As we close out 2025, it's time to give future you the greatest gift possible: clarity. In this special year-end episode, discover what we learned together this year and exactly how to turn those lessons into your clearest year yet.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• The one question that connects every 2025 framework and strategy we covered
• Why margin isn't what's left after work—it's what makes your best work possible
• The exact 4-step process for writing your letter to future you
• How to identify your constraint—the one thing that if changed, would change everything
• The single biggest mistake creatives make every January (and how to avoid it)
• Why clarity comes from consistent action, not perfect planning
• 5 specific action steps to take before 2026 begins

2025 LESSONS RECAP:

The DO vs DUE Framework taught us proactive planning beats reactive scrambling. Transformative one-on-ones showed us investing in people IS the work. Mental health conversations reminded us that self-care makes us better leaders. AI-assisted planning demonstrated how to amplify strengths without losing the human touch.

All of these lessons connect back to one core question: What does future you need from present you?

FEATURED RESOURCE:

Download your free DO vs DUE Framework, Time & Energy Audit, Future You Framework, and more at dustinpead.com/free

Listen to Creativity Made Easy wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday.

CONNECT:🌐 dustinpead.com📸 @dustinpead

Special thanks to The Core Group (coregroupus.com) for supporting creatives with financial clarity and Profit First strategies.

#CreativeClarity #FutureYou #SystemsForCreatives #2026Planning

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• The critical difference between guessing capacity and planning capacity
• How to implement the 20% margin buffer rule across your team
• Why time tracking is essential for sustainable creative work
• The manufacturing secret that could transform your agency operations
• Practical steps to stop overcommitting and start delivering with excellence

BETA TESTING IN 2026:I'm committing to developing comprehensive capacity planning tools specifically for creative agencies in 2026. Want to be part of the conversation? Email dp@dustinpead.com with your thoughts on what would help you most.

FEATURED RESOURCE:Download the DO vs DUE Framework and other free resources: https://dustinpead.com/free

CONNECT:🌐 https://dustinpead.com📧 dp@dustinpead.com📱 @dustinpead on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn

SPONSOR:The Core Group provides financial clarity for creative professionals. Learn more at https://coregroupus.com

#CapacityPlanning #CreativeAgency #AgencyOperations #CreativeEntrepreneur

Most creative professionals are flying blind when it comes to annual planning—reacting to opportunities instead of creating them. Today I'm walking you through my 12-Month Outlook template step-by-step, showing you exactly how to get complete clarity on your year and stop leaving your business growth to chance.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• How to work backwards from launch dates using the 4D Creative Process framework
• The exact template for visualizing your entire creative year at a glance
• How to build realistic timelines that include margin instead of constant firefighting
• Why bringing the system to where you are matters more than perfect planning
• How to make better decisions about what to say yes to (and what to decline)

FEATURED RESOURCE:Download the 12-Month Outlook Template completely FREE at dustinpead.com/free, along with the DO vs DUE Framework, Time & Energy Audit, and all my other frameworks for creative professionals.

CONNECT:Website: https://dustinpead.comSocial: https://www.instagram.com/dustinpead

SPONSOR:This episode is brought to you by The Core Group—financial planning exclusively for creatives. Whether you need basic tax help or full CFO-level strategy, they'll meet you where you are. Head to coregroupus.com to create financial clarity today.

#CreativePlanning #AnnualPlanning #CreativeSystems #AgencyOperations