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

EPISODE · Jan 1, 2026 · 1H 16M

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

from Beyond the Workbench · host Magnus Opus

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 - Introduction01:06 - Post-Holiday Slowdown04:32 - Planning for 202605:44 - Busy Work vs Meaningful Progress09:09 - Goals vs Tactics vs Strategy09:57 - The 25% Challenge10:34 - From 30 Areas to 811:54 - Finding Accountability Partners13:12 - Bringing Diverse Perspectives15:13 - What's Next for 2026--------------------------------------------LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1boT5ABgRjIDEGyi7bEbjdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-workbench/id1816987809YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcastAll Platforms: https://www.beyondtheworkbench.com/FOLLOW BEYOND THE WORKBENCH:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheworkbenchTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheworkbenchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Beyond-the-Workbench-61576775047322/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbenchHOSTS:Odin Clack - https://www.instagram.com/odinleatherMichael Magnus - https://www.instagram.com/magnusopusBeyond 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/beyondtheworkbenchEdited and produced by Instrumental Media: https://instrumental.media/#BeyondTheWorkbench #Podcast #Leathercraft #LeatherWorking #Entrepreneurship #MakerCommunity #SmallBusiness #MakerBusiness #BusinessStrategy

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 - Introduction01:06 - Post-Holiday Slowdown04:32 - Planning for 202605:44 - Busy Work vs Meaningful Progress09:09 - Goals vs Tactics vs Strategy09:57 - The 25% Challenge10:34 - From 30 Areas to 811:54 - Finding Accountability Partners13:12 - Bringing Diverse Perspectives15:13 - What's Next for 2026--------------------------------------------LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1boT5ABgRjIDEGyi7bEbjdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-workbench/id1816987809YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcastAll Platforms: https://www.beyondtheworkbench.com/FOLLOW BEYOND THE WORKBENCH:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheworkbenchTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheworkbenchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Beyond-the-Workbench-61576775047322/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbenchHOSTS:Odin Clack - https://www.instagram.com/odinleatherMichael Magnus - https://www.instagram.com/magnusopusBeyond 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/beyondtheworkbenchEdited and produced by Instrumental Media: https://instrumental.media/#BeyondTheWorkbench #Podcast #Leathercraft #LeatherWorking #Entrepreneurship #MakerCommunity #SmallBusiness #MakerBusiness #BusinessStrategy

NOW PLAYING

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

0:00 1:16:49

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Beyond the Workbench?

This episode is 1 hour and 16 minutes long.

When was this Beyond the Workbench episode published?

This episode was published on January 1, 2026.

What is this episode about?

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...

Can I download this Beyond the Workbench episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!