Article Summaries | 12 Week Year Notes Repo

January 28th, 2024

Repo: The 12-Week Year Notes

I came across a YouTube video that discussed a book called The 12 Week Year. The video was very thought provoking, and I really liked the system that it presented. So I searched GitHub for any notes that were previously taken about the book, and found the repo above. In the spirit of action, I’m going to summarize that repo here, while I read the book on my own time.

Redefining the Year

  • Discard annualized thinking in favor of a 12-week perspective.
  • Embrace periodization, focusing on specific goals in each period.

Emotional Connection

  • The importance of a compelling personal vision is imperative for overcoming challenges.
  • The amgydala is responsible for our resistance to change, where the prefrontal cortex is responsible for vision building and can counter this resistance.
  • You must create an inspiring vision and stay connected to it.

Throw Out the Annual Plan

  • Create a structured plan as compared to annual planning.
  • The system revolves around a 12-week plan, focusing on short-term, impactful goals.
  • Guide goal-setting by identifying key objectives for 12 weeks, breaking them down, and creating daily tactics.

One Week at a Time

  • Consistent action is pivotal for goal achievement.
  • A weekly planning routine is recommended to review progress and plan upcoming activities.
  • “Productive tension”, the idea that a deadline is near, is critical in achieving results.

Confronting the Truth

  • Measurement of the execution of the actions taken in the plan is critical in building self-esteem and confidence.
  • By tracking if your critical actions are being completed on time, we can create a weekly scorecard, through which we also create a leading indicator of our ability to meet our 12 Week goals.

Accountability as Ownership

  • Redefine accountability as ownership rather than consequences.
  • Always look within for change and improvement.

Summary

The 12-Week Year advocates for a paradigm shift from annualized thinking to a 12-week perspective, emphasizing the emotional connection to a compelling vision.

It promotes structured planning, consistent action, and intentional imbalance for goal achievement. The execution system, grounded in three principles and five disciplines, guides individuals through the emotional cycle of change. Success hinges on establishing a powerful vision and effective 12-week planning, complemented by process control, peer support, and a weekly routine. Embracing measurement, lead and lag indicators, and taking ownership of one’s day contribute to the attainment of greatness in both personal and professional realms.