In this Productivity like a Pro Podcast Episode by the Paperless Movement®, Tom Solid and Paco Cantero kick off the new year with a deep dive into the power and practicality of conducting Quarterly Reviews. Using the ICOR® Framework, they explain how this systematic approach helps maintain focus, gain clarity, and avoid the pitfalls of end-of-year goal panic. More than just a planning session, this episode is a masterclass on how to align strategy with execution and build momentum throughout the year.
Why Quarterly Reviews Are Crucial
Tom and Paco emphasize that breaking annual goals into quarterly targets creates a more focused and manageable path toward achievement. Many Busy Professionals in corporate environments find themselves scrambling to reach forgotten yearly goals in the final months. The quarterly approach solves this by enforcing shorter feedback loops and maintaining consistent alignment with strategic objectives.
They highlight how even within rigid corporate structures, individuals can adopt a personal quarterly review system to stay on track. The ICOR® methodology supports this shift by translating goals into projects, then into tasks—making everything tangible and actionable.
Strategic Thinking vs. Execution Mode
Paco shares the importance of intentionally switching from execution mode to strategic mode. He explains how strategic reviews force you to zoom out, see the bigger picture, and recognize achievements instead of fixating on problems. This perspective shift helps regain clarity and engagement, which are essential for long-term momentum.
He notes that execution mode is often noisy and chaotic, making it difficult to evaluate or redirect effectively. Strategic sessions, like quarterly reviews, provide the silence and space needed to reset, refocus, and reprioritize.
Building and Maintaining Focused Momentum
Tom explains how their internal system uses the “This Week / Next Week” method to guide weekly execution based on quarterly goals. This approach enables teams to maintain weekly progress without losing sight of broader objectives. Through regular reviews and agenda meetings, adjustments are made in real-time, avoiding the common pitfall of only learning from failures at the end of a quarter.
By incorporating weekly check-ins, goals remain visible and aligned with daily and weekly tasks. This builds a steady, pragmatic rhythm and prevents overcommitting or falling into perfectionist loops.
The Power of Systems and a Solid Foundational Core
The discussion highlights how the ICOR® system serves as a solid foundational core that supports consistent growth and agility. Whether it’s developing the My ICOR application in just a few weeks or helping members build a robust productivity system, the same principles apply: structure, clarity, and adaptability.
As Paco puts it, “Systems work.” With a structured system in place, professionals can stop endlessly tweaking and start executing with confidence and peace of mind. The ICOR® journey enables members to be self-reliant, efficient, and flexible—no matter their tools or corporate environment.
The Evolution of the My ICOR Platform
A standout moment in this episode is the story behind the rapid evolution of the My ICOR platform. What started as a simple tool for mapping the ICOR® framework became a powerful interactive learning environment. This transformation was not part of a long-term strategic plan—it emerged organically through Quarterly Reviews and close attention to community feedback.
With new features like growth assignments, member-specific insights, and an integrated community experience, My ICOR now delivers a frictionless learning journey. Tom and Paco attribute this success to the ICOR® system’s flexibility and their commitment to adapting based on real-time needs.
Supporting Internal Goal Setting in Corporations
The episode also addresses challenges many Busy Professionals face in corporate environments, where goal-setting can be vague or dependent on external events. A live chat message from listener Mary illustrated this perfectly. Tom advises professionals to take initiative by drafting and proposing their own interpretations of company goals. This not only sparks alignment but often becomes the starting point for more strategic conversations within executive teams.
Final Thoughts
This episode is a reminder that meaningful progress doesn’t come from chasing perfection or planning in isolation. It comes from consistent, structured reflection and action. By embracing the ICOR® methodology and conducting Quarterly Reviews, professionals can transform their work experience, gain clarity, and build momentum toward meaningful, achievable goals.
