September always feels like a fresh start to me. Perhaps it’s because we grow up associating this time of year with the start of a new academic year or because, as a football fan, it marks the beginning of a new season. Either way, I love September! For me, it’s a mini New Year—a chance to reflect, regroup, and refocus on my goals.
After a summer filled with adventures, I’m back into my regular routine this week, focusing on Sport Sister’s core values and areas of expertise. My new office is quickly transforming into a productivity hub filled with planners, whiteboards, and big dreams for the future.
Curious about how I approach planning and preparing for success? Let me take you behind the scenes…
My 5-Step Planning Process
1. Identify Core Areas of Focus
The first step is to pinpoint where Sport Sister provides the most value and meets the greatest needs. For us, this includes:
- Our consultancy and project management services.
- Our girls’ football programme.
- The resources, advice, and inspiration we offer through our website and blog.
2. Evaluate What’s Working
Once the core areas are clear, I review what’s going well and what could be improved. This involves asking key questions:
- Where are the opportunities for growth?
- What gaps in the market can we fill?
- How can we better serve our audience?
3. Translate Goals Into Action Plans
Next, I develop clear actions and detailed project plans. My approach includes:
- Creating a high-level annual plan that aligns with our vision.
- Breaking it down into quarterly action plans, which I review every three months.
This keeps our goals manageable and ensures progress throughout the year.
4. Set Quarterly Priorities
At the start of each quarter, I identify my top priorities:
- Where to focus my time and energy.
- What I aim to achieve.
This practice keeps me aligned with high-impact tasks and helps avoid the trap of chasing shiny, new ideas before finishing existing ones.
5. Allow Room for Exploration
Finally, I reserve space for ideas that need more thought before committing. These “work-in-progress” concepts go on a whiteboard, ensuring they aren’t forgotten while giving me time to refine them.
Let’s Connect!
How about you? Does September feel like a fresh start for you too? What’s your planning process like?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop me a message on the website or connect with me on social media—I’m always eager to learn from others’ experiences.
