November 20, 2024
As we approach the end of the year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on our achievements and setting goals for the upcoming year. In this article, we’ll explore a simple yet effective strategy to help you achieve more in just 12 weeks than most do in an entire year.
December is a time for reflection. You might be looking back at your work, relationships, and overall happiness. It’s natural to think about what you accomplished and what you didn’t. As a business owner, you probably have a flood of ideas, but let’s be real—there’s only so much you can do. The key is to be more productive and earn more in the coming year.
One of the best ways to kick off your year is by setting Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs). These are ambitious targets that push you out of your comfort zone. But remember, you can’t chase every idea. You need to narrow your focus.
The 80/20 rule states that 20% of your efforts will yield 80% of your results. But there’s more! I believe in the 4% rule—that 4% of your activities will have the biggest impact. Identifying these key activities can help you focus your energy where it counts.
When it comes to marketing, it’s essential to find what works for you. For many, this means focusing on a few key strategies. Here’s a quick list of effective marketing activities:
These activities have consistently worked for me, and they can do the same for you. Once you identify your marketing mix, double down on those efforts.
One of my recent goals was to get booked on 30 podcasts. I called this initiative Operation PodBlast. I created a simple postcard to track my progress. This physical reminder sat on my desk, motivating me to book interviews and complete them.
Here’s how I broke it down:
Visual tracking is powerful. It keeps your goals front and centre. I marked off completed interviews on my postcard, which helped me stay accountable. I even expanded my goal to 40 podcasts and ended up recording 33 in just three months. This method worked wonders for me.
As we move into 2025, it’s important to reflect on what you’ve achieved. I know that my efforts in booking podcasts will lead to increased visibility and opportunities. I’ll have backlinks to my website and more people interested in my work.
In summary, if you want to achieve more in 12 weeks than most do in 12 months, focus on setting Big Hairy Audacious Goals, apply the 80/20 rule, and create a visual tracking system. Break your goals down into manageable tasks, and keep them visible. This simple framework can help you stay on track and make the most of your time. As you head into the new year, remember to set your sights high and take action!
