How to Create a Goal-Crushing Roadmap in 2022
This 5-point plan helped me quit my job, make five figures online, and date a wonderful writer in 2021
In December 2020, I published the following:
“Back in March, my podcast reached the top ten of Apple Podcasts six days after launching. It’s also the year I’ve outsourced work to a virtual assistant and created my first Udemy course…
“I’d never made money in my sleep before.”
In 2021, I’ve released seven more courses. The most recent of these was a collaboration with Zero To Mastery — a global academy of 500,000+ developers.
These courses, along with content writing, average four figures a month. I’ve been able to quit my job because of them. I’ve also been dating a wonderful writer since January and spoke with my dad for the first time in 25 years.
2021 has been a challenging year. I know I’m blessed, and I’m all too aware others haven’t been as fortunate.
Truth is, there will always be events outside of our control. I believe we should focus on events we can control, which is where the 5-point plan can help.
I want to share it with you so you can put plans in place to make 2022 your best year yet. I know we’ve still got three months left in 2021, so anything you can do now is a bonus!
Here’s the plan.
Step #1: Reflect on your past year with this Annual Blueprint exercise
I did this Annual Blueprint Exercise for the first time in 2019. I borrowed it from one of my mentors and will use it to work towards my 2022 goals.
Here’s how it works. There are over 100 thought-provoking questions, broken into nine sections. These questions encourage you to reflect on your past year — personally and professionally — and set goals for the next.
This is more than just goal-setting, though. The Blueprint attaches emotions to them.
For example, how will you feel when you meet your big five business goals in 2022? And why do you want to achieve them?
In my experience, having clear, emotional reasons is crucial.
I recommend working through this exercise from now until December. Listen to some music (Relaxing Ambiances is my go-to), massage your answers, and start putting plans in place.
Step #2: Set a Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal (BHAG)
One of the questions in the Annual Blueprint exercise is this. “What is your big, hairy, audacious goal (BHAG) for the year?”
It doesn’t have to be realistic or even possible. It’s all about expanding the mind.
Grant Cardone talks about the benefits of thinking big in The 10X Rule. As James Clear summarises,
“The 10X Rule says that:
1) You should set targets for yourself that are 10X greater than what you believe you can achieve.
2) You should take actions that are 10X greater than what you believe are necessary to achieve your goals.
The biggest mistake most people make is not setting goals high enough. Taking massive action is the only way to fulfill your potential.”
My BHAG for 2022 is to make $5,000/month through online courses and writing.
Why? I’ll have the freedom to do what I want, when I want. I’ll also be able to send my family on holiday.
If I don’t hit this goal?
So be it. At least I’ll be heading in the right direction.
“Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star.” — W. Clement Stone
Step #3: Devise a 6-month plan
The plan should detail steps to take, when to take them, and why you’re taking them.
Ideally, you should choose five goals,
“…based on five different categories: Work, Relationships, Location, House, and Hobbies…
“Go on a road trip out West with my Dad. That’s relationships.
“Go to Europe. That’s a location.
“Get 1,000 email subscribers. That’s work.” — Tom Kuegler
Creating a plan gives you clarity. You can prune back projects and remove distractions. Before you jump into a new project, though, consider Pat Flynn’s question:
Can I commit to this project for three years?
If the answer’s no, it may be best to save it for another day.
I recommend spending a weekend in December crafting your plan. Here’s a link to mine if you’d like to check it out.
Step #4: Attend Google University
Now you have some goals, it’s time to make them happen. I recommend attending Google University.
This is a phrase coined by Tom Kuegler. His belief is this: If you want to learn a new skill, Google can teach you how.
Earlier this year, I opened my laptop, jumped online, and searched “how to become a full-time writer”. I pasted my learnings into a Google doc and re-read articles I’d saved to my bookmarks.
The education lasted two days, and it helped me identify three principles for writing.
Have fun with this step and don’t be afraid to go down rabbit holes! I’d recommend giving yourself a couple of days to learn every step you need to know to smash your goals.
Step #5: Execute
Our 6-month plan gives us a north star. It also leaves us with no excuses. Now it’s time to execute.
Break your plan into pieces and ask yourself, “what’s the one thing I can do today to get closer to my goals?”
Personally, I like to complete this one thing in the morning so I can glide through the rest of my day. Other completed tasks are a bonus.
If you’re a night owl, try Focusmate. It’s a free virtual coworking space that pairs you up with an accountability partner. I’ve used it a couple of times to great effect.
It’s won’t always be fun. Most mornings, I spend hours writing and creating content. I used to cram podcast recordings during lunch breaks. From what I hear, though, this is what you have to do.
Sinem puts it beautifully:
“You can only work smart if you’ve done the hard work first.” — Sinem Günel
Before this plan, I lacked direction. I was taking on too many projects and feeling overwhelmed.
My focus was scattered.
It’s only in the last couple of years I’ve dedicated energy towards my goals. I think this is why I’m seeing results.
It’s not always fun. However, seeing your hard work pay off is super rewarding. I like to remind myself of this quote by Malcolm Gladwell:
“These three things — autonomy, complexity, and a connection between effort and reward — are, most people agree, the three qualities work has to have if it is to be satisfying.” — Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers
Here’s a quick summary of the 5-point plan:
Step #1: Reflect on your past year with this Annual Blueprint Exercise. What worked well? What didn’t go so well? Spend some time answering all 100 questions.
Step #2: Set a BHAG. Does this goal scare you? Good! It’s working.
Step #3: Devise a 6-month plan. Target five goals for January through to June 2022. You can create a separate 6-month plan for July onwards, using learnings from the previous one.
Step #4: Attend Google University. The answers you’re looking for are out there. Use them to fill out a 6-month plan. This document will be your Bible for 2022.
Step #5: Execute
You’ve got this!
Want to ditch the 9–5? Get my free 19-page guide: Everything I Did to Quit My 9–5 Job & Transition Into Profitable, Sustainable Solopreneuring :)