Reflecting on my life as I recently completed four decades, I found myself contemplating ways to enhance my writing. Last year, I was at a crossroads.

• I was finalizing my gaming YouTube channel's last video, which wrapped up my strategy guide for a game I had committed to over three years.
• Adjusting to a new environment while supporting my eldest in school and nurturing a one-year-old was both rewarding and challenging.
• I pondered on the importance of establishing a stable community for my children.

Despite all this, I had no clear plan for the upcoming year—just a vision, a dream. Inspired by the many content creators emerging recently, I committed to embarking on a year-long writing journey.

Now, as I near the end of this first year, I am dedicating 7 non-consecutive days to strategize for the next. My goals include better organization, improved focus, and more impactful outcomes. Here’s a breakdown of my current planning process as the year closes out.

Day 1 — Where Did the Time Go?

Each month this past year had its own theme and set of challenges. Thankfully, I documented my journey in threads on the Elon platform (formerly Twitter). Reviewing these threads is time-consuming, and I still have two months of reflections left to complete.

Consider conducting a social media audit if you're an aspiring content creator. The next phase of evolution is becoming clearer, and opinions vary on its timing. The Elon platform makes it easy to export your data. However, analyzing metrics from platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube can be trickier, and I take these numbers with caution.

Reflecting on what I enjoyed writing the most and how it resonated with my audience is also key for Day 1.

> Day 1 is focused on reflecting on the challenges faced and lessons learned over the year.

Day 2 — Set Your Targets

I create (gasp) SMART goals for my writing and content creation in the coming year. Earlier in the year, I fell into the trap of fixating on subscriber counts, which was not a healthy mindset.

Instead, I plan to implement 90-day sprints with two or three output-oriented targets (like the number of articles or videos).

I’ve always been wary of long-term goals, viewing them as constraints. However, I recognize that a fulfilling life consists of projects and activities executed with intent and focus. If you share this apprehension about commitments, it may be time to embrace the idea that your best experiences stem from these endeavors.

> Day 2 is dedicated to formulating SMART goals with realistic benchmarks for the coming year.

Day 3 — Define the Persona

I’ve primarily written as my everyday self—the version that navigates daily responsibilities. This upcoming year, I’m launching "Project Presence," aimed at enhancing my public persona.

While I'll still be myself, I plan to elevate my presence.

• Beyoncé has Sasha Fierce.
• Bruce Wayne transforms into Batman.
• Tony Stark dons his armored suit.

Every one of us has a “super” version that shines in specific situations—this is the part that captures attention.

> Day 3 focuses on uncovering the confident version of yourself that you would showcase on stage.

Day 4 — Content Strategy

This year has involved extensive reading, watching videos, and learning from exceptional creators to find my unique voice. I took the time to discover my writing interests, and now it's about articulating those experiences in my style.

I plan to follow the classic writing pyramid structure:

• Short form: social media posts, shorts
• Medium form: newsletters, articles
• Long form: YouTube videos, perhaps even a book

My perspective on sticking to a single platform has shifted. If I have something worthwhile to say, I should share it widely to see what resonates.

> Day 4 is centered on outlining a sustainable method for distributing ideas and content.

Day 5 — Execution Planning

Until now, I’ve been laying the groundwork. Day 5 is about delving into the specifics of how to execute my plans. I’ll likely break this into quarterly, monthly, and weekly objectives.

If you're familiar with Dan Koe’s "Power Planner," this should resonate. I’ve been using it effectively, but I can now maximize its potential with a clearer vision.

Project Presence represents my commitment to treating every endeavor with the same professionalism I would on stage. This 7-day planning process is my way of reinforcing this vision for the coming year.

> Day 5 is when the details solidify, leading to a clear plan of action.

Day 6 — From Concept to Reality

This phase of planning wouldn't be feasible without my previous efforts in what’s known as "Money X" on the Elon platform. This area has provided valuable insights and resources for aspiring digital entrepreneurs.

If monetization isn't your goal, you may skip these final steps.

> Day 6 is all about brainstorming potential offerings that could emerge from my efforts in the coming year.

Day 7 — Finalizing the Plan

On the last day, I will consolidate everything from the previous days into a cohesive calendar that outlines my goals at each milestone. While plans may not unfold as envisioned, the old adage holds:

"Failing to plan is planning to fail."

This day is about refining and finalizing the results of my brainstorming sessions. I aim to share this process in detail to help others embark on their own planning journeys.

Project Presence... Launching Soon

This 7-day plan is designed for anyone ready to tackle the year ahead. However, it assumes that you've already put in significant effort to navigate the initial stages of your journey.

When I began a year ago, I had no idea how to progress, yet here I am.

As I write this, I've completed the first three days of my challenge. Keeping momentum between these days is crucial, as too much can change in a short time.

On Medium, I plan to introduce two offerings soon:

• A 7-day self-discovery program for budding writers, detailing my own journey.
• A 7-day framework for crafting a comprehensive content creation strategy based on my experiences.

Like many aspiring creators, I’m still figuring things out.

I know I'm likely breaking several conventional business principles that a seasoned MBA would critique.

But that’s okay. I turned 40 and decided to dive in headfirst.

This is my process, and I hope what I share will assist you on your own journey.

Welcome to Project Presence.

Thank you for reading to the end!

Remember, microwaves don’t heat food uniformly, people often forget your posts quickly, and your dog will always find a way to snatch that treat from your toddler's hand, no matter where he is.