Why I think a 90-Day Goal-Setting Period Works Best
Goal setting is a crucial part of business success, but choosing the right time frame can make or break your results. While annual (or longer!) goals often feel too distant and monthly goals can be too short to see meaningful progress, a 90-day (or quarterly) goal-setting period strikes the perfect balance.
Here’s why I think 90 days is an ideal time frame for setting and achieving your business goals:
1. It’s Long Enough to See Real Results, But Short Enough to Stay Motivated
One of the biggest problems with long-term goal setting is that motivation fades over time. A 12-month goal can feel overwhelming and distant, leading to procrastination. Conversely, 90 days is long enough to make significant progress while still feeling achievable. It allows for focused action and quick wins, which help maintain momentum.
Example: If your goal is to attract more local clients, a 90-day plan might include setting up a Google Business Profile, hosting a local workshop, and creating an automated follow-up system. Tangible steps that can show real progress within the timeframe.
2. It Creates a Sense of Urgency Without Burnout
A 90-day deadline encourages action without the stress of an unrealistic timeline. Many wellpreneurs struggle with marketing because they feel like they need to be everywhere, all the time. By setting 90-day goals, you create structured urgency without falling into the trap of constant hustle.
Example: Instead of overwhelming yourself with social media content daily, you might set a 90-day goal to automate posts, engage with local networking groups, and optimise your online presence. This allows you to take strategic action without burnout.
3. 90-Day Goal-Setting Aligns With Natural Business Cycles
Many businesses operate in quarterly cycles, making 90-day planning a natural fit. This period allows you to evaluate what’s working, adjust your strategies, and pivot as needed. It also helps you align your marketing and promotions with seasonal trends, making your efforts more effective.
Example: A wellness coach might set a Q1 goal to launch a ‘New Year, New You’ program, a Q2 goal to focus on summer wellness retreats, and a Q3 goal to prepare for holiday stress management workshops.
4. It Encourages Adaptability and Course Correction
One of the biggest benefits of 90-day planning is the ability to assess progress and make adjustments quickly. Unlike yearly goals, where you might realise in December that something didn’t work, a quarterly goal system allows for regular check-ins and refinements.
Example: If you notice that your social media or Facebook ads aren’t bringing in local clients but referral partnerships are working well, you can shift focus within the next 90-day cycle rather than waiting until the end of the year.
5. It Helps Build Consistency in Marketing Efforts
Consistency is key. The C.A.L.M. Framework emphasises Consistent Visibility Offline and Automated Online Presence, both of which work well within 90-day planning cycles. By setting clear marketing goals every quarter, you avoid the feast-or-famine cycle that many small business owners experience.
Example: A therapist struggling with marketing might set a 90-day goal to post weekly on Google Business, attend one networking event per month, and secure three local partnerships. This structured approach ensures steady client growth without overwhelm.
6. 90-Day Goal-Setting Keeps You Focused on High-Impact Activities
When entrepreneurs try to do everything at once, they often spread themselves too thin. A 90-day goal forces you to prioritise what will truly move the needle in your business. Instead of getting lost in low-impact tasks, you focus on strategic actions that drive results.
Example: Instead of trying to master every social media platform, you might set a 90-day goal to optimise your LinkedIn profile and attend two industry networking events. These are high-impact activities that build your credibility and client connections.
7. It Creates Measurable Progress and Boosts Confidence
Seeing tangible progress in 90 days builds confidence and motivation to keep going. It also provides a structured way to celebrate small wins, which is essential for long-term success.
Example: If your goal is to gain 20 new local clients this year, breaking it down into quarterly steps (such as hosting two workshops, collaborating with a local business, and optimising your website) makes it feel more manageable and every client gained along the way is a reason to celebrate. Also, finding 5 new clients feels so much more achievable than 20!
How to Implement 90-Day Goal-Setting in Your Business
If you’re ready to start using 90-day goal-setting in your business, here’s a simple process to follow:
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- Define Your Main Business Goal – Choose one key objective for the next 90 days (e.g., increase local client bookings).
- Break It Down into Three Focus Areas – Identify three core strategies that support this goal (e.g., networking, content marketing, referral partnerships).
- Create Weekly Action Steps – Plan specific tasks for each week that contribute to your 90-day goal.
- Track Your Progress – Set aside time to review your results every month and adjust your approach if needed.
- Celebrate Wins and Set New Goals – At the end of 90 days, reflect on what worked and set the next goal accordingly.
By focusing on 90-day goal cycles, you can make steady progress, avoid overwhelm, and build a sustainable, thriving wellness business. Ready to try it? Start planning your next 90 days today!
And if you need help staying on track, I’ve created a 90-Day Goal-Setting Journal, designed specifically for business owners like you. It’s available now on Amazon, and it’ll walk you through the process with clarity, structure, and support – one page at a time. Your next breakthrough could be just 90 days away.
