Let me ask you something. How many times have you sat down at the start of the year, written out your goals, felt that buzz of momentum — and then found yourself in December wondering what happened? You’re not alone. In fact, I’d argue it’s one of the most common traps business leaders fall into. And it’s exactly what this week’s Monday Myth Check is all about.
The myth? That making a plan is the same as achieving it.
The Plan Is Just the Starting Line
Here’s what I see all the time — and I was literally talking about this with a client just this morning. They’ve set some solid objectives and key results. Maybe there’s even a three-year vision on the wall. But then… that’s where it stops. The plan sits there, looking great on paper, while the day-to-day chaos of running a business takes over.
In smaller businesses especially, there’s often this feeling of ‘I know roughly where we’re headed.’ But a feeling isn’t a framework. And without a consistent, structured way to check in on your progress, you can drift off course without even realising it — until the damage is done.
Why Consistency Is the Real Game-Changer
Think about it this way. Imagine reviewing a team member’s performance at the end of the year, only to find out they’ve been underperforming for months — and nobody picked it up. That’s not fair on them, and it’s not good for the business. The same logic applies to your plans.
The leaders and businesses I see consistently hitting their targets aren’t necessarily the ones with the most ambitious plans. They’re the ones who show up — regularly, intentionally — to review, adjust, and recommit to those plans.
The Cadence That Changes Everything
So what does that look like in practice? In my book Unlocking Your Most Successful Year Yet, I walk through a planning structure built on three cadences that layer on top of each other:
Annual outcomes. Start with the big picture — what does success look like 12 months from now? Set your vision, then anchor it in clear objectives and measurable key results.
Quarterly milestones. Break that annual plan into four quarters, each with its own objectives and key results. This is where strategy starts to become action.
Fortnightly sprints. This is the one most people skip — and it’s the most powerful. Every two weeks, you get at least six sprints per quarter to assess what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to shift. It keeps you honest and keeps you moving.
Flex Is Not Failure
One thing I want to be really clear about: adjusting your plan along the way is not a sign that you’ve failed. Some of my clients make significant adjustments mid-year; others make minor tweaks. Both are okay. What matters is that you’re paying attention — that you’re aware enough to know when something needs to shift, and agile enough to make the call.
A rigid plan that breaks under pressure is far less useful than a flexible plan that bends and holds.
You Need Someone in Your Corner
The final piece — and honestly, the one that ties everything together — is accountability. It’s very hard to hold yourself accountable to a plan, especially when things get busy and the urgent starts crowding out the important. Having someone who can call you on it, challenge you, and celebrate your wins with you is genuinely transformative.
Whether that’s through a coaching relationship, a peer group, or even our community around the book — find your accountability partner. Define the journey. Set your achievables. Be willing to flex. And then actually show up for the work.
Because the goal isn’t to have a great plan. The goal is to have a great year.
About Monday Myth Check
Monday Myth Check is a weekly dose of reality where Jono Brake holds up commonly held leadership beliefs and asks the question “What if this was not true”. You can find the weekly videos and other posts by following Jono Brake on LinkedIn or following The Forged Leader, as well as on Youtube @jonobrake.
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