Over the years I’ve heard a lot of hype about making this the “best year ever.” I guess that’s pretty typical for the end of December. And I’m certainly not opposed to making this my best year ever. Who wouldn’t want that, especially after 2020?
Courtesy of Nadin Mario
At the same time I’m a pretty practical guy. That is one of the things that has made me successful to this point. So I’d love to share with you two simple steps that will help you get some traction as you head into 2021. This can be done from a personal standpoint or for your organization, or both.
My wife and I have actually made it an annual tradition to get away for a few days and work through these steps. It has been a huge blessing for our marriage, family, and businesses.
One year plan
The first step to get some traction is to think through and create the primary goals you’d like to accomplish. What are the 5-7 most important things you or your organization need to accomplish this year?
As you formulate your goals, let me encourage you that less is almost always more. If you set too many goals you will likely not accomplish any of them. Stay focused on what’s most important.
For some simple guidelines on how to set the kind of goals you are most likely to achieve, check out my blog post entitled, “Why You Struggle to Achieve Your Goals.“
90-Day Windows
After you have determined how you’d like to finish up the year it is time to break things down into more manageable chunks. I strongly recommend that you work through the year in 90-day windows (or 4 quarters).
I suggest this because most people have a hard time taking action on items that are 12 months down the road. If you work in 90-day windows your team is much more likely to connect with what you’re trying to do.
To get off on the right foot for 2020, take your 1-year plan and ask yourself the following question,
“What are the 3-5 most important things that must happen in the next 90 days in order for us to achieve our 1-year plan?”
I use the word “must” on purpose in that question. The point of this exercise is not to just start making a list of what’s important. That list could be a mile long. Rather this step is intended to help you determine what the non-negotiables are for the next three months to put you on a trajectory to achieve your 1-year plan.
Again, less is more. Get and remain focused.
These “rocks” should then be used weekly to form the basis of your work schedule. They are not “nice-to-haves,” but immovable boulders that are the keys to your long-term success. We call them rocks because they are intended to function as anchors during the inevitable whirlwind you’ll encounter.
Lather, rinse, repeat
To keep things moving, at the end of every quarter, sit down and define the rocks for the next 90-day window. Continue this process throughout the year, making the appropriate course corrections each quarter so you will end the year in a victorious celebration.
I trust you will agree these steps are simple. That said, they carry tremendous power in helping you gain and maintain the kind of momentum you’ll need to succeed.
Make a plan. Get some traction.
Question: If you could finish the year having accomplished only one major goal, what would it be? Share your answer in the Comments Section.
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