Hi Reader,
​
This week's book isn’t a new one for me, but it’s top of mind right now.

A couple of weeks ago, I went through my quarterly planning process, and over the past two weeks, I’ve been deep into executing the plan: developing new products, preparing for upcoming launches (including one next week), and staying laser-focused on what matters most.

This book has been quietly shaping everything I’ve been working on behind the scenes.

✍️ About the Author

Brian P. Moran is a leadership consultant and performance expert who’s worked with companies like UPS, Coldwell Banker, and Tiffany & Co. Michael Lennington is an executive coach and productivity strategist. Together, they co-created the 12-Week Year framework to help individuals and teams stop procrastinating and start executing with clarity.

📖 About the Book

The 12-Week Year flips the traditional annual goal-setting model on its head. Instead of mapping your success across 12 months, it challenges you to work in focused, strategic 12-week cycles. The idea? Greater urgency, more clarity, and better results—without the burnout that often comes from pushing toward a vague year-long finish line.

The book outlines a complete system for setting goals, planning weekly actions, tracking progress, and staying accountable, all within short, repeatable bursts.

💡 Why This Book Matters

I first read The 12-Week Year a few years ago (actual years, not 12-week years), and the concept has quietly shaped how I plan and execute ever since.

I used to be someone who set big annual goals… only to find the procrastinator in me pushing certain things off, until the end of the year arrived and I was left facing a mountain of unfinished work.

Now, there’s nothing revolutionary about quarterly planning. But something about this book—the way it framed the system—just made it click for me. Sometimes you have to hear something multiple times before the penny drops. And for me, this was the version that finally landed.

Since switching to 12-week cycles, I’ve found that it actually accelerates my progress and productivity. It’s easier to plan realistically, because there’s less time to overpack the roadmap. The result? You get more done in a year—not by doing more, but by following through more often.

I also love defining a theme for each quarter—a central focus that keeps things anchored. These 12-week sprints give you a rhythm to your year without the overwhelm.

Oh, and if you're thinking, "isn't a quarter 13 weeks?"
​Spoiler alert: the thirteenth week is for planning your next 12.

If you’re looking for a simple, effective planning framework that actually helps you follow through, I highly recommend giving this one a read. It’ll be worth your time.

💬 Join The Conversation

Academy members, let’s dive deeper inside the Digital Stage Network — you’ll find a dedicated space to share takeaways, ask questions, and connect with others who are reading along.

Not a member yet? No worries. We’ve got something exciting in the works. Stay tuned — we’ll be sharing news soon about how you can get access and join the conversation.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this week’s read. And if it sparks something for you, feel free to hit reply and let me know what stood out.