Planning 2026: Strategy and Clarity | Beyond the Workbench #15

How do you plan for a new year without drowning in an endless to-do list? This episode tackles the challenge of setting meaningful goals versus just staying busy, and why crossing things off your list before you even start might be the smartest move you make.

In Episode 15, Odin and Michael dig into strategic planning for 2026, exploring the difference between goals, tactics, and busy work. Odin shares his process of distilling 30 areas of focus down to 8 that actually matter, while Michael introduces the 25% challenge: cross out a quarter of your to-do list before you begin and focus only on what moves you forward. They discuss the post-holiday slowdown, finding balance during busy seasons, and the importance of having a clear purpose behind everything you do.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction
01:06 - Post-Holiday Slowdown
04:32 - Planning for 2026
05:44 - Busy Work vs Meaningful Progress
09:09 - Goals vs Tactics vs Strategy
09:57 - The 25% Challenge
10:34 - From 30 Areas to 8
11:54 - Finding Accountability Partners
13:12 - Bringing Diverse Perspectives
15:13 - What's Next for 2026

--------------------------------------------

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1boT5ABgRjIDEGyi7bEbjd

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-workbench/id1816987809

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcast

All Platforms: https://www.beyondtheworkbench.com/

FOLLOW BEYOND THE WORKBENCH:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheworkbench

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheworkbench

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Beyond-the-Workbench-61576775047322/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbench

HOSTS:

Odin Clack - https://www.instagram.com/odinleather

Michael Magnus - https://www.instagram.com/magnusopus

Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life. Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather marketing expert and founder of www.learnleathercraft.com), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making.

New episodes are released on the first and third Thursdays of every month.

Enjoying the podcast? Please share it with someone who you think would find value in the conversations. If these conversations have helped your business and you're interested in supporting the show, visit our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbench

Edited and produced by Instrumental Media: https://instrumental.media/

#BeyondTheWorkbench #Podcast #Leathercraft #LeatherWorking #Entrepreneurship #MakerCommunity #SmallBusiness #MakerBusiness #BusinessStrategy