Monthly Mission Reviews

A system for maintaining focus and tracking progress through regular monthly check-ins that align daily actions with larger missions and goals.

The Pyramid of Clarity

• Mission (Top Level)

  • The big "why" behind what you're doing
  • Should be honest and emotionally resonant
  • Can be a 10-20 year vision

• 1-Year Goals (Middle Level)

  • Set two types of goals:
    • FYA (F*** Yeah Awesome) Goal - ambitious target
    • Floor Goal - minimum acceptable outcome
  • Creates a range rather than binary success/failure

• Monthly Execution (Bottom Level)

  • Break down into 3 key categories:
    • People - Required team/hiring needs
    • Product - Features/improvements needed
    • Finances - Capital/margins/economics

Monthly Check-in Process

• Review entire pyramid each month

  • Remind yourself of the mission
  • Check progress against yearly goals
  • Evaluate the 3 key categories (People/Product/Finances)

• Track two key items:

  • What mattered last month and did we achieve it?
  • What matters this month and what's the plan?

Focus Framework

• Say "Yes" to:

  • Only "hell yes" opportunities
  • Things directly aligned with mission
  • Critical but uncomfortable tasks

• Say "No" to:

  • Distractions from core mission
  • Good but misaligned opportunities
  • Previous habits that don't serve the goal

• Time Management:

  • Switch from manager's schedule to maker's schedule
  • Create uninterrupted blocks (2.5-3 hours)
  • Avoid the "zebra calendar" of constant meetings

This system prevents drift and maintains alignment between daily actions and long-term vision through regular check-ins and clear frameworks for decision-making.