Let me let you in on a little secret: I’ve been feeling completely unmotivated and sluggish for most of this year. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been doing the things I need to do every day, but deep down, I know there are a bunch of tasks and goals I’ve been procrastinating on. It’s like I’ve been in a constant cycle of “just getting by.”
But here’s the good news: I think I’m finally starting to get back on track.
For me, the key right now is finding a sustainable rhythm—a pace that doesn’t lead to burnout after a few weeks of over-the-top enthusiasm. Sure, there will be seasons where you need to push harder and supercharge your actions, but overall, I’m learning that consistency and rhythm are much more effective in the long run.
How I’ve Been Recharging
To combat this unmotivated phase, I’ve gone back to the basics:
- Studying my Bible and meditating on the Word of God.
- Listening to sermons that feed my spirit.
- Journaling and reflecting on my thoughts, plans, and vision.
- Planning for the year, even if it’s been slower than usual.
- Reading books to expand my perspective.
One book that has completely shifted my mindset is The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran. A friend of mine, Tolu, sent it to me recently, and let me tell you—I absolutely love it. I’ve already started incorporating its lessons into my vision and goal-setting process, and I can honestly say it’s been a game changer.
The Core Idea Behind The 12 Week Year
So, here’s the gist of the book: instead of planning for an entire year (12 months), Brian Moran suggests thinking of a year as a 12-week period.
Why? Well, there are some issues with traditional yearly planning. For example:
- The timeline feels too long, so there’s little urgency at the start of the year.
- People tend to procrastinate, thinking they have plenty of time, only to cram everything into the final months.
- It’s harder to adapt when unexpected events or changes happen mid-year.
The 12 Week Year eliminates these problems by shortening your timeline and focusing on smaller, actionable goals. By thinking in 12-week “years,” you create a sense of urgency without the overwhelming pressure of a 12-month horizon.
Why 12 Weeks Works
The beauty of a 12-week cycle is its balance.
- It’s long enough to accomplish meaningful goals.
- It’s short enough to maintain focus, urgency, and motivation.
With this method, you’re not just trudging through the year—you’re sprinting toward clear, measurable objectives. And because the time frame is condensed, you’re naturally more intentional about how you spend your days and weeks.
How It Works
Here’s how you can plan your year using The 12 Week Year methodology:
- Set Your 12-Week Objective(s):
Start by deciding on your main goal(s) for the 12-week period. This could be a fraction of your larger yearly vision, but it should be specific, measurable, and actionable. - Break It Down Into Tactics:
Determine the tactics—the measurable steps or actions—you need to take to achieve your objective. Each tactic should have a clear due date to keep you accountable. - Track Weekly Progress:
Every week, review your progress. Ask yourself:- How well did I accomplish what I set out to do?
- What worked, and what needs adjusting?
Time Management Strategies from the Book
One of the key takeaways for me was how the book divides time into three types of time blocks:
- Strategic Time Blocks:
These are uninterrupted periods where you focus on high-priority tasks without distractions. No emails, no social media, just pure focus. I’ve already started incorporating this, and it’s amazing how much you can get done when you’re intentional about protecting your time. - Buffer Blocks:
These are dedicated time slots to handle smaller, miscellaneous tasks or unplanned activities. Think emails, quick calls, or errands. Having a buffer block keeps these smaller tasks from eating into your focused work time. - Breakout Blocks:
These are planned periods for rest and rejuvenation—time to do something outside of work that recharges your energy. It’s a reminder that rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Intentionality Is Key
Another lesson from the book that stood out to me is the importance of being intentional with your time. When you’re working in shorter cycles, you have to ask yourself hard questions:
- What deserves my time and attention?
- What am I saying “Yes” to, and what do I need to say “No” to?
This level of intentionality ensures that you’re not wasting time on things that don’t align with your goals. Instead, you’re channeling your energy into what truly matters.
My Takeaways and Next Steps
After reading The 12 Week Year, I’m excited to try this method in my own life. My first step is to map out my Main Objective for the next 12 weeks, along with the tactics I’ll need to accomplish it.
I’ve also bookmarked the workbooks available on the 12 Week Year website (https://12weekyear.com/resources/) to help with the planning process. If you’re curious about this approach, I highly recommend checking them out!
What About You?
What do you think about this idea? Does planning in 12-week sprints sound like something you’d try? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
Also, if you’re enjoying these posts and want to follow along as I experiment with this approach (and share updates along the way), don’t forget to subscribe to the blog. Let’s keep learning and growing together!
Until next time…
Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
T.M. Kayode 
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