90-Day Planning Cycles

Overview

90-Day Planning Cycles structure work around quarterly periods, balancing the immediacy of monthly goals with the strategic perspective of annual planning.

Why 90 Days

• Long enough for meaningful progress
• Short enough to maintain urgency
• Aligns with business quarters
• Natural seasons
• Frequent course correction
• Manageable scope

Planning Process

Quarter Planning (Week 1)

1. Review previous quarter
2. Set 3-5 major goals
3. Define success metrics
4. Identify key milestones
5. Allocate resources

Monthly Reviews (Weeks 5, 9)

• Progress assessment
• Obstacle identification
• Adjust tactics
• Celebrate wins

Weekly Planning (Every Monday)

• Review quarterly goals
• Set weekly priorities
• Schedule key tasks
• Track time allocation

End-of-Quarter Review (Week 13)

• Measure results
• Document learnings
• Capture successes
• Plan next quarter

Time Tracking Integration

Track time by quarter goal:

• Tag entries to quarterly objectives
• Weekly goal alignment review
• Monthly allocation analysis
• Quarterly outcome correlation

Benefits

• Regular fresh starts
• Clear priorities
• Measurable progress
• Adaptable to change
• Sustainable pace
• Build momentum

Common Pitfalls

• Too many goals (>5)
• Vague objectives
• No mid-quarter adjustments
• Ignoring learnings
• Poor time allocation

Success Tips

1. Limit to 3-5 goals max
2. Make goals SMART
3. Block time for strategic work
4. Review progress weekly
5. Adjust based on reality