Start Quarter with Rocks
All begins with setting quarterly priorities, what we call “Rocks.”
What Are Rocks, Anyway?
The idea of “Rocks” comes from a classic metaphor popularized by Stephen Covey. Picture a glass jar. If you fill it with sand and pebbles first, there’s no room for the big rocks. But if you start by placing the large rocks inside, then pour in the smaller stuff, everything fits just right.
In this analogy, your “Rocks” are the critical priorities—the must-achieve objectives for the next 90 days. They’re the commitments that move the needle in your business and personal growth.
Why Work in 90-Day Sprints?
Ninety days strikes the perfect balance. It’s enough time to make real progress on meaningful goals, but not so long that you lose motivation. While annual goals often fade into the background, 90-day targets create a sense of urgency and focus because the finish line is never far off.
A Framework for Setting Powerful Rocks
If you’re ready to set goals that stick, here’s a four-step guide I often share with my clients:
- Revisit Your Vision
Zoom out before you zoom in. What are you ultimately working toward? What does year-end success look like? Every Rock you set this quarter should be a stepping stone toward that broader vision.
- Focus on a Few, High-Impact Goals
You can’t prioritize everything. That defeats the purpose. Your Rocks should be:
- Clear and specific
- Measurable
- Realistic and relevant
- Assigned to a single owner
- Doable within 90 days
Don’t confuse a long task list with genuine strategic focus.
- Align Your Team
Every leader, department, and team member should have their Rocks, and they should complement one another. Alignment brings accountability. Everyone understands their role in the bigger picture and how success is shared.
- Review Weekly
Goal setting without follow-through is just wishful thinking. Use your weekly team meetings to check in, measure progress, and make adjustments. This cadence keeps your Rocks top of mind—and momentum moving.
Bonus: Schedule What Matters
If a Rock is important, it deserves space on your calendar. Block time. Treat it as sacred. Say “no” to distractions so you can say “yes” to progress.
Build a Quarter That Builds Your Year
Rocks are your guardrails. They help you stay focused, say no to distractions, and manage your time and priorities.
If you haven’t set your Rocks yet, now’s the moment. Don’t let another quarter slip away without purpose.
A well-executed quarter isn’t just a win—it’s the foundation of a remarkable year.
