Quarterly Planning: From Failure to Focused Success

Consider why yearly planning may not be working for you and the potential benefits of quarterly planning.

“Years are just way too big to hold in my brain.”

Map out the months for each quarter of the year (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec).

“Quarterly planning is a strategic method by which you break down your yearly goals into four manageable chunks called quarters.”

Plan to review at the end of each quarter.

“Each quarter sort of builds in a review period at the end of it when you're setting up the next quarter you sort of have to look back and say like okay what worked what didn't work”

Ensure your plans translate into specific, actionable tasks. Avoid vague goals.

“You need to actually make sure the plans you made for yourself translate into concrete actions that you're taking.”

Be flexible and adjust your goals as you progress through the year. Don't be afraid to change course.

“Just because I made this yearly plan does not mean this is set in stone I can change it and I should have changed it if it emerged for me that I was just literally not focusing on any of my goals that I had set up”

Don't prioritize aesthetics over achieving your core goals. Functionality should come first.

“Do not fill a space with a whole new project or idea that isn't relevant to your goals”

Recognize the value of a fresh start each quarter for renewed focus and motivation.

“Each time I turned to a blank quarter I got an instant feeling of calm.”

Leverage the monthly calendar for a bird's-eye view of your commitments and plan accordingly.

“I was able to get into the months and see for myself what I had going on what the long Arc of my next 30 days would look like.”