ready to let go in 2010?

2. CREATING

- What results do you want to create or produce in the new year?

- What new products and services do you want to provide your customers or clients?

- Are there new markets you want to enter?

- What ongoing creations do you want to continue or complete in 2010?

- What experiences do you want to create in the year ahead?

3. CONNECTING

- What connections do you want to create in 2010?

- What connections do you want to strengthen?

- What connections do you want to, or can you make for others in the new year?

Give the Three C’s a test as you open up a great year in 2010.

And let me know how it works for you as you move ahead.

I think you’ll be pleased with the increased clarity and choice it gives you as you make the most of the time, energy, talents, attention and other resources at your command.

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