Last year I wrote a blog on this very same topic. What a difference a year makes!

And while much has changed in our world, in our personal lives, and how we do work, now is still a great time to take stock of what you’ve accomplished this year, where you’ve fallen behind, and what’s still at the top of your to-do list.

What’s the one thing you really need to finish in 2020… and how do you make it happen?

Start with the SWOT. We’ve been helping our clients over the last several months take stock of where their business is today and determine whether or not they need to pivot – that is, by providing a product or service, slightly modified from their norm, that will best address the needs of today. As you consider the one thing you need to finish in 2020, begin by revisiting your SWOT – Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. By getting crystal clear about how this looks for your business right now, you can have a much stronger sense of what you should capitalize on over the next few months.

Focus on the Opportunity. When considering the One Thing that you can bring to fruition this year, find an opportunity that you believe you can address in Q4. This can be your One Thing. Explore how this opportunity is aligned with your strengths and begin to create a few goals around how you plan to maximize the opportunity in Q4. While you may not be able to bring it to complete fruition by the end of the year, what is the one thing you can do to move the needle in the right direction?

Take it One Step at a Time. Being intentional and purposeful about getting your One Thing done is easier when you step through it methodically. Here are some ways to approach it:

  • Make your One Thing a priority. Consciously choose to put it at the top of your list until it is completed.
  • Make the tough decisions. If you’ve been stuck in terms of what this project is going to look like, now’s the time to get yourself out of the weeds by making some preliminary decisions – which can be tweaked as you go.
  • Break it into steps. Small, iterative steps are easier to complete than a looming big-picture project.
  • Devise a plan. Estimate and set aside time for each step. This gives you a structure and a process for what to do and when!
  • Eliminate distractions and time gluttons. Just as important as knowing what you need to do, is knowing what you don’t need to do. Are there tasks that don’t need to be done at all? Or, maybe it’s time to delegate.
  • Keep your eyes on the prize. It will inspire and energize your efforts to reach your goal.
  • Start!

Establish a Rhythm. As you approach your One Thing for this quarter, establish a system that you can lean on and bring into 2021. Looking at your goals in 90-day segments breaks your goals into digestible chunks and many times, helps you complete more in 90 days than you may have all year long since it’s intentional, purposeful, and focused.

Here’s our 90-60-15-5 rhythm that will help you clarify your goals and activities to keep you on track.

  • 90: Each quarter devote 90 minutes to developing your goals for the next 3 months.
  • 60: Each month spend 60 minutes reviewing and revising your goals and tasks for the coming month.
  • 15: Every week spend 15 minutes putting your tasks into your calendar for the coming week.
  • 5: Every day spend 5 minutes reviewing what you need to accomplish today.

Using this formula for Q4, let 2020 be the year that you completed your biggest goal by finishing your One Thing!  We’re happy to discuss how we can help you achieve some of your marketing goals and accelerate your productivity. Schedule a complimentary discovery call to get you on track for Q4, because before you know it, here comes 2021!