Take the Plunge!
Here we all are, approaching the top of the 2021 rollercoaster, whether we are ready to plunge into 2022 or not. But we are creatures of habit, and sometimes succumb to the choices of those around us, like those who will be jumping into the overcrowded pool of resolutions for the New Year so they can climb on the raft and become resolution blood brothers. Not to mention the promoters of workshops, bootcamps, webinars, and conferences enticing you to drink the lemonade right now and decide what your entire coming year is going to look like. All while juggling the Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Festivus pandemonium.
There’s just so much pressure to get on the annual goal train.
I have always wondered how anyone who has feasted for weeks on tryptophan-laden holiday meals washed down with gingerbread and eggnog, could possibly think clearly enough to commit to an intention for 12 full months.
Say No To Resolutions
I’m here to plead with you to just say no! There is a better way to achieve your goals on a shorter timeline with more success. I have said it before and I’ll say it again, setting goals, committing to systems and processes, and taking action for 12 weeks or 90 days at a time can get you far better results.
Instead of anticipating the pressure a new year might bring, think more about what will have the most impact on your business now. Do you need to clarify your offers or services? Do you need a new marketing strategy to promote them? Or maybe you need to tighten up your business systems. Do you need to solidify critical routines and habits necessary for success in your business, or do you want to double down on a sales goal? There are so many possibilities.
I think it’s obvious that I’m not a fan of this resolution thing, but if you have to make one, let it be to free yourself from the archaic 365-day calendar and its unrealistic limitations.
How To Set Realistic Goals And Achieve Them
I’m not saying you can’t have hopes for where you’ll be in a year. But in 12-week, realistic chunks of time, you can keep the prize front of mind, while you steadily move toward what you want to achieve. There’s more of an urgency to get things done when you can see the finish line, rather than kicking back like, “hey, let’s relax! I have 12 whole months to get that done. What Netflix show do you want to binge?”
It’s as magical as it’s practical, and it’s all about reverse engineering - prioritize your goals, break them down into actionable steps, and get them done in shorter, more controllable timeframes.
Your 12-week cycles can start whenever you want. Be aware of the pull to squeeze four 90-day cycles into your year, which is technically the same old year, just broken into 4 quarters. Take advantage of these new cycles, and how flexibly you can plan them around other things in your life, like vacations, holidays and family time. You can take time in between them to reflect and then to plan what will work best in the next cycle.
My current goal setting action cycle conveniently ends the day before Thanksgiving. My college kids will be around, so I’ll be taking some time off through the end of the year. Waiting to start my next goal setting action cycle gives me time to spend time with them, and to plan for my next 12-week cycle. I won’t have any unfinished business taking up space in my mind, and I’ll be able to enjoy my time off, knowing exactly when I will get going again.
If you still feel some annual calendar obligation so you have something to talk about with your friends, you can do something fun like create a life vision board or pick a theme word for the year. You can still go to a New Year’s party or parade. But you won’t wake up on January 1 in a panic because the race to the 12-month finish line has begun!
My accountability program is a great way to learn how effective this 90-day cycle can be when it comes to crushing your goals. If it sounds interesting and you’d like to hear more, you can schedule a complimentary call here or check out the program details here.
P.S. Ready to stop spinning in place and get to the other side of your goals? Here are several ways I can help:
Download my free weekly planning guide - it will help you become more intentional with your time, develop a clear action plan for your week, and ensure that you are focusing on activities that will move your business forward - Download Now
Join our next CEO Power Planning Session and spend two and a half hours ON your business. During this facilitated workshop, you’ll set and prioritize your next 12-week goals, break them down into an executable action plan and create a resource plan - Join the Wait List
Apply for the next Close the Gap Program and stay on track to achieve your most important goals. 1:1 support and guidance on prioritizing goals, creating a plan and putting structure and routines in place. Then 12 weeks of group support around execution - Apply today