If you feel like you're not reaching your goals or you've fallen off track, it's not because you're lazy, weak, or unmotivated, but because you don't have the right system to support your efforts. In this episode, Dr. Tiffany Shelton Mariolle, a neuropsychologist, published author, and founder of modAmbition, talks about how to start taking the aligned actions to step into your Success Era and achieve your wildest dreams in just 12 weeks.
According to Dr. Mariolle, manifesting our goals requires specific aligned actions that work best using a system that supports our efforts. She suggests using the 12 Week Year system to achieve our goals faster and easier. The 12 Week Year system is based on the concept of periodization, which is a shift from annualization thinking. It redefines the year and capitalizes on goal-getting vibes four times a year, creating urgency that leads to action.
For full details on the 12 week Year watch the Youtube video:
The 12 Week Year planning is better than annual planning because it is more predictable, creates a stronger, faster connection between actions and results, and is more focused. To start the 12 Week Year, the first discipline is to develop a vision. Dr. Mariolle suggests using the modAmbition Goal planner to set larger-than-life moon goals and delineate SMART lead goals for each yearly goal.
Common pitfalls include not taking the power of vision seriously, the vision not being meaningful, the vision being too small, and not connecting the vision to daily actions. To avoid these pitfalls, share the vision, stay in touch with it, and live with intention.
The second discipline is to plan your execution using the 12 Week Year. Start by setting your quarterly goals and decide on the tactics to get there. Create SMART quarterly lead goals that bring you closer to your quarterly goals. Make them specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely, and assign accountability. Prioritize goals for each month of the quarter and create SMART lead goals that bring you closer to your quarterly goals.
The third discipline is to control your process. Create weekly and daily planning to reflect on your progress, course-correct if needed, and double down on what is and is not working. Use time blocking and time auditing to focus on the key actions for your goals that are due that week. Set a 3-hour "Strategic Time" block every week for deep work, one or two 30-60 minute "Buffer blocks" a day to do low-value things like email and emergent tasks, and a 3-hour "Breakout block" during work hours to do some non-work-related activities.
Discipline 4: Measure Your Progress is crucial to keep you on track and achieve your goals. You can use a scorekeeping system to measure your progress and calculate the percentage of actions accomplished each week. You need a score of at least 85% to know you're going in the right direction.
Discipline 5: Time Management is another key factor in achieving success. You can boost your productivity by eliminating distractions and having a healthy foundation, including mindfulness, appreciation, pleasure, and self-care.
The Principles of High Performance emphasize accountability as a character trait and a willingness to own your actions and results, regardless of the circumstances. Strengthen your commitment by taking different actions, associating with accountable people, and acting on commitments rather than feelings.
Finally, greatness is a journey, not a destination. Fall in love with delayed gratification and focus on the present moment. Remember, the results are not the attainment of greatness, but simply confirmation of it.
In conclusion, achieving your goals starts with your mindset, not your actions. Use the 12 Week Year system to align your actions with your goals and achieve them faster and easier. If you want to learn more about the 12 Week Year, Dr. Mariolle has a free 12 Week Year PDF download for you, which includes a cheat sheet summary of the 12 Week Year book and a weekly template to apply it to your own life and goals.