The Art of Quarterly Planning

Focus on #onething and #output

89 days left in the quarter.

Difference of the Day #105

Yesterday, we delved into our long-term aspirations for the next ten years. Today, let's return our focus to the present and make the most of the new quarter that has just begun.

Benjamin Franklin's wisdom is particularly relevant here:

"If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!"

The concept is straightforward: We will dedicate time to meticulously planning the next twelve weeks at the beginning of each quarter.

Specifically, we will explore how to utilize the four personal effectiveness tools: #onething, #output, #tracking, and #revision.

Today, we'll concentrate on the first two: #onething and #output.

Defining Your #onething

Start by reflecting on what you wish to accomplish by Sunday, September 29, the end of this third quarter. Clearly define your primary goal for the next three months. This will be your #onething—the ambitious target that will command your focus and energy.

Your #onething is your obsession.

It is an ambitious goal you intend to achieve within three months, your top priority until September 29.

Here are some examples of well-defined quarterly #onething:
- Lose 5 kg of fat by the end of the next 90 days.
- Generate $90,000 in revenue by Sunday, September 29.
- Save $10,000 by Sunday, September 29.

Define a quarterly #onething with a specific deadline and a binary nature—by the deadline, you either achieve it or you don't. There should be no ambiguity.

Establishing Your #output

If #onething is your obsession, #output is the single action over which you have 100% control and can significantly influence your goal's achievement.

Think of #onething as the outcome you want to achieve, which you may not ultimately control. The function of #onething is to ignite your enthusiasm and focus your attention on a single priority. Your #output, on the other hand, is the "dirty work" you must commit to in the next 90 days, for which you are entirely responsible.

You either achieve it or you don't. No excuses.

Here are some concrete examples of #output:
- Complete 36 gym workouts in the next 3 months.
- Meditate for at least 10 minutes every day.
- Complete 360 hours of deep work in the next 90 days.
- Walk 10,000 steps every day.
- Dedicate 60 minutes a day to developing a new side project.

Choose the #output most consistent with your goal. The idea behind #output is to define a specific volume of actions that can significantly impact the achievement of your quarterly #onething.

For example, my goal is to reach 1000 subscribers in these 3 months—this is my #onething: #1000. While I don't have complete control over the number of sign-ups, I can control my daily writing and posting on social media, inviting people to subscribe.

Plan with purpose, act determined, and stay committed to your path. Dream big, then plant your feet firmly to gain momentum toward your goal.

All clear?
See you tomorrow, Today, Make A Difference.
Andrei

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