Planning Retreat - No. 3 - The Week Before
Backstep Forward Newsletter
by Kyle Mast
A short, to-the-point, weekly newsletter.
One challenge to take a step back.
One idea to propel you forward.
To plan properly where you want to go, you need to know where you are and where you’ve been. (Share this on Twitter)
We are now in the home stretch leading up to your planning retreat. The week before your retreat is instrumental in how beneficial your retreat is for your long-term goals and plans.
This week has two focuses. Gathering data and clearing the decks. This isn’t complicated. It simply needs to get done. No excuses. None.
Backstep (Gather the Data)
To plan properly where you want to go, you need to know where you are and where you have been. This week you need to gather the data of your current progress and where you stand. The very process of doing this is incredibly helpful in preparing your thoughts for the retreat. Continue adding items to your planning retreat topic list. If you don’t have or track any of this data currently, now is a great time to start! Here is a list of things that I update and gather ahead of my planning retreats.
Personal/Family Financial Summary: Spreadsheet that lists all assets and liabilities/debts and their change over time.
All profit and loss statements from businesses and investments and their change over time.
My "True Hourly Wage” spreadsheet.
My “Goal Matrix” spreadsheet, which has long-term goals for multiple areas of my life.
I print off all of these items so that I have them in paper form to minimize as much computer and screen distraction as possible on my retreat.
Forward (Clear the Decks)
Work your tail off this week to ensure everything on your plate is eliminated, delegated, or deferred from your planning retreat time. Take this very seriously. Let people know you will not be available. Set email out-of-office responders. Do everything possible to ensure normal work is nonexistent during your retreat.
To plan properly where you want to go, you need to know where you are and where you’ve been. (Share this on Twitter)
Kyle Mast
Christ follower, blessed husband, growing father, business founder/owner/seller, real estate investor.