As a coach, I’ve observed that the most successful individuals often follow a pattern of cycles and goal setting that keeps them on track and motivated throughout the year. Understanding and leveraging these natural cycles can be crucial for maintaining longevity and achieving your long-term goals. Let’s explore how you can use the yearly cycle to your advantage, with a focus on strategic goal setting.

The natural cycle is July, August, and September. Hardwired from an early age...

July marks the end of a cycle for many of us. From our school days, we are hardwired to see July as the end of the summer term, the conclusion of projects, and the wrapping up of activities. This ingrained perception makes July an ideal time to reflect on the past months and assess what you’ve achieved. As the famous quote by John Dewey goes, "We do not learn from experience; we learn from reflecting on experience."

August, then, naturally becomes a reflection period. It's an opportunity to pause, evaluate your progress, and think deeply about your next steps. Use this time to consider who you want to be and what you want to achieve in the coming months. Reflect on your successes and setbacks, and use these insights to set the stage for your future goals. This can be likened to the post-election period, where political leaders reflect on their campaigns and strategize for the future. During August, take some time each day to journal your thoughts and reflections. Write down what worked well, what didn’t, and what you want to change. This practice will help you gain clarity and set more meaningful goals for the new cycle starting in September. One of my clients found immense value in dedicating 15 minutes each evening to this reflection, leading to more focused and effective goal setting.

September represents a fresh start, much like a new school year. It's the beginning of a new cycle aimed at achieving long-term goals. Setting clear and actionable goals in September provides a renewed sense of purpose and direction, preparing you for the months ahead. As Steve Jobs famously said, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." Use this renewed energy to pursue what truly excites you. Create a vision board for your goals in September. Visualizing your objectives can be a powerful motivator and a constant reminder of what you are working towards. Many of my clients have found that having a visual representation of their goals helps keep them focused and inspired.

Strategic check-ins: Christmas and Easter, keeping you on your toes

To maintain momentum and stay on track, it's essential to have regular check-ins. Christmas (December/January) serves as the first major checkpoint. By this time, you should assess your short-term goals and celebrate the progress you’ve made. It’s also a time to make any necessary adjustments to your plans. This is similar to how companies review their performance at the end of the fiscal year and plan for the next. Aligning this with the end of Q4 earnings reports in December helps ensure a thorough evaluation.

As the motivational speaker Zig Ziglar said, "You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." Use this period to celebrate your progress and recalibrate if needed. Use tools like Google Calendar to schedule your check-ins. Set reminders for these key dates (Christmas and Easter) to review your progress and adjust your goals. Having these milestones in your calendar ensures you stay accountable and focused on your long-term objectives. One practical example is a client who scheduled monthly reviews leading up to these major check-ins, ensuring consistent progress tracking.

March/April, around Easter, marks a medium-term goal check-in. This period is perfect for evaluating your progress towards more substantial goals and making sure you are still on the right path. Adjust your strategies if needed, and reinforce your commitment to your objectives. This can be likened to the mid-season reviews in sports, where teams assess their performance and adjust their tactics for the rest of the season. It also aligns well with the Q1 financial reports, which provide a clear picture of early-year progress. Break down your medium-term goals into smaller, actionable steps. This makes them less daunting and easier to manage. I encourage my clients to set biweekly or monthly mini-goals to keep the momentum going and ensure they are steadily progressing towards their larger objectives.

Avoiding burnout and staying accountable: staying “dialled in”

By setting clear dates and goals, you can have a vision that keeps you on track and helps you avoid burnout. Regular check-ins and smaller goals create a sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated throughout the year. To further ensure your success, consider finding an accountability partner or working with an experienced coach who can provide guidance and support.

Use August to reflect and think about what you want to achieve. Set clear goals in September, with opportunities for check-ins and smaller milestones around Christmas and Easter. This approach will keep you focused and motivated, helping you celebrate your wins by the time July rolls around again. In addition to setting goals, write them down in a journal or a goal-setting app. Review and update them regularly. Sharing your goals with a trusted friend, coach, or accountability partner can provide additional motivation and support. One of my clients uses a shared digital workspace with their accountability partner to track and review goals, which has significantly boosted their productivity and commitment.

By understanding and leveraging these natural cycles, you can set yourself up for long-term success. Remember, goal setting is not just about the destination but also the journey. Stay focused, stay accountable, and use the natural rhythms of the year to your advantage. Here’s to your continued growth and success!

Find value in this: hit the follow button for more secret sauce on mindset and productivity!

By implementing these strategies, you can harness the power of natural cycles and goal setting to achieve your long-term goals and maintain your momentum throughout the year. Remember, consistency and reflection are key to staying on track and avoiding burnout. Happy goal-setting!