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Introduction
Hello everyone! This week’s newsletter returns to the topic of life strategy. Many of us find ourselves unsure about how to reach our bigger goals or keep drifting from one idea to the next. In this newsletter, I will break down how to clarify your core values, set bold yet aligned goals, compare where you are to where you want to be, and then transform those visions into daily actions. You’ll discover the importance of creating specific milestones, leaning on accountability structures, and scheduling regular check-ins to keep momentum high. By the end, you’ll have a blueprint for shaping the next five years—and beyond—instead of just hoping good things happen.
Weekly Highlight: Step by Step Plan to Own Your Future
Ready to take charge of the next five years? Let’s map out a clear plan from defining your core values to setting bold, measurable goals that truly fit who you are. You’ll see why breaking everything into smaller milestones and building in regular reviews is the secret to staying adaptable, motivated, and steadily on course. Let’s walk through each of these steps and discover how to build a future you’ll be proud to own.
1. Clarify Your Core Values
Before jumping into grand ambitions, start with the foundation: your values. These are the 3–5 guiding principles that matter most. By grounding your future plans in what truly resonates with you, you ensure you will stay motivated when life gets busy. Values serve as a filter, helping you say “yes” to the right opportunities and “no” to distractions.
2. Set Bold, Aligned Goals
Next, dream big but don’t lose sight of who you are. Goals that feel exciting yet authentic create drive without burnout. Maybe that’s leading a small startup, moving abroad, or mastering a new skill. The key is balancing aspiration with the genuine “why” behind it. A bold vision isn’t just a wish; it’s a commitment fueled by purpose.
3. Understand Where You Are
Now, compare your current reality to the future you want. Which habits, resources, or opportunities do you already have? Where are the gaps? This honest self-assessment might reveal you’re closer than you think, or you might see areas needing immediate attention (like upgrading a specific skill or reorganizing your finances).
4. Set Your Goals & Map Them Out
With your values and current situation clear, pinpoint specific, measurable goals. Vague objectives like “be better at finances” or “find a new career” lack direction. Instead: “Within six months, complete an online finance course” or “In one year, shift into a marketing role at X-level salary.” Concrete goals keep you focused and allow you to measure progress effectively.
5. Milestones & Metrics
Break your big targets into more manageable pieces—quarterly or monthly—and define precise indicators for success. If your ambition is a 5-year leap, identify what must happen each year (like finishing a certification, saving a certain amount, or hitting a fitness milestone). Metrics serve as mini finish lines, giving you a tangible sense of progress.
6. Systems & Accountability
A plan without structure often fails. Use apps, checklists, or even a simple paper planner to keep tasks visible and top of mind. Pair that with an accountability buddy, someone you trust who can check in on your weekly or monthly progress. External support discourages procrastination and helps you pivot faster when you face setbacks.
7. Review & Adapt
Finally, life happens, and your blueprint should evolve. Schedule check-ins every six months. Have circumstances changed? Are your goals still relevant, or have you discovered new passions? These reflections let you refine your vision, ensuring it stays both motivating and realistic over time.
Practical Steps
1. Draft 3–5 Core Values: Jot down why each one matters.
2. Envision Your Future: Write a short paragraph describing life in five years.
3. Pick a Year 1 Milestone: Aim for one big marker of progress in the next 12 months.
4. Schedule 6-Month Reviews: Mark these on your calendar now.
Following these steps turns dreams into daily tasks. Start small, stay open-minded, and watch your ideal future take shape—one purposeful action at a time.
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Inspiration & Personal Growth
“If you don't know where you're going, any road will do.” – Lewis Carroll
This quote is a perfect reminder that drifting without a plan can lead us anywhere and often to nowhere meaningful. When you have a clear sense of direction, each step you take aligns with a deeper purpose. It’s like choosing the right road map: you might not see every twist and turn, but you know the destination is worth every mile.
Resources & Recommendations
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Book: Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt - Offers a five-step plan for setting and achieving deeper, more rewarding goals.
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Article: The Long Game: Success With Purpose And A Plan – Forbes interview with Dorie Clark, the author of The Long Game
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Exercise: Dreams Audit – List all your dreams and rank them in terms of difficulty and importance (i.e., how strongly you feel about them).
Finance Corner - Performance Management
A finance team that merely ticks boxes can’t truly excel. That’s where performance management enters the picture. Setting clear key performance indicators (KPIs) ensures everyone knows what is expected. Regular, constructive feedback loops mean issues get tackled in real time instead of procrastinating. Finally, fair recognition of top performers and structured plans for those struggling keeps morale high and growth continuous. Done right, performance management isn’t just a corporate formality; it’s how a finance team evolves from basic tasks to real leadership, driving better results for the entire organization.
Check the latest video below:
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Summary
A Step-by-Step Plan to Own Your Future begins with clarifying what matters most, then methodically translating that vision into concrete goals and daily actions. By breaking milestones into measurable chunks, leveraging the right tools, and scheduling periodic reviews, you create a roadmap that won’t let your ambitions slip away. Stay focused on your core values, adapt when needed, and keep an eye on your progress. The future might seem unpredictable, but with a reliable blueprint, you’ll see how possible it is to steer your life toward the success you envision.
Remember: clarity plus consistency can make the next five years the most transformative period of your life. Now is the time to craft your blueprint and follow through.
Until next time,
Maciej
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