Invisibly disabled people planning for 2022 should start with an evaluation of 2021.
But wait a minute! Tomorrow’s only Christmas. Why are we thinking about New Year’s? Well, if you’re like me, it takes a while to complete a task. Next week is 2022. So, if we are going to put plans in place for 2022, we need to start now – at least I do.
I’m trying something different this week. I need to evaluate the work I’ve done on Navigating the Storms. So I’m making my own outline as I write. That way, you can follow my progress. You might also find ideas for your own life.
My evaluation concerns this website. But you will need to pick whatever area has caused problems in your own life. It may concern exercise, eating, relationships, finances, or even understanding medical care. Or something else entirely.
If we want to make plans for our future, we need first to look at the past to see what we have done right, what we did wrong, or even what we didn’t do at all. As invisibly disabled people, starting our planning with an evaluation should save time and energy in the long run.
Before we begin
The process of evaluation helps to know where activities have failed to achieve goals. Did it occur because we failed to implement something? Or was there a flaw in our planning? Does an external barrier exist in our environment? (An especially important consideration for us.) These answers help us understand how to plan successfully.
The following steps are what I decided on. My answers are in red.
Look to the future
- Set overall goal.
- Within the context of my writing, I need to accomplish more while using less time.
Review the past year
What activities used too much time?
- In 2021, Joe and I were finishing our book. Editing and making design decisions ate up time and energy, leaving little for the website.
- Misjudging how much time it would take to publish our book, I added in more posts for this site. Again, using up time.
Did good things happen?
- We finished our book!
- Readers seemed to enjoy additions to my site.
Did bad things happen?
- I got too exhausted, frustrated, and stressed.
Were there activities left undone?
- As to my writing, I don’t think so. Because of being overwhelmed, I was able to do other responsibilities.
Looking to the future
List specific changes to be made
- If these changes can be measurable, easier to carry them out.
- I have some ideas, but they are private and I will list them later. I just began my list.
Make a chart or spreadsheet to measure the changes
Now what?
Start your own evaluation for successful planning so your invisibly disabled life might become more fruitful in 2022.
Do you have specific or general suggestions for Navigating the Storms?
You can leave a public comment here or contact me privately.
Investigate Further
This article on self-evaluation applies specifically to employees, but the principles could be adapted to our personal lives.
