It’s that time of year again: New Year’s resolutions, shiny fresh planners, and all the good intentions.
But here’s the thing—if you’ve ever set a goal only to forget about it by February, you’re not alone. Trust me, I’ve been there.
But this year? This year, I’m taking a different approach to goal planning—one that actually works and doesn’t leave me feeling overwhelmed. So grab a cup of coffee (or wine, no judgment here) and let’s talk about how I’m setting myself up for a successful 2025.
Why 12-Month Plans Are Overrated (And How 90-Day Plans Are Your New BFF)
I used to be the person who would painstakingly plan out every little thing for the year ahead. Big goals. A million tiny to-dos. And guess what? By June, I was off track, feeling frustrated, and having zero fun with my plans.
So this year, I’m ditching the over-the-top 12-month business plan template. Instead, I’m focusing on 90-day plans—and here’s why:
- It’s Flexible – Life happens, plans change, and unexpected stuff comes up (hello, solo parenting this year!). A 90-day plan lets me stay adaptable and pivot if I need to.
- It’s Manageable – Thinking about a full year of tasks is overwhelming. With 90-day plans, I’m breaking it down into chunks that are actually doable.
- It Keeps Me on Track – I’ll know within three months if something’s working or not. That way, I don’t waste half a year spinning my wheels.
Plus, if I’ve learned one thing from being an entrepreneur and solo parent: it’s that flexibility is key. You can’t control every single detail, but you can plan for the big picture and make adjustments as you go.
My 90-Day Plan: Priorities + Flexibility = Success
So, how do I actually set goals for the year? Well, I break it into these key steps:
- Pick 3-5 Priorities – These are the non-negotiables. My big goals for both business and life. These priorities are the foundation of my 90-day plan.
- Focus on What Matters – I’m not adding every little task to my to-do list. If it doesn’t align with one of my priorities, it’s not making the cut. It’s about being intentional, people!
- Use a 90-Day Plan Template – I’ve got a system that helps me break things down and keep my eyes on the prize. This template isn’t about filling out a million boxes. It’s about breaking things into actionable steps so I can move the needle on what matters most.
Adjust as You Go – Check-in time! Every month, I look back at how I’m doing. If something’s not working, I make tweaks. If I’m ahead of schedule? Great, I celebrate. It’s about staying on track and staying nimble.
Don’t Wait for “Perfect” – Just Get Started
The best part? You don’t need to wait for the “perfect” moment to start. As I’ve learned over the years, goals are a marathon, not a sprint. Start small, stay consistent, and adjust as needed.
So, what about you? Are you ready to ditch those overwhelming year-long plans and embrace 90-day plans that’ll actually keep you on track? Let me know in the comments—or tag me on Instagram @AmberMcCue and share your goals for the year!
Together, we can make 2025 a year to remember.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Year End Checklist
- Business Brilliant by Lewis Schiff
- Company Values
- Fresh Start Workbook
- 90-Day Plan Template
- Planning 101
HIGHLIGHTS:
02:54 How Amber declutters her digital world
09:54 “A better business means a better life”
18:00 How Amber is using the tools in her business
26:19 Top Values for Amber’s Company
34:18 Amber’s 2025 Strategic Roadmap
39:59 30-Day Planning Template