You have no doubt heard the saying that knowledge is power. I disagree. Knowledge is only powerful if you use it, if you act on it. People spend lifetimes acquiring knowledge, but for what purpose? Knowledge alone benefits no one unless the person acquiring it does something with it. And great ideas are worthless unless they are implemented… You can be smart and have access to lots of information and great ideas; you can be well-connected, work hard, and have a lot of natural talent, but in the end, you have to execute. Execution is the single greatest market differentiator. Great companies and successful individuals execute better than their competition. The life standing between you and the life you are capable of living is lack of consistent execution.
Excerpt from the 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington
The resounding theme in this New York Times Best Seller is execution as seen in the excerpt above. Brian and Michael make an argument against the 12-month calendar to achieve one’s goals. They make a case for a 12-week year for which a company or an individual can set out to achieve their goals, a failure of which, can be done in the next ’12-week year’.
This book is for everyone desirous of living a life they are capable of living rather than the one they are living now.
It is divided into two parts. Part 1: Things You Think You Know and Part II: Putting It All Together.
Part I emphasizes the redefinition of one’s year from 12 months to 12 weeks. This part also underscores the need for one to have a vision that they are emotionally connected to and drives their goals and ambitions. Intentionality, Accountability, and Commitment are the key features that Brian and Michael emphasize will drive you toward attaining your goals.
Part II of the book leans into the practicality of designing a vision; weekly plan and keeping score of the things you have set out to do. The book has graphs and tables that will assist you in designing your weekly plan down to the tiny details that will ultimately lead to achieving the bigger goal in your vision.
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Reading this book brought into perspective a couple of things that I have overlooked in my daily life planning as well as in my career. One of the tips that stood out for me on commitment is:
- Don’t over-commit: Commitments are serious and should be treated that way. Don’t take on more than you can handle because it can easily break trust if you don’t fulfill a commitment.
- Go public with your commitments: Tell someone you trust about your commitments to foster accountability to follow through.
- Buddy up: Life’s easier with a friend, find someone who will walk this journey with you.
The life lessons that Brian and Michael share from experience are worth your time. I would recommend this book to those seeking to live their lives to their fullest potential. Working smart always beats working hard!
Feel free to get a copy of the paper back using my Amazon Affiliate link from which I’ll earn a commission.
Let me know your thoughts on the book once you get round to reading it, in the comment section.
Happy reading!