By Flying Solo contributor Andrew Griffiths
One of the most common challenges facing many of us in business is getting stuff done. It feels like there are more tasks continually being added to our day, resulting in working more hours. And when it comes to those bigger projects that are really important to us, the time lines seem to keep getting moved, leading to a sense of frustration and a lack of progress. What to do?
This year I’ve adopted a new approach that is working really well for me. Rather than doing a 12 month plan (or for that matter a two or three year plan – something that was common a few years back but now seems crazy), I work to a 100 day plan. This simple shift is surprisingly powerful and easy to do.
At the beginning of the year I set up my first 100 day plan – with the key projects I had to get done in that time. This covered projects I’m doing for clients as well as projects I’m doing for myself. There is something about the 100 day time frame that is both long enough and short enough to make it work.
I use my plan for my bigger projects (writing that next book, developing that new programme) as well as implementing smaller but important changes into my day to day routine (things like eating better, exercising more etc).
“If you’re getting frustrated by not getting enough done, you need to read this.“
Our 100 day plan can have three simple parts:
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Your specific goals and objectives for the next 100 days.
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A list of the key projects to be undertaken in that period (allowing some room for the unexpected projects that will always turn up).
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A day-by-day planner for the 100 days.
One of the nicest and most practical things about the 100 day plan is the fact that it can start tomorrow. It doesn’t have to be tied into the start of the year, or some other auspicious date. And when the 100 days is close to being done, you simply map out your next 100 day plan.
I have to say, I’m surprised at how effective this simple planning tool actually is. It’s not a new idea, I’ve certainly come across it over the years in various places, but I never tried it – preferring to do a 12 month plan. But it works, and it works really well.
If you are feeling frustrated because you’re not getting enough done, try doing a 100 day plan and see how it works for you. I think you’re going to be as surprised as I was at the results you achieve. It’s exciting to think of what you will get done in this period. It’s achievable, it feels more immediate and measuring progress by ticking of the days is kinda cool.
For me, the 100 day plan is the tool I was missing. I love them and I’m telling everyone about them. Give it I a go and see how it works for you. The simplest of ideas in business tend to be the ones that provide the best results.
This article by Andrew Griffiths is reproduced with the permission of Flying Solo – Australia’s micro business community. Find out more and join over 100k others. 
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