As the year comes to a close, the buzz around New Year’s resolutions hits its peak. Gym memberships skyrocket, planners fly off the shelves, and we’re bombarded with messages about reinventing ourselves.
But here’s the thing: resolutions often fade as quickly as they appear.
Why? Because they lack intention, purpose, and strategy.
Annual planning, on the other hand, is a different ballgame. Strategic annual planning isn’t a quick fix or a collection of vague aspirations; it’s stepping confidently into your role as the CEO of your own life.
It’s about strategy, reflection, and creating a blueprint for the year ahead.
This is where my RISE Framework comes in — a proven method for intentional, purpose-driven annual planning.
Why Annual Planning Matters
In a world of constant distractions, it’s easy to drift. Without a plan, we spend our days reacting to whatever comes our way instead of proactively steering our course. Annual planning grounds us.
It helps us:
Set a Vision: Define what success looks like for the year ahead.
Align Priorities: Focus on what truly matters.
Take Intentional Action: Break down big goals into manageable, actionable steps.
Contrary to the common belief that annual planning is only for corporate leaders—and let’s be honest, often seen as dull—I’d argue it’s for everyone, and it can actually be a fun process. Whether you’re running a business, managing a team, or navigating your personal journey, you are the leader of your own life. And leaders don’t leave success to chance—they plan for it, often discovering that the process can be surprisingly energizing and even fun!
Lessons from Google: The Power of Purposeful Planning
During my years at Google, annual planning was a cornerstone of how we operated. At the start of every year, we dedicated time to clarify our objectives and key results (OKRs). It involved setting a shared vision, aligning our efforts, and building accountability, going beyond simply defining lofty goals.
The best plans I’ve seen weren’t overly rigid or packed with micromanaged details. Instead, they struck a balance between clarity and flexibility. They accounted for the inevitable shifts and surprises but kept everyone anchored to a common purpose.
The key lesson? Your plan should guide you, not bind you.
As Steve Jobs famously said, “Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.” A thoughtful plan ensures you’re investing your time and energy into what truly matters.
A Surprising Stat About Planning
Did you know that people who set specific goals are 42% more likely to achieve them than those who don’t?
According to research published in Forbes, writing down your goals and creating a structured plan significantly boosts your chances of success.
When you combine this with regular reflection and intentional adjustments, the results are even more profound. Planning isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic advantage.
Introducing the RISE Framework
The RISE Framework is a four-step process that helps you reflect, strategize, and execute your annual plan with clarity and confidence.
Here’s how it works:
1. Reflect
Before you plan for the future, you need to understand the past. Ask yourself:
What worked well this year? Why?
What didn’t work? What lessons can I take away?
What am I proud of, and where do I feel I fell short?
Reflection isn’t about judgment—it’s about learning. It’s the foundation for growth.
2. Identify
Pinpoint your focus for the year ahead. Go beyond surface-level goals and uncover your "why." Ask yourself:
What do I want to feel, achieve, or become this year?
What’s the driving purpose behind these goals?
Identifying your purpose connects your actions to a deeper meaning. This clarity acts as your North Star, keeping you aligned even when life feels overwhelming.
3. Strategize
This is where the magic happens. Break down your intentions into actionable deliverables and create a strategy to achieve them. Consider:
Who: Who do you need on your team? Who can support or mentor you?
What: What resources, skills, or habits will help you succeed?
How: What systems and processes will keep you on track?
This step is about creating a clear, actionable roadmap that bridges the gap between ambition and execution.
4. Execute
Finally, it’s time to take action. But execution isn’t just the “doing”—it’s doing with consistency and reflection. Check in with yourself regularly:
Are my actions aligned with my intentions?
What’s working, and what needs to be adjusted?
Am I staying focused on my priorities?
Execution requires flexibility and accountability. Life is unpredictable, but staying connected to your strategy will keep you moving forward.
Annual Planning vs. Resolutions: The Key Difference
Resolutions often fall into the realm of wishful thinking: “I want to lose weight,” “I’ll be more organized,” or “I’ll save more money.” They’re vague, lack structure, and often fade away before spring.
Annual planning, especially through the RISE Framework, is intentional, strategic, and grounded in action. It transforms your aspirations into SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—ensuring clarity and focus.
But it doesn’t stop there. A strong annual plan includes accountability measures to keep you on track. Whether it's regular check-ins with yourself, a coach, or a peer, having a system of accountability significantly increases your chances of success.
With a thoughtful plan, you’re not just dreaming—you’re building a roadmap to turn those dreams into reality. Annual planning ensures your efforts align with your vision and that every step you take is purposeful and productive.
Leadership and the Power of Purpose
Leadership isn’t reserved for executives—it’s a life skill. When you approach your year with intention, you’re actively choosing to lead your life rather than reacting to it.
The RISE Framework is built on this principle of self-leadership. It’s not just about setting goals; it’s crafting a vision, aligning actions with your values, and creating a strategy for sustainable growth. It’s taking control of your narrative and stepping into a purposeful, intentional way of living.
One of my clients who worked with me on their yearly planning shared, “Using the RISE Framework completely changed how I approach my year. Instead of feeling scattered, I now have a clear plan aligned with what truly matters to me.”
RISE empowers you to step into your leadership role—of your team, your goals, and your life. It’s time to move beyond wishful thinking and create a year that reflects your purpose and vision.
Let’s Start 2025 Strong
As you plan for the year ahead, ask yourself:
What kind of leader do I want to be in my life?
How will I align my actions with my intentions?
What is my purpose for the year ahead?
To help you answer these questions, I’m hosting a Strategic Planning Workshop on December 17th. It’s a one-hour, interactive session designed to help you close out 2024 with clarity and step into 2025 with purpose.
You’ll walk away with:
A clear vision for 2025.
An actionable plan to align your goals with your priorities.
Proven tools to stay focused throughout the year.
Let’s make 2025 the year of intentional beginnings.
Hi! I'm Merve. 👋 I help leaders build high performing teams, amplify their business impact, and advance their careers.
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