The 12 Week Year | Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington
“The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months” is a productivity guidebook written by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington. This book introduces an innovative method to goal setting and productivity, proposing that individuals should visualize their year as a 12-week period rather than a traditional 12-month year.
The 12 Week Year Concept: The authors propose a significant shift in thinking and planning. Rather than working with a 12-month year, they encourage individuals and organizations to structure their goals, planning, and execution around a 12-week cycle. This approach aims to increase urgency, focus, and productivity.
Vision Setting: A vision clarifies what you want your life (professional and personal) to look like. It is essential to first establish a compelling vision, as this serves as the foundation of your 12-week goals.
Goal Setting: Based on the vision, specific and measurable goals should be set for the next 12 weeks. These goals should be achievable, yet ambitious enough to require focused effort.
Planning: Once goals are established, a tactical plan of action steps is created. These steps should clearly define what needs to be done and when to achieve the set goals within the 12-week timeframe.
Time Blocking: Prioritizing tasks and activities is crucial. This includes blocking out time for important actions, daily tasks, and regular breaks. A disciplined use of time increases effectiveness and prevents unnecessary distractions.
Accountability and Scorekeeping: Progress should be measured regularly to ensure you’re on track to achieve your goals. The authors propose a scoring system where you record whether or not you’ve executed each planned action.
Weekly Review: A weekly review and planning session should be held to evaluate the previous week’s successes and challenges and plan the following week. This helps to maintain focus and adapt strategies as necessary.
By dividing the year into four 12-week periods (and ignoring the remaining 13 days as a buffer), “The 12 Week Year” argues that individuals can accomplish just as much, if not more, in a 12-week timeframe as they might ordinarily achieve in an entire year. It emphasizes the importance of focus, discipline, and execution in achieving ambitious goals.
Biography of the Authors
Brian P. Moran: Brian P. Moran is a recognized expert in the field of leadership and execution. He has over thirty years of experience as an executive and entrepreneur, helping to improve the productivity and performance of various organizations. Brian is the founder and CEO of The Execution Company, an organization dedicated to improving the performance and enhancing the quality of life for leaders and entrepreneurs. He’s a sought-after speaker, educating audiences on topics such as leadership, strategy, and execution.
Michael Lennington: Michael Lennington is a noted expert in the field of strategy execution, and he is a co-founder of The Execution Company along with Brian P. Moran. Lennington has a deep understanding of organizational performance and has dedicated his career to teaching these principles to high-level executives. He is an accomplished consultant and speaker with expertise in project management and leadership.
Quotes from the 12 Week Year
“The number one factor that determines your effectiveness is your capacity to execute.”
“Accountability is ultimately a personal choice and a powerful tool to wield.”
“A week is the perfect unit of time to gauge your progress (or lack thereof).”
“The barrier standing between you and the life you are capable of living is a lack of consistent execution.”
“The 12 Week Year creates a new endgame date to replace the annual one.”
“Greatness is the birthright of everyone.”
“Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it.”
“There are always more ideas, but there is only one you, and only so many hours in a day.”
“Your actions are a consequence of your thinking.”
“Vision drives action. A compelling vision will provide you with the necessary drive to take action.”
Criticisms of the 12 Week Year
While “The 12 Week Year” by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington is generally well-received and lauded for its innovative approach to productivity and goal setting, it’s not without its criticisms. Here are some of the common criticisms:
Too repetitive: Some readers feel that the authors repeat the same concepts over and over again. They suggest that the book could be more concise.
Not suitable for all kinds of work: Some critics argue that the 12-week framework may not be applicable to all professions or types of work. Long-term projects or tasks that require considerable time to complete may not fit neatly into a 12-week cycle.
Limited discussion on handling setbacks: Critics have pointed out that the book doesn’t extensively address how to handle setbacks or delays that could derail the 12-week plan. Life’s unpredictability can sometimes make it challenging to stick to such a rigid timeframe.
Lack of practical examples: Some readers have expressed that they would have liked more practical, real-world examples of how to apply the principles in the book. They feel this would have made the concepts more concrete and easier to understand.
Focus on high intensity: The book’s focus on high-intensity productivity can be seen as promoting an unsustainable work culture for some. Critics argue that this could lead to burnout if not managed properly.
Oversimplification: Some believe that the book oversimplifies complex projects by suggesting that everything can be accomplished in 12 weeks. This might not always be feasible, especially for large scale or complex projects.
As with all productivity methods and self-help books, what works well for one person may not work as effectively for another. It’s important for each individual to adopt and adapt strategies that best suit their unique work style and life circumstances.
Key Ideas from The 12 Week Year
Here’s a deeper look into the main components of this concept:
Redefining the Year: The authors propose redefining the year as a 12-week period rather than a traditional 12-month year. This new timeframe creates a sense of urgency, as every week, every day, and every moment matters more when your year is only 12 weeks.
Short-term Goals: Instead of setting long-term yearly goals, you set ambitious goals that can be achieved in 12 weeks. These short-term goals should align with your long-term vision and ambitions.
Planning and Execution: Detailed plans are made for each of the 12 weeks. These plans include specific actions and tasks that need to be executed to achieve the set goals. This emphasis on execution helps maintain focus and drive progress.
Weekly Reviews: At the end of each week, progress is reviewed. This allows for course corrections and keeps you aware of how well you are doing in relation to your goals.
Scoring: You track your actions and give yourself a score each week based on how well you executed your plan. This builds accountability and enables you to tangibly see your progress.
Time Blocking: Time is managed diligently, with specific blocks allocated to important tasks. This ensures that crucial tasks are not neglected and helps to prevent procrastination and distractions.
Vision and Breaks: It’s essential to have a strong vision that drives your actions and keeps you motivated. Additionally, between each 12-week year, a break is recommended. This break is a period for rest, reflection, and preparation for the next 12-week year.
The 12 Week Year is essentially a system of efficiency and productivity that aims to ensure that more gets done in 12 weeks than most people achieve in an entire year. It’s about instilling a sense of urgency, maintaining focus, driving execution, and measuring progress to accomplish your goals more effectively.