By Rob Hatch Thirty-six weeks. Part of my process for planning my business for the New Year is to do a little reality check on exactly how much time I have to work with. What are you talking about, Rob? You have a year. Technically, that’s true. However, on closer inspection, I only have 36 […]
By Rob Hatch
Thirty-six weeks.
Part of my process for planning my business for the New Year is to do a little reality check on exactly how much time I have to work with.
What are you talking about, Rob? You have a year.
Technically, that’s true. However, on closer inspection, I only have 36 FULL weeks available.
36 is the new 52
My process is pretty simple. I set up a spreadsheet listing every week in 2025. Right off the bat, you’ll notice that the first whole week begins on January 6th.
Next, I block off the weeks when I know I will be on vacation and spending time with friends and family.
Then, I note each week a holiday or personal event occurs that will limit the time I have available for work.
I noted weeks when my children are on school break, and I want a lighter work schedule.
I look at the seasonal ebbs and flows of our family life, such as when we begin and end the school year.
Taking all that into account, I was left with 36 full weeks.
Thirty-six weeks is a very different number to work with than fifty-two.
Here’s what I found most helpful about this exercise.
1. I am starting my annual planning by prioritizing time with my family. I am deciding ahead of time to set aside significant time for that.
2. Many of the other weeks (holidays, school vacation, weeks of transition) will happen regardless. By planning for them, I can plan around them.
3. As I look at what I want to accomplish next year, I have a clear picture of the time resources available to commit to achieving them.
Thirty-six full weeks.
Your number will likely be different. The point is to figure out your number and plan accordingly.
