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We overestimate what we can accomplish in the short term and underestimate what we can accomplish in the long term.

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Every quarter, I take a day to reset and reconnect with my life plan. This dedicated time allows me to evaluate my performance on previous quarterly goals and thoughtfully plan for the upcoming quarter. It's a powerful opportunity to realign with my core values and ensure my goals reflect what truly matters in my life.

I structure my planning across three essential categories:

1. Personal life
2. Marriage and family
3. Business

For each category, I establish one significant goal per quarter. For my business, I might include a few additional smaller objectives, but my focus is on the primary one. My commitment is clear: if I accomplish nothing else this quarter, these three goals will be completed.

These quarterly objectives often serve as stepping stones toward larger annual goals. This approach addresses a common planning mistake: we consistently overestimate what we can accomplish in the short term (days, weeks, or even months) while underestimating what we can do in the long term. This isn't just a planning preference—it's one of the fundamental insights that transformed my effectiveness and sense of fulfillment.

By breaking down my long-term vision into more focused goals, I've created a system that delivers consistent results. It looks like this:

Life Plan >> Annual Goals (7-10) >> Quarterly Big 3 Goals >> Weekly Big 3 Goals >> Daily Big 3 Goals.

This structure keeps me focused on what matters most while maintaining perspective on the bigger picture.

Allow me an example. A few months ago, I had one of those conversations with my wife, and in it I asked the dreaded question: on a scale of 1-10, how would you rate our relationship, and how am I doing as a husband? My wife would be the first to say she doesn’t think our relationship is doing poorly, and overall, she is happy with me as a husband. But I did ask the question…

I assumed we were at a 7.5 or 8. She thought we were at a 6.5—a classic difference in the male/female perspective!

Her main reason was our communication. She felt we were not fully understanding each other due to our personality differences. That prompted us to purchase an Enneagram for Marriage course to grow in our communication skills. The goal:

To improve our marriage from a 6.5 to an 8.5 by December 31, 2025. Our Q1 goal was to finish the Enneagram for Marriage Course and start implementing what we learn by March 31, 2025.

How Will You Plan Differently?

I'm curious about your approach to planning. Do you have a goal-setting system that works effectively for you?

If not, start by asking these questions:

1. What would your "Big 3" goals be if you were planning your next quarter today?
2. How might a quarterly reset day change your perspective on what's possible in your business and life?
3. Which area of your life (personal, relationships, or business) most needs the clarity that comes from intentional quarterly planning?

What one change to your planning approach would help you better balance your short-term goals with your long-term vision?

Take Action >>

Schedule a half-day "Quarterly Reset" within the next two weeks. Bring your calendar, journal, and annual goals...if you have them. Review Q1 and then identify your "Big 3" for the coming quarter—one for each key area of your life.

I recommend going somewhere different. That way, you won’t be tempted by your normal daily activities. Oh, and have fun while you’re at it! On my quarterly planning retreats, I enjoy lunch at a local general store with great burgers, and I always take a long walk!

Until next time,

PS - Whenever you're ready, there are three ways I can help you...

1. Transform those anxiety-filled, rushed mornings into your foundation for daily success with the Win the Morning, Win the Day! Minicourse​
2. Hire me to do a keynote or workshop​
3. ​Schedule a Discovery Call to find out if executive coaching is for you - for business owners or executives

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