Why 90-day planning works better than annual planning (and how to get started)

Midway through the second quarter, the moment of truth often arrives. The energy of the new year has subsided, and the reality of busy schedules and shifting priorities sets in. Sound familiar? You're not alone.

Annual plans feel ambitious and inspiring, but they often lack the urgency and structure to truly follow through. The solution? Think smaller and smarter: work with goals every 90 days. That gives you enough time to achieve results without getting bogged down in procrastination.

The pitfall of annual plans

A year seems manageable, but in reality, it's an endless landscape without milestones. What seemed important in January suddenly feels distant or outdated in July. Changes at work, at home, or in your priorities make it difficult to stay on track.

Moreover, if you only have twelve months, where's the urgency to start today? It's often lacking. Annual plans work best for strategists and dreamers, but less so for doers.

What is a 90-day plan?

A 90-day plan is a short, powerful period in which you work purposefully toward a concrete result. It's long enough to make real progress, yet short enough to maintain focus and overview.

Psychologically, this approach works because you build momentum. You feel the deadline approaching, but still have plenty of room to adjust and learn. Every week counts, and that's energizing. Think of the difference between a marathon without stops and a race with clear checkpoints.

How to Get Started with 90-Day Goals

Start with one main goal. Not three, not five. One clear goal that makes all the difference. You can also link two supporting subgoals to this.

Then you break down that goal into concrete steps:

• Determine what you want to achieve each month.
• Link weekly milestones to this.
• Check in every week: are you on track or do you need to adjust?

Breaking it down into pieces helps you keep track and avoid procrastination.

The role of the Focus Planner

The Focus Planner is specifically designed for this way of working. Each quarter, you start by setting your 90-day goal. Then, you translate that goal into monthly actions, weekly plans, and daily focus moments.

This way, you'll not only work toward your goal but also connect it to your schedule and daily choices. Everything is interconnected. And the best part? You'll get to know yourself better and better, in how you work, plan, and adjust.

Time for action: start your 90-day goal today

A yearly plan sounds grand, but it rarely leads to real action. And halfway through the year, you realize this even more: your goals have faded, and routine has taken over. This is the perfect time to refocus.

90-day goals are concrete, motivating, and flexible. Perfect for doers who want to achieve results without getting bogged down in endless to-do lists.

Take your first step today. Choose your goal for the next 90 days and give yourself the structure that works.

Want more control over your goals? Discover the Focus Planner.

Also read: From chaos to structure – how a daily plan clears your head