Q1 Review & Q2 Planning

Read time: 4-5 minutes

With the first quarter coming to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my wins, identify gaps I still need to close, and share my process with you as you craft your own priorities for Q2.

By now, you’ve probably heard me say this before: If you don’t prioritize what is important but not urgent (Quadrant 2, per Stephen Covey), you will likely get stuck in firefighting mode—losing both your sense of fulfillment and your ability to focus on what truly matters.

This simple planning exercise takes only 15–20 minutes to complete and gives you perspective on the next three months. It’s another tool to help you break free from the vicious cycle of survival mode.

When setting your Focus Areas, I encourage you to include personal priorities, not just professional ones. Some of you may find it helpful to create two separate Focus Areas—one for work and one for personal life—especially if you plan to share your work priorities with colleagues, managers, directors, senior leadership, or direct reports.

A Simple Self-Reflection Practice

If you completed a Q1 Focus Areas plan or set Focus Areas for the full year, you already have everything you need for this exercise. Here are a few simple rules to follow:

• Celebrate your wins. Acknowledge and appreciate your progress.

• Don’t judge what you didn’t accomplish. Instead, reflect on whether those priorities are still important. If they are, carry them forward into your Q2 Focus Areas.

• Stay adaptable. Your Focus Areas should serve you, not overwhelm you.

Groundwork’s Focus Areas for 2025

For context, here are my Focus Areas for the year:

• Vision: Stability & Growth

• Mission: Sell our work, expand to new networks, and build traction.

• Priorities:

  • Build a consistent business development process.

  • Launch the podcast, app, and book.

  • Create a Groundwork corporate case study.

  • Empower each coach to fill their coaching roster.

  • Book two keynote speaking engagements.

My Wins from Q1

✅ The first draft of the Groundwork book (working title: The End of Overwhelm) is complete!

✅ The Groundwork app is now in development! This app will host video modules, meditations, checklists, podcasts, and more—designed specifically for alumni to keep their Groundwork practice alive and thriving.

✅ I’m actively working on business development. A trusted advisor, Reuben Rail, is keeping me accountable as I increase my presence on LinkedIn to promote our work.

✅ We’re reaching new networks. I recently received valuable feedback on our team training pitch deck from the CEO of Health Research BC and HR advisors at York HR Solutions. Their support and encouragement have energized me.

Looking Ahead: Q2 Focus Areas

As I continue to refine my approach, I’m using what I’ve learned from Q1 to sharpen my focus for Q2.

• Vision: Trust & Connection

• Mission: Focus on the bigger picture and cultivate meaningful new business relationships.

• Priorities:

  • Launch the app (beta) to alumni.

  • Incorporate the first round of feedback on the book.

  • Become consistently active on LinkedIn.

  • Showcase concrete proof of success on our website and across our networks.

Pathways to Success

✔ Launch the app (beta) to alumni.

• Get advice on how to optimize the Kajabi app builder.

• Give access to alumni willing to provide feedback.

✔ Complete the first round of book edits.

• Dedicate two full days to incorporating edits after each round of feedback.

• Send a polished second draft to publishing contacts for review.

✔ Become consistently active on LinkedIn.

• Connect with people I find interesting.

• Ask for introductions from my existing network.

• Engage with clarifying and thoughtful comments.

• Post once per week.

✔ Showcase concrete proof of success.

• Execute a testimonial drive.

• Ask existing testimonial clients for permission to use their photo on the website.

• Shoot two testimonial videos for the website.

Your Turn: Set Your Q2 Focus Areas

If you haven’t yet completed your Q2 Focus Areas, now is the time! Use the following resources to guide you:

📖 Groundwork Manual: Page 27
📓 Groundwork Workbook: Page 21
🎥 NEW! Focus Areas Module: Recorded live at a Groundwork Masterclass retreat, now available in the Groundwork Online Course (see Part 3: Increase Your Performance > Focus Areas).

Join me at the next Practice Session to create your Q2 Focus Areas together. Let’s make Q2 intentional, purposeful, and impactful.

See you in two weeks!