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In This Edition of Remarkable Monday
Setting the Stage for Success
"A goal without a plan is just a wish." -Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
As we approach the start of a new year, now is the perfect time to move from wishing to planning. Many people set ambitious resolutions, but fewer than 10% stick with them. Why? Because they lack a clear strategy to make those goals a reality.
What if, instead of resolutions, you committed to a strategic plan—one that gives your dreams structure and helps you hit the ground running?
Why Strategic Planning Matters
Strategic planning isn’t just for businesses; it’s a powerful tool for personal growth and success. Whether you’re building a side hustle, stepping into a new leadership role, or simply aiming for a better work-life balance, a well-thought-out plan lays the foundation for meaningful progress.
Here’s the secret: successful people don’t rely on motivation; they rely on systems. Strategic planning creates the systems you need to turn your goals into daily habits and achievable milestones.
Three Steps to Create Your Plan
To set the stage for success, focus on these three key steps:
Clarify Your Vision
Begin with the end in mind. Where do you want to be 12 months from now? Write down clear, measurable goals for key areas of your life—career, health, relationships, finances, or faith.Break It Down
A yearly goal can feel overwhelming. Break it into smaller milestones for each quarter or month. For example, if your goal is to grow your business revenue by 20%, focus on achieving 5% growth each quarter.Create Daily Habits
The best plans fail without consistent action. Identify small, repeatable habits that support your goals. For instance, if your goal is better health, your habit might be drinking more water or exercising for 30 minutes each day.
Challenge for the Week
This week, I challenge you to carve out time to create your strategic plan for the new year. Don’t wait for Jan. 1—start setting the stage now.
Ask yourself:
What are my top priorities for 2025?
What systems or habits will I need to succeed?
How can I celebrate small wins along the way?
Take the first step today. Even 30 minutes of focused planning can make a huge difference.
Reflect and Respond
As we prepare to step into the new year, let’s do so with intention and clarity. You have the power to shape your future, one step at a time. Here’s to an upcoming year of purposeful progress and remarkable success!
If you are reading this far…
I hope this message finds you well. I’m sharing from my heart in hopes that you will be inspired to unearth and live out your God-given purpose. Hopefully, something I said resonated. I would love to hear from you if so. Please feel free to reach out to me on social media. FYI: I’m mostly active on Instagram these days. If you were forwarded this message, you can subscribe here to receive thoughts like this directly in your inbox. And don’t forget to check out the latest episode of my podcast, ConvoRoom with Mark Allen Patterson.
See you next week,
