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Achieve More in Less Time: Goal Setting with the 12 Week Year Principle
Heather Ewing • January 30, 2025
Achieve More in Less Time: Goal Setting with the 12 Week Year Principle
In the whirlwind of our busy lives, annual goals can often feel distant and are easy to push to the next day, week or month. Enter the 12 Week
Year by Brian Moran—it’s a game-changing approach to achieving your dreams faster by breaking down your goals into shorter, more actionable sprints.
What is the 12 Week Year?
The principle is simple yet revolutionary: Instead of setting goals for a year, treat every 12 weeks as a year. This means focusing on achieving results within a compressed time frame, which promotes clarity, urgency, and intense focus.
It reminds me of marathon training (which has been really effective for me) but instead of 16 weeks, it’s only 12 weeks.
Here’s why it works:
- Shorter Deadlines: Procrastination thrives when we think we have “plenty of time.” With only 12 weeks, you’ll naturally increase your focus and effort.
- Clearer Goals: You’ll prioritize what matters most, eliminating the clutter of irrelevant tasks.
- Frequent Feedback: Every week offers an opportunity to reflect and course-correct.
How to Get Started
- Define Your Vision: What do you truly want to accomplish? Whether it’s launching your dream business, completing a fitness milestone, or mastering a new skill, clarity is key. You have to really want it; otherwise, you’ll fizzle out and lose confidence.
- Set Measurable Goals: Be specific. Instead of “I want to get in shape,” try, “I’ll lose 8 pounds by the end of 12 weeks through consistent workouts and a balanced diet.”
- Create Weekly Tactics: Break down your goal into weekly actions. For example:
- Week 1: Plan workouts and prepare meals.
- Week 2: Attend 4 gym sessions and track meals daily.
- Track Progress: Every week, evaluate your performance. Did you complete your actions? If not, adjust your approach for the next week or work on the weekend to get caught up.
- Celebrate Wins: Recognize and reward your achievements each day with recognition and at the end of 12 weeks celebrate in a bigger way. Then, take a week off to clear your mind, reset and then set your sights on the next cycle!
Take the Leap
Avoid the “all or nothing” attitude.
We’re in Week 4 so start today, you will be much further ahead than if you don’t.
Every day is a choice and chance to advance your life and career in the direction you dream of. I believe in You. Isn’t it time you believe in You?!
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