Newsletter #24. Lock In a 90-Day Plan
Peak Performance Leader Newsletter - Week 24
Lock in a 90-Day Plan – The Power of Short-Term Clarity for Long-Term Growth
Why I Stopped Setting 5-Year Goals
Years ago, I lived by long-term goals. Like many leaders, I had one-year, five-year, and even ten-year plans mapped out in detail. But over time, something changed.
The world moved faster. Disruption became the norm. And most of those carefully crafted goals ended up collecting dust or being thrown away. Not because I lacked ambition, but because the pace of change made them obsolete.
Even one-year goals now feel like a stretch. But 90 days? That’s different. It’s focused. It’s realistic. And most importantly, it’s achievable.
That’s why I now live and lead with 90-day launch plans.
Why 90-Day Plans Work So Well
Ninety days is long enough to create meaningful progress, but short enough to keep your focus clear. It forces prioritization, intentionality, and follow-through.
When you lead with a 90-day rhythm:
You stop reacting to everything that feels urgent
You start leading with clear strategy
You make better, faster decisions
You create alignment and momentum across your team
A 90-day plan answers three essential questions:
What matters most right now?
What does success look like 12 weeks from now?
What actions will move us forward starting today?
You don’t need a perfect plan. You need a clear one.
Why Most Leaders Get Stuck
It’s not a lack of vision. Most leaders I coach have big dreams and a strong sense of calling.
But they stall because everything feels important. And when everything is a priority, nothing moves forward.
A focused 90-day plan forces you to name what matters most and set the rest aside for now. It protects you from overcommitting. It gives your team clarity and permission to say no to distractions. And it gives you space to lead with peace and conviction instead of pressure and exhaustion.
How to Build Your 90-Day Launch Plan
Step 1: Identify Your Mission-Critical Objective
Ask: If I could only accomplish one thing in the next 90 days, what would make the biggest difference?
This might be launching a new initiative, fixing a broken system, or mentoring a key leader.
Step 2: Break It Into Milestones
Divide your main objective into 3 or 4 smaller checkpoints. These become your monthly or bi-weekly targets. Milestones build momentum and boost confidence.
Step 3: Schedule the Work
Protect time on your calendar to focus on what matters most. Treat it like an appointment that can’t be missed. If it’s not in the calendar, it won’t get done.
Step 4: Build in Accountability
Whether it’s a coach, peer, or team member, invite someone to walk with you. Regular check-ins turn clarity into action and build traction you can measure.
The Biblical Pattern of Planning
Proverbs 16:3 reminds us that when we commit our plans to God, He establishes our steps.
It’s not about passive waiting. It’s about faithful commitment to action, trusting that He will guide and establish what we’ve put in motion.
Leadership requires faith, but it also requires structure. A 90-day launch plan is one way we can honor God by stewarding our responsibility well.
Your Leadership Challenge This Week
✅ Block 30 minutes to define your next 90-day objective
✅ Outline three milestones that would mark meaningful progress
✅ Identify someone who will help hold you accountable
✅ Begin scheduling the first few action steps
Want Help Building Your 90-Day Plan?
You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
At the Clarity, Conviction and Confidence Virtual Workshop on August 18 and 19, I’ll walk you through the exact framework I use with coaching clients to create a focused, faith-aligned 90-day leadership plan.
If you’re ready to move forward with clarity, confidence, and momentum, I’d love for you to join us.
🎯 Reserve your spot today: philroutly.com/ccc-workshop
Clarity begins with focus. And focus starts with a plan.
On your side,
Phil
