12 weeks > 1 year

Making the most of 2024's final weeks

Author

Lauren Ward
October 08, 2024

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Have you ever heard of the book, The 12-Week Year? I’ve heard it referenced by business owners a few times and while I haven’t read it, I did get sucked into watching a YouTube video overview the other night (don’t judge me, I’m a busy lady).

The premise is that it’s more productive to set your life and business goals in 12-week increments rather than an entire year. And since there are conveniently 12-ish weeks left in the year, I decided that it’s not too late to put in some extra effort towards my business instead of waiting for 2025. I hope you find a little inspiration here as well!

My 12-week goals

I am not going overboard with these goals, but I do want to be intentional and make a few key moves that will set me up for a solid new year. Also, quick side note to say that I have officially set my last work day of 2024 for mid-December, so technically I only have 10-ish weeks. That’s even more incentive to get things done by then!

Prospecting

Ok, I am admittedly flipping and flopping on the amount of prospect emails I aim to send out each week. 10/week would be about 100 prospects sent by the end of the year. But that seems like a lot and I’m already at Tuesday this week and thinking, when am I sending out prospecting emails?

So maybe I’ll set myself up for success and send out five per week. That’s still a solid 50. And before you say, “But Lauren, it’s the end of the year! No one is going to onboard a new writer for a new project!”…listen. I almost fell prey to this internal dialogue as well. But then I remembered a LinkedIn post from Jennifer Goforth Gregory from last holiday season and it really stuck with me:

Jennifer Goforth Gregory on LinkedIn: If you are working next week or open to working next week, then you should… | 23 comments

If you are working next week or open to working next week, then you should do one thing today or Tuesday am. Email your clients and let them know that you… | 23 comments on LinkedIn

www.linkedin.com/posts/jennifergoforthgregory_if-you-are-working-next-week-or-open-to-working-activity-7143957242336223232-1GQH?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

The right outreach at the right time can indeed lead to quick work! I love using other people’s experience as a motivator, which is why I still plan to prospect throughout the holiday season.

Other life goals

I’m not just leaving my 12-week plan for work, I am also incorporating personal health goals and some creative project plans (namely learning to crochet with my daughter…so cozy!).

What about your next 12 weeks?

We’re all in the same boat with the same calendar ticking away each day. Do you have any plans to boost your business in the weeks ahead? Or are you happy to run on autopilot until January 1?

Happy freelancing,

Lauren