There was a lot of attention given to the 100th day of President Trump’s second term in office this year. In American politics, the first 100 days of a president’s term have come to symbolise momentum, authority, and intent. The tradition began with Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, who, amid the wreckage of the Great Depression, launched an unprecedented burst of legislative action. In just over three months, he rolled out 15 major bills, restructured banks, created jobs, and reshaped the national psyche. Ever since, the first 100 days have become a benchmark for decisive leadership, the moment when vision meets action, before politics, inertia, or fear slow the pace.
The First Move and Clarity
Knowing what first move to make towards your end goal can feel daunting, but putting this principle in place helps you prioritise the most meaningful and impactful changes to your business over anything else that is ultimately a distraction. If you did that, you now have something most business owners never get: clarity.
But here is the truth bomb: Clarity without action is just daydreaming.
Back to the Gym
Changing a business is exactly like getting fit. Nobody walks into the gym on day one and deadlifts their body weight. You are assessed by the gym and told to start where you are. Going to the gym is built around habits. You build habits, stick to a regime and track progress. And before long, you start to feel different, stronger, more confident, more in control. The changes are steady and gradual, but when assessed over a period, 100 days, they are immense.
Running your business is no different.
The next 100 days are your business gym training plan. Consistent, repeatable action. Because leadership is essentially all about discipline.
The First 30 Days: Build the Habit
Howard Schultz returned to Starbucks in 2008 and found a bloated, unfocused business. His first step? Shut down every store for 3 hours to retrain baristas on how to make espresso. Not profits. Not expansion. Just the basics. That reset the culture.
The first 30 days of your 100 day plan is where you stop doing everything and start doing the right things.
Actions:
- Revisit your goals weekly. Stay aligned.
- Delegate at least one recurring task.
- Set a simple weekly rhythm: e.g. Monday planning, Wednesday check-in, Friday financial review.
The Lesson: Master the basics. Repetition creates rhythm.
Days 31–60: Strength Training for Your Systems
Bill Walsh took over the San Francisco 49ers in 1979 as arguably the worst team in the NFL. He focused on one thing: installing a system and introduced what he called The Standard of Performance, a code of behaviour that applied to everyone, from quarterbacks to equipment managers. He didn’t just change what the team did. He changed how they thought. Within three seasons, the 49ers won the Super Bowl. And over the next decade, they became one of the most dominant dynasties in NFL history.
By Day 31 you’ll have built a rhythm. Now we add resistance. The goal here is visibility and control.
Actions:
- Build a real-time cash flow tracker.
- Start a weekly dashboard: revenue, margin, leads, workload.
- Implement one fix to reduce customer or team friction.
The Lesson: Culture follows systems. Systems follow clarity.
Days 61–100: Momentum and Muscle
Reed Hastings at Netflix pivoted from DVD rental to streaming. But it wasn’t a leap, it was the result of 100s of small decisions, made by a team aligned around a future-focused mission.
You’re now moving. The fog has lifted. You’re making decisions faster. People know the direction. You’re not in constant panic mode.
Actions:
Audit your client/customer base. Trim or tier.
Review pricing. Raise rates or reframe value.
Begin a strategic project: a new offer, a hiring plan, an exit roadmap.
The Lesson: Strategy is built in layers, not lightning bolts.
What You’ll Notice by Day 100
You say “no” faster.
You have space to think again.
Your team is more accountable.
You’re no longer reacting. You’re directing.
You won’t have done anything flashy. You’ve just become the kind of leader your business actually needs.
A Word of Warning (and Encouragement)
I know, you’ll slip and you’ll skip a day. You’ll get knocked off rhythm. That’s fine. The people who win in business (and life) aren’t the ones who never fall. They’re the ones who know how to reset quickly.
Just like going to the gym, missing one workout doesn’t mean you stop training altogether.
Final Thoughts
This Is Your Business. Train Accordingly.
If you’ve stuck with this so far, you’re already ahead of 90% of business owners. Keep going. The next 100 days can change your year and maybe your business forever.
Author: Niall McGinnity, CEO @ Nuvem9
Main Image Credit: Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya
Helping leaders and businesses drive success forward
Here at Nuvem9, we do things a bit differently – we’re not your traditional accountants or financial advisors.
We empower ambitious business owners to grow with clarity and confidence. Based in the UK, we specialise in working in creative and service-led industries that demand a financial partner who gets it — responsive, knowledgeable and always easy to talk to.
Whether you’re scaling up, navigating change, or just need someone who speaks your language, we bring experienced financial and commercial advice and proactive support that keeps your finances clear, compliant, and under control. No jargon. No delays. Just sharp insights and a team who’s got your back.
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