Why 90-day planning works
How to plan a quarter and why it can be better than trying to plan a whole year, or just a week
This month, we’ve rolled into a new quarter and a new season.
You might not have paid much attention beyond a shift in the weather or the daylight hours. But it’s a useful point to pause and decide what the next few months are for.
The start of a new quarter is a natural time to plan in 90-day blocks.
Why 90-day blocks work
Often, planning tends to sit at two extremes. You set annual goals, which often get forgotten about or given up on because they are too vague or hard. Or you try weekly planning, which can get you bogged down in details but doesn’t always progress big goals.
A 90-day window is more practical.
Three months is long enough to take on something meaningful, but short enough that you can’t overload your plan or drift for too long.
It also makes it easier to stay close to your goals. You can see what needs to happen each week, and if something isn’t working, you’ll catch it early and adjust.
Plus, because the goals are smaller than something that might take you a year, you’ll see progress quickly, which can add motivation.
Why use the change of season
Your routines don’t stay the same all year. The seasons can bring a change in energy, and a change of activites.
Using the change of season as a reset point makes it easier to plan something that fits how you’ll actually live over the next few months.
Using the change of season as a reset point makes it easier to plan something that fits how you’ll actually live over the next few months.
Autumn usually suits structure and routine. Winter leans towards slower, focused work. Spring is a good time to start things. Summer tends to be lighter, with more emphasis on maintaining rather than pushing.
Get started
You don’t need to overcomplicate it.
Look back on the last 90 days and note what worked.
Choose two or three priorities for the next quarter.
Keep it focused and be specific about the outcome.
“Get fitter” leaves too much room for interpretation.
“Exercise three times a week and run 5km” is clear enough to act on.Write them down clearly.
Check in weekly and adjust if needed.
Try it this quarter and see how it goes.