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Let’s jump right into a big question: what if you could make real, tangible progress toward your biggest goals in just 90 days? Imagine looking back three months from now, seeing all the small steps you’ve taken stacking up into significant wins for your community. Sounds empowering, right?

In today’s post, we’re diving into part three of our goal-setting series on Your Community Strategist. We’ve covered the groundwork, from reflecting on 2024’s lessons to defining SMART goals and turning them into milestones. Now, we’ll explore creating a 90-day action plan—your roadmap to make those big yearly goals feel achievable. So grab a notebook, open your project planning app, and let’s get started!

Why 90 Days?

Annual goals are essential, but they can also feel overwhelming. That’s why breaking things down into 90-day segments is such a game-changer. A 90-day window is long enough to make meaningful progress but short enough to stay focused and motivated. Think of it as a sprint that allows you to dive into specific goals with clarity and purpose, building momentum that carries forward each quarter.

With a 90-day plan, you’re not waiting until the end of the year to measure success. You’re making strides and celebrating wins along the way. Every quarter becomes a stepping stone to the next, and soon, you’ll see the cumulative impact of your hard work.

Step 1: Prioritize Your Q1 Goals

Start by picking two to three high-impact goals to focus on for Q1. Maybe you’re aiming to increase engagement, drive growth, or introduce new features in your community. Choose goals that:

• Set a strong foundation for the year,
• Address immediate community needs, and
• Build momentum for the quarters that follow.

Example: If boosting engagement by 20% is a yearly goal, then a Q1 priority could be to launch weekly discussions or host a monthly live event series. Starting these activities early creates a rhythm, connecting members and setting the stage for success throughout the year.

Step 2: Break Down Goals into Monthly Milestones

With Q1 goals set, break them into monthly milestones—smaller steps that keep you on track without the overwhelm. Each month’s milestone is a mini-target, a stepping stone toward that larger goal.

Engagement Example: Let’s say one of your goals is to increase engagement by 10% in Q1.

• January: Launch a Question of the Week to spark conversation.
• February: Host a live event, like a Q&A or workshop.
• March: Introduce member-led content, inviting members to share stories or host sessions.

Each milestone not only brings you closer to your engagement goal but also keeps the content fresh and members engaged.

Step 3: Outline Weekly Tasks to Build Consistency

Weekly tasks are the heartbeat of your plan—small but powerful actions that build momentum and foster steady progress. For each monthly milestone, outline three to five specific weekly tasks.

Weekly Tasks Example (January – Question of the Week):

• Week 1: Choose questions for the month and post the first one.
• Week 2: Engage with members who respond, comment on their answers, and encourage sharing.
• Week 3: Try a mid-week bonus question to test engagement levels.
• Week 4: Send a roundup email highlighting the week’s discussion.

These tasks keep your community connected and help you track what’s working, allowing for quick adjustments.

Step 4: Schedule Regular Check-Ins

Check-ins are crucial to keep you aligned with your goals. Use weekly check-ins to review completed tasks, track what’s working, and tweak what isn’t. Monthly check-ins let you evaluate milestones and adjust your plan for the following month.

Weekly Check-In Framework:

1. Review Last Week’s Tasks: Did you complete each task? Identify any obstacles.
2. Identify What’s Working: Celebrate small wins and look for patterns.
3. Adjust for Next Week: Make tweaks where needed, whether simplifying a task or focusing more on a particular action.
4. Set Top Tasks for the Upcoming Week: Choose tasks that directly support your milestones and fit your schedule.

Monthly Check-In Framework:

1. Review Milestones: Celebrate completed milestones and assess any missed ones.
2. Assess Community Impact: Look for patterns in engagement and feedback.
3. Tweak Next Month’s Plan: Refine or expand milestones based on progress.
4. Reflect and Recommit: Take a moment to celebrate and set intentions for the next month.

Wrapping It Up: Your Path to Success

With your 90-day action plan, you’re setting yourself up for a year of intentional, steady progress. Each quarter’s achievements build on the last, creating a snowball effect toward your yearly goals.

By breaking down yearly goals into quarterly priorities, monthly milestones, and weekly tasks, you’re creating a structure that supports long-term growth without the overwhelm. Plus, regular check-ins keep you adaptable, allowing you to pivot and celebrate along the way.

Ready to Go Deeper? Join Us in The Strategy Lab!

If you’re excited to go even further with your planning, join us in The Strategy Lab! This 3-day virtual retreat will guide you through a comprehensive plan for 2025. We’ll dive into every detail that supports your community’s mission, with workshops and strategies for growth, engagement, and retention. Plus, you’ll connect with like-minded community builders who get the challenges and joys of this work.

As a Co-Op Member, You’ll Also Enjoy:

• Quarterly Planning Sessions: Stay on track and adaptable with ongoing support.
• Resources & Templates: Access tools designed to simplify community-building.
• Network of Community Builders: Learn, share, and grow together.

Thank you for being here on Your Community Strategist. Every step you take brings you closer to building a community where members feel connected, valued, and inspired. Whether you’re joining us in The Strategy Lab or following along here, you’re setting yourself up for an extraordinary 2025.

Until next time, keep building momentum and remember: you have the power to create the community of your dreams. See you in Q1!

Resources & Links:

• Get started with Circle: Your go-to platform for building community
• Join The Strategic Community Co-Op: For more tips, strategies, and a space filled with like-minded creators
• FREE Lunch & Learn: Launch Your 2025 Community Vision: Save My Seat
• FREEBIE: SMART Goals Made Easy
• Join The Strategy Lab: Save My Seat