Discipline + Quarterly Planning = Results
Discipline is a trait that manifests in varying degrees. Discipline, as a noun, is ‘an activity or regimen that develops or improves a skill.’
We all have priorities in life, whether we identify them or not. We will make time for the things that matter to us and must be done in life. Having fun and enjoying life is imperative to make time for. Watching TV or sleeping late may be a priority for some. Shopping or lazing at the beach may be a priority for others. Being successful in business or a career may also be a priority and requires goals to be set. However, choosing to watch TV or sleeping late instead of doing the activities and tasks associated with your goals will not help you achieve the future success you want. Achieving long-term goals associated with wealth, health, happiness, relationships, a successful career, or a thriving business requires goals to be set each year to achieve your strategic goals. Abraham Lincoln left a significant legacy because he had long-term goals and believed that "Discipline is simply choosing between what you want now and what you want most."
It is easy to have goals and even easy to have a plan to achieve them. However, without consistent action of showing up to your plan, then goals are just wishes. To achieve anything, we must act upon our goals, have a plan, and bring the plan to life monthly, weekly, and daily. We need consistency in showing up for ourselves and others, which takes discipline.
"If you don't know exactly where you're going, how will you know when you get there." Steve Maraboli
A very effective way to bring a more disciplined approach into your life is quarterly planning, also known as 90-day planning. Think about it; you may have goals you want to achieve in five years. Goals such as a certain level of income, a house, a family, and health priorities. Setting these long-term or strategic goals is the first step to achieving them. When you can articulate and put language to what you wish to achieve, it will be available because you know what you wish to achieve. If you cannot language it, you cannot have it because you do not know what it is! It starts with setting goals, and as Steve Maraboli highlights, "If you don't know exactly where you're going, how will you know when you get there."
Once goals are set, bringing them to life and making them a reality requires you to act. This is where quarterly planning comes into play. Showing up daily to your plan for the year is how constant improvement can be achieved. Constant and never-ending improvement is how goals are achieved repeatedly. Focusing on building the habits that require this is how quarterly planning supports achieving goals. Think about it: if you were to go out into the forest with an axe to chop down a tree, and you swung the axe multiple times, eventually, the tree would come down. So, it is with achieving your goals. Constant action on the activities and tasks required to be completed will lead you towards achieving your goals.
Why quarterly planning? Quarterly planning has many benefits, with science, strategy, and psychology behind the concept of 90 days. It's not just a number!
Brain-Friendly
Our brains thrive on short-term goals. Three months is the right stretch to keep us committed without feeling overwhelmed. It provides a tangible horizon, close enough to keep us accountable yet long enough to see significant progress.
Adaptability
In today's fast-paced world, waiting a year to revisit your goals and strategies can leave you behind. Quarterly planning allows businesses and individuals to pivot, adjust, and refine their approach more frequently.
Sharp Focus
Knowing you have a three-month window encourages prioritisation. You're more likely to concentrate on what truly matters, the important versus urgent stuff, cutting out the fluff and ensuring every day counts.
Measurable Progress
You can concretely measure your achievements at the end of three months. This provides a robust feedback mechanism to celebrate wins, learn from misses or mistakes, and adjust your activities for the next quarter.
Sustained Momentum
Quarterly check-ins create a rhythm, particularly when the quarter is broken down by month for weekly and daily focus. Check-ins act as regular infusions of inspiration for motivating and ensuring you're continually moving, assessing, and progressing.
Exploring these benefits will help you create new or improved habits regarding how you show up to achieve your goals. This is because quarterly planning promotes adaptability, focus, accountability, and effective allocation of resources such as time and effort. This, in turn, leads to the achievement of priorities, bringing focus on what is most important to you and creating the discipline you need in business and life to achieve the success you want to have. Discipline is simply choosing between what you want now and what you want most. Are you interested or committed?
If you want support to develop discipline with quarterly planning, click here to book your Complimentary Strategy Session with Claire or Wendy at Leaders Network.
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