Book Review: Brian P. Moran’s “The 12 Week Year”
At the recent Buffini Mastermind in San Diego, Brian Buffini shared that he has incorporated the principles espoused in Brian P. Moran’s book “The 12 Week Year” into his goal setting and coaching methods. The concept of the book is that you can get more done in 12 weeks than others can in 12 months. This idea is utilized by the U.S. Cycling Team. Athletes train in four to six week cycles that focus on one aspect of cycling, such as sprinting or hill climbing, instead of trying to improve everything at once. After each cycle, there is time for rest and recovery before moving on to the next skill or discipline.
Although we may not be professional athletes, we can still incorporate this approach into our daily lives. We tend to make the mistake of trying to be good at everything, which causes us to become overwhelmed and lose sight of our goals. The concept is very simple — focus and take the time to improve a skill or achieve a goal for 12 weeks. Then, take the thirteenth week as time to recover.
Moran’s 3 Principles of Success
- Accountability. Accountability is about taking ownership, since it allows you to make a choice. By thinking of tasks and actions as choices, rather than burdens, you create a feeling of empowerment.
- Commitment. To reach your goals, you must make a commitment. To commit to goals, you need a strong desire, core actions and the ability to act on commitments rather than feelings. In the 12-week sprint, you only have to commit to the 12-week period to accomplish your goals.
- Greatness in the Moment. It is difficult to live in the moment when we are always checking emails and social media. It is getting harder and harder to relax our minds and enjoy downtime, but when we prioritize being in the moment, it allows us to think clearly and focus on the tasks at hand. You can’t change the past, but the decisions you make in the present help you steer your future. If you want to be great, you have to live in the moment. Be present!
Moran’s 5 Disciplines of Execution
- Vision. Nothing is achieved without a clear vision. Focus on what you need to do in the next 12 weeks to help you get further on the path to achieve your goals. Work on one goal at a time.
- Planning. A plan allows you to clarify and refine the top priorities that will help you achieve your vision. Develop a weekly plan, and focus on those activities.
- Pressure Control. This consists of tools and events that reconcile the activities you do each day with the activities that are crucial to your plan.
- Scorekeeping for Measurement. When you measure your execution, you control your actions. Your weekly plan becomes a score. You will know where you are winning and what needs improvement.
- Time Use. If you control your time, you control your results. Are you focused on the activities you need to accomplish your goals?
- Time Block. First thing in the morning, focus on getting those things done that are your number one priorities for the day.
Visit your local bookstore to buy Brian P. Moran’s book, or visit his website to learn more about how to get the most out of your days.
