Every year, I gather vision board supplies, fill out reflection workbooks, and set ambitious goals. I tell myself, “This is my year!”—only to feel overwhelmed a few months in. My goals end up vague, my plans flexible to the point of being ineffective, and before I know it, the year flies by without the progress I envisioned.
Determined to break the cycle, I turned to The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington. Their approach—shrinking the traditional 12-month year into focused 12-week sprints—promised clarity, accountability, and real results. Here’s how I’m applying it and whether it’s working for me.
What Is the 12-Week Year?
Instead of treating the year as 12 long months, this system treats it as 12 focused weeks. That means no more “I’ll start fresh next month” mentality—every week matters, and there’s no time to waste. It’s not about working harder, but about working smarter with clear, measurable goals and structured time.
The Secret? Time-Blocking & Accountability
Moran and Lennington emphasize three key time blocks to maximize productivity:
- Strategic Blocks – Three hours of deep, uninterrupted focus per week.
- Buffer Blocks – Time for small, low-value tasks that would otherwise eat up your day.
- Breakout Blocks – Three hours (or more) dedicated to stepping away from work and recharging.
To stay on track, I do weekly progress checks. I score myself by tracking completed tasks, aiming for 85% or higher. If I’m missing the mark, I tweak my approach instead of abandoning my goals altogether.
My 12-Week Goals & How I’m Achieving Them
I chose just two goals for my first sprint:
- Grow My Professional Network – Post on LinkedIn 3x a week, attend one networking event, and engage with freelancers weekly.
- Adopt a Consistent Morning Routine – Wake up at 6:30 AM, no snooze button, get dressed before leaving my room, drink a glass of water before coffee, and stay off social media until after 10 AM.
With specific, measurable tasks, I can tell at a glance whether I’m making progress or need to adjust.
Is It Working?
So far—yes! I’m only a few weeks in, but I’m averaging a solid 90% on my scorecard. The biggest takeaway? If you’re hitting 100%, your goals might be too easy. Growth comes from stretching yourself, adjusting along the way, and staying accountable.
More than anything, the 12-Week Year has shifted my mindset. Instead of waiting for a “fresh start,” I’m in a constant cycle of progress. And that feels pretty powerful.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the “I’ll start Monday” loop, this framework is a game-changer. You can start your 12 weeks anytime—so why not now?
Source: https://theeverygirl.com/12-week-year-method-for-goals/