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As we start the new year, it’s time to focus on what you truly want to accomplish. We usually start with resolutions that we do not keep. So, how do we set meaningful goals and actually stay on track? The answer: reverse engineer your year.
I was introduced to “reverse engineering” your goals by a friend who is also a business consultant, and now, as part of a business growth strategy, I guide entrepreneurs to break down their goals and create a clear, actionable plan for the year ahead.
Start with the end in mind
Picture December 2025. What do you want to have accomplished?
Write it down. Be specific.
Whether you’re launching a new product, growing your business, writing a book, hitting six-figure revenue goals, building a personal brand or giving a TEDx talk, clarity is essential. You want to picture yourself as having already achieved your vision. What does it look like for you? Where are you? Who are you surrounded by?
A clear, concrete vision of what success looks like for you and your business provides a measurable target and keeps your efforts focused.
Related: Reverse-Engineering Your Business Plan: Success Starts With the End
Define your non-negotiables
Your non-negotiables are the cornerstone habits, activities and commitments that form the foundation of our success. They ensure that our goals and daily decisions/habits are in alignment. Before diving into planning, identify what truly matters — things like spending time with family, investing in professional development and dedicating time to physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Then, what do you need to prioritize to make your goals achievable? Perhaps it’s carving out time for strategic planning, going to the gym, taking a course or staying consistent with your morning routine. Maybe it’s hiring the right support, like a coach or assistant. It could also mean focusing on building your personal brand, creating content or investing in growth strategies.
By identifying these now, you’ll create a clear filter for every decision you make throughout the year, ensuring you stay aligned with your ultimate goals.
Related: 5 Goal-Setting Strategies That Drive Success
Break it down: The quarterly/monthly/weekly framework
Big goals can feel overwhelming. The solution? Break the year into four quarters, each with clear, actionable milestones. Treat each quarter like its own mini-project with mini-goals
Quarterly goals: Focus on what needs to happen over the next three months to get closer to your end goal. What steps do you need to take in order to get to that big goal? What skills or certifications do you need?
Monthly targets: Break each quarter into smaller, specific monthly targets. These should be measurable actions that build momentum without leading to burnout. For example, if you’re growing your business, the goal may be to add two new clients. Writing a book? Commit to completing two chapters. Launching a program? Outline the framework and finalize the next module.
Weekly action plans: To achieve your monthly goals, plan weekly action steps that focus on the top priorities for that week. By narrowing your focus to just a few top priorities each week, you’ll take steps that move you closer to your big vision.
Related: How to Strategically Plan for 2025 as a Business Owner | Entrepreneur
Weekly reviews: Course correct as needed
Every week, take time to reflect and adjust:
1. What did you accomplish this week?
2. What got in the way?
3. What worked, and what didn’t?
4. What will you do differently next week to stay on track?
By staying consistent with weekly reviews, you’ll catch small problems before they become big ones.
Monthly reviews: Track your progress
End every month by looking back at what you’ve achieved and planning what’s next:
– Did you hit your monthly target(s)?
– Where did you gain momentum?
– What distracted you?
– What changes do you need to make for next month?
Reflecting on each week and month will help you recognize your progress, learn from challenges and gain clarity for the road ahead.
Quarterly reviews: Refocus and realign
At the end of each quarter, take a step back to evaluate the bigger picture. Quarterly reviews allow you to assess your progress toward your year-end goals and make necessary adjustments.
Ask yourself:
– What milestones did you hit this quarter?
– What slowed you down?
– Are your goals and priorities still aligned with your vision?
– What do I need or who do I want to connect with in order to reach my goals?
Use this time to reset and realign so that each new quarter builds momentum toward your larger goals.
To make this process easier, I give my clients a quarterly planning journal. It’s designed to help them stay on track by outlining their goals for the quarter, month and week. It includes space for weekly time blocking as well as areas for weekly, monthly and quarterly reviews. If you don’t have a quarterly goal planner, use a notebook or a weekly/monthly planner to set your goals and track your progress. The tool itself isn’t as important as creating a system that works for you.
Related: Goal-Setting Strategies and Actions to Take to Achieve Any Goal
Focus on actions, not just outcomes
Goals are great, but they don’t get accomplished without consistent action. Build systems that make progress inevitable. You can do this by blocking time for priorities and by properly adjusting. Don’t wait until the end of the year to see if something isn’t working. Adjust as you go.
1. Celebrate wins, big and small. Entrepreneurs are notorious for moving the goalposts and ignoring their own progress. Don’t do that. Celebrate the small wins, the consistent effort and the milestones along the way. This doesn’t mean throwing a party each time you send an email, but take a moment to acknowledge progress. It matters.
2. Stay flexible without losing focus. Your plan for 2025 may need adjustments along the way. Regular reviews keep you flexible and focused. The key is to adjust your approach while staying aligned with your goal(s).
3. Forget resolutions. Focus on creating a clear vision, breaking it down and taking consistent, focused action. Reverse-engineer your year and make 2025 your most impactful year yet. The most important thing is to get started. What’s your first step?
