8 key disciplines to help you achieve more in the next 12 weeks than in one year

February 22, 2021 By Vince Poscente

Imagine reaching your business goals in 12 weeks instead of 12 months. The system you can use to accelerate your business growth can happen by a shift in vision and tactics you implement. Brian Moran and Michael Lennington, the co-authors of NY Times Bestseller, The 12 Week Year, present a new time management system that provides a framework to accomplish your most important objectives and strategies in a more time-efficient manner.

“It’s not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?”

Ultimately, the 12 Week Year allows you to “Get more done in 12 weeks than others do in 12 months.” Here’s how:

8 Key Disciplines for Fundamental High Performance

In the book, Moran and Lennington describe eight key elements necessary for high performance in any business objective. These disciplines provide a framework to attach to any goal in order to gain success.

1. Your Vision: An inspiring vision establishes a clear picture for your future.
2. Planning In-Place: The optimum plan focuses and clarifies top initiatives needed to achieve the vision you have targeted.
3. Control the Process: Tools to set your daily actions essential to your plan.
4. Important Measurements: You will have lead and lag indicators that require informed decision making for best results.
5. Your Time Use: Be clear and intentional with the time you spend.
6. Take Accountability: Take ownership by being accountable for your actions. Regardless of your circumstances, how you approach a situation will build character.
7. Stay Committed: Build success, character, and esteem by taking action on your promises in a timely manner.
8. Your Greatness in the Moment: With each action you take, greatness will be achieved, and accelerated, over time.

“Intentionality is your secret weapon in your war on mediocrity.”

These key elements are crucial when planning your 12-week year and are more beneficial in a short- term planning model. Both Moran and Lennington believe that “the farther you plan into the future, the less predictability you have.” Long-term plans consist of assumptions that need to be updated more often than on a yearly basis. In order to gain a clear vision of what your daily actions should be, it is important to update your time management on a 12-week basis. When new opportunities are presented to you, update your system and adapt. The “short-term” 12-week goals help you to bridge the gap between your vision and your tangible action
plan.

“We mistakenly believe that there is a lot of time left in the year, and we act accordingly. We lack a sense of urgency, not realizing that every week is important, every day is important, every moment is important. Ultimately, effective execution happens daily and weekly!”

How to Accomplish Commitments

As said in the 8 Key Disciplines for Fundamental High Performance, commitment is vital in building trust and character for yourself and your business. To help you follow through on your commitments, Moran and Lennington here is our take on four keys to success:

1. Be Ambitious: A direct vision and motive for execution will get you where you want to go.  
2. Start Strong: Set a clear starting point.  
3. Name Your Price: Determine the costs before you commit to help establish your willingness and potential benefits.  
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Commit: Commit to yourself while being able to adjust to discomfort as your situation changes.   

It is important to follow through on your commitments not only to your business but also to yourself. Moran believes that commitment shows character and further builds continued success.

“A vision without a plan is a pipe dream.”

How to Time Block

When planning your 12-week year, Moran says that it is important to intentionally block out your time. Moran provides three types of time blocking that will ease the daily planning process.
1. The Strategic Block: pre-plan three hours of uninterrupted time to think out strategies and profitable activities.
2. The Buffer Block: take this time to answer emails, phone calls, and complete operational requirements for the business.
3. The Breakout Block: plan to take at least three hours to take a brain break and do anything other than work. Reflect on your workweek and take time for yourself.

The 12-week year framework will allow you and your business to grow exponentially. You will be able to quickly adapt to changes throughout the year and plan accordingly in a more strategic way.

To learn more about Brian Moran’s work, you can visit his website at 12 Week Year

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