242: How to Design a Personal Planning Retreat (Patton McDowell)

In this solo episode #242, Patton McDowell discusses the process of designing a structured personal strategy retreat. The episode highlights why it's critical for nonprofit leaders to invest time in their own strategic planning, a practice often overlooked. He shares valuable strategies and insights on planning and executing a personal retreat for meaningful professional and personal development.

"You've spent countless hours in organizational retreats; why not devote some of that same focus on yourself?"

12 STEPS TO DESIGN YOUR RETREAT

1. Determine Date & Location 
2. Getting into the Right Mindset
3. Equipment & Supplies
4. Pre-Retreat Reading
5. The Trip Itself - Creating Separation
6. Vision Framework (6 Questions)
7. 12 Skills Self-Assessment
8. Calendar & Journal Review
9. Calendar Preview
10. Translating Vision into Goals
11. Annual Metrics
12. 90-Day Action-Plan for the Next 90-Days

OTHER SOLO EPISODES BY PATTON

• Episode #159: "4 Ways to Advance Your Nonprofit Leadership"
• Episode #56: "10 Essential Skills & Experiences for Nonprofit Leadership"
• Episode #78: "5 Ways to Build Your Professional Development Plan"
• Episode #13: "Build A Personal Strategic Plan that Works"
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton's book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector