How I'm Planning My Best Year Yet (2026 Planning Guide) | 321
This is one of my favorite episodes of the year! In this planning workshop-style episode, I walk you through the exact system I’m using to create my best year yet. We’re not talking about vague resolutions or goals that fizzle out—we’re creating a clear, doable plan for 2026 that’s built to last.
This step-by-step framework will help you dream big, pick your North Star goal, break it into quarterly focuses, and set up the systems that keep you accountable and energized all year long. Whether you’re planning a big launch, growing your revenue, or carving out more balance in your life, this process will help you get there—with ease and intention.
Your Complete 2026 Planning Process
Step 1: Dream Big
Destination Postcard
Imagine it’s December 31, 2026
Write a “destination postcard” to yourself describing:
What your life and business look like
What you accomplished
How your days feel
What’s different from today
Don’t worry about how this happens yet
Spend about 10–15 minutes on this exercise
Life & Business Reflection
Review your vision through these areas:
Work & Business
Financial Goals
Health & Wellness
Relationships & Community
Personal Growth
Fun & Adventure
For each area, note:
What you want more of in 2026
What you want less of
What’s working that you want to keep
Step 2: Choose Your North Star Goal
Choose one North Star Goal for your business in 2026
Optional: choose one North Star Goal for your personal life
Your North Star Goal should be:
Specific and measurable
Exciting and motivating
Aligned with your destination postcard
Likely to create positive ripple effects
Before finalizing financial goals, review your real data:
Total revenue from 2025
Monthly or quarterly patterns
Major expenses
Profit margins
Seasonal highs and lows
What growth would actually require (more clients, higher prices, more capacity, etc.)
Step 3: Break the Year Into Quarters
Break the year into four quarters
For each quarter, choose:
One business focus
One personal life focus
Keep quarterly planning high-level
Do not plan all the details for the entire year yet
Step 4: Get Specific About Q1
Zoom in on Quarter 1 only
For each Q1 focus:
Break it into the smallest possible tasks
Assign tasks to specific weeks
Put tasks directly into your calendar
Replace vague tasks with specific actions (e.g., “design packaging” instead of “work on product”)
Step 5: Set Up Your Success System
Block time in your calendar for your tasks
Treat calendar blocks like client appointments
Choose a simple planning system you’ll actually use:
Weekly planning session
Daily plan
Daily top 3 priorities
Build accountability:
Accountability partner
Community or membership
Public goal sharing
Regular check-ins
Commit to being an imperfectionist:
Expect life to happen
Aim for ~80% consistency, not perfection
Step 6: Keep the Momentum Going
Schedule regular check-ins:
Weekly: quick priority review
Monthly: deeper progress review
Quarterly: reflect and re-plan
Celebrate progress and small wins along the way
Adjust timelines, goals, or strategies as needed
Do not abandon the plan just because adjustments are required
Keep your vision visible:
Destination postcard somewhere you’ll see it often
Quarterly focuses visible in your workspace
Final Reminder
This plan is a living document
Progress matters more than perfection
Consistent action creates results over time
Thanks to our sponsor:
Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link. Terms and conditions apply.
Also mentioned:
Join Making Good Happen
Hang out with Lauren on Instagram @laurentilden
MAKING GOOD SHOWNOTES:
https://makinggoodpodcast.com/321
CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM:
https://instagram.com/laurentilden
GET 100 MARKETING PROMPTS (free!):
https://makinggoodpodcast.com/100prompts