I hit my yearly goals for the year in 3 months using the 12-week year method.
This is a time management system that I personally used, where you break down long-term goals into shorter, more manageable 12-week cycles. This approach helped me stay focused, motivated, and productive. Here's how you can use it to achieve your goals:
- Set Clear and Specific Goals:
- Identify your long-term goals: Determine what you want to achieve in the next year or even four years. Make sure they’re achievable and
- Break down your goals into 12-week chunks: Divide your goals into smaller, achievable weekly goals. Because there's only 12 weeks in your “year” this will create a sense of urgency and make your goals feel even more important.
- Prioritize: Take a pen and paper right now and write down three of your top goals for the next 12-week cycle. Whether it be losing 15lbs, reading two books or even making $10,000 a month. Prioritizing helps you stay focused and avoid falling off of the goals you set for each 12 week year
- Create an Action Plan:
- Break down your 12-week goals into smaller tasks: I personally used the app Notion to help me identify the specific steps I must take to achieve each goal on a weekly and daily level. Here’s where we get personal.
My goals were as follows:
Within these three goals, I then set 5 strategies per goal
Ex. Play tennis once a week, Cardio + weights 3x a week, pilates 2x , breath work and deep stretching in the morning, cold showers 2x a week
Ex. Consistent tik tok videos, schedule emails to be sent every tuesday and thursday, attend pop up shops, apply for 3 grants a week
- Schedule tasks: Make your notion calendar your main lock screen calendar and ample time everyday for each task in your calendar This helps you stay organized and accountable.
- Stay Focused and Accountable:
- Minimize distractions: Achieving your goals is something you must hone in on 100% eliminate distractions like excessive social media and unnecessary notifications, swap out regular music for classical music and/or a podcast (One I highly recommend is The Habits of a CEO)
- Set deadlines: Assign deadlines for each task to create a sense of urgency.
Ex. I have 2 SMS marketing campaigns and 5 grants to write by Friday, Wednesday & I’ve only done the marketing campaigns. I’ll change my phone screen to black and white in order to buckle down that evening to finish everything.
- Celebrate your wins: There were a couple weeks where I just wasn’t able to complete everything I set out to do, I still made it a point to acknowledge and celebrate my achievements, no matter how small. This boosted my motivation and kept me going!
- Adapt and Adjust:
- Be flexible: Things don't always go according to plan. Be prepared to adjust your plan as needed.
- Review and reflect: Every three weeks, take some time to review your progress and make adjustments to ensure you reach your goals by the end of your 12 week year
Additional Tips:
- Start small: Don't try to do too much at once. Start with a few manageable goals and gradually increase the number as you get more comfortable with the method. Before you know it, you’ll really be able to successfully tackle 4 years worth of goals in ONE!
- Be realistic: Set realistic goals that you can achieve within the 12-week timeframe.
- Don't be afraid to fail: Failure is a part of the learning process. Don't let setbacks discourage you. Always remember as long as you’re doing 1% better every day, you are moving in the right direction and failure is not the opposite of success, it's a stepping stone to success
- Have fun: Enjoy the process of achieving your goals and at times where it gets hard, remember that the best version of you is rooting for you and proud of you!
By following these steps and staying committed to your goals, you can use the 12-week year method to achieve your goals and truly become unrecognizable by March 2025!
If you have any questions, as always feel free to send me an email at Awobody@yahoo.com