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The 90-Day Sprint

Scott Couchenour • December 29, 2020

Slow and steady wins the race...

WHAT IS A 90-DAY SPRINT?


It's a 13-week period of time where you focus on a few specific actions in the midst of your normal life to accomplish a specific milestone as part of an overall life plan.


The 13 weeks are broken into two phases. Phase One is the ACTION phase. It lasts 12 out of the 13 weeks. Phase two is the REVIEW phase. It takes place on the 13th week.


Although you may be accustomed to think in terms of quarters of the year, you don't have to fit within those times. You can start today and go out 13 weeks.



WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A 90-DAY SPRINT?


It's not so short that you miss experiencing a pattern of success.


It's not too long that you lose interest and give up.


It creates a weekly cadence where you measure your progress with another person or group.



WHAT MAKES A 90-DAY SPRINT SUCCESSFUL?


Be clear on the milestone you desire at the end of 13 weeks. Although your milestone could be a stand alone goal, it's better when you are pursuing a milestone that fits into a bigger game plan.


Don't try to do too much. If you do, you will inevitably fail, leaving you discouraged and you'll want to quit altogether. Instead, pick just 2 to 3 actions that will carry the lion's share of your progress toward your desired milestone.


Engage with someone to check in on a weekly basis. According to research, by having someone to check in with and a regular appointment, you increase your chances of reaching your desired milestone by 95%. Be sure to check in with the same person(s) on the same day of the week at the same time and place, if possible.


On week 13, do a review of the previous 12 weeks of action. Ask, "What did I learn about myself and my goal?" With what you learned, see what you can course correct and start another sprint with what you now know.


NOTE: If you want to take advantage of a program that provides this sort of framework, check out www.servingstrong.com/95



WHO ARE 90-DAY SPRINTS FOR?


The person who is upset enough with the status quo that they are ready to change. In other words, when the pain of change is less than the pain of staying the same.


The person who is humble enough to be willing to check in with another person.


If you are serious about life change amid a very uncertain time and you want to ensure the probability of success by 95%, a 90-Day Sprint, with the weekly check-in, can be just what you need.


If you want to plug into an economical program you can use to assist you in your change efforts, visit www.servingstrong.com/95 for details.



ACTION STEP


  • Pick a milestone or goal. It can be anything you want to accomplish (within reason)
  • Set a start date and end date exactly 13 weeks out
  • Ask a trusted advisor to meet with briefly on a weekly basis to check in on your progress
  • Journal every week how it's going
  • On week 13, ask yourself what you learned about yourself and your desired outcome


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STAY INFORMED

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