Why Plan?

You’ve heard it: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” I’m all in on that. Back in college, raising two kids, I learned planning was my lifeline. It’s been my superpower ever since. Why? It keeps me locked on my goals, mapping the steps to get there.

Maybe you’ve felt the chaos of winging it—missing goals, stressing over to-dos. Maybe you’re ready for focus. You were designed for a life that feels on track, not scattered.

Less Stress, More Focus

Planning is my stress-buster. Writing things down frees my brain from to-do lists, letting me focus on what matters—my dreams, my family, my health. It’s like a mental exhale. Scheduling sets boundaries too—I don’t overbook, and I keep non-essentials out.

You don’t have to carry that mental load either. A simple plan can give you breathing room, helping you prioritize what’s real over what’s noise. You can find clarity through goal setting.

Setting Up for Success

Planning sets me up to win—whether running my business, carving out self-care, or chilling with loved ones. It’s helped me build a life by design, not default, and now, I’m sharing my system with you.

If you’re new to planning, don’t sweat it. It looks complex, but it’s just setup. Once it’s rolling, you tweak as you go.

Here’s what you need:

• a large whiteboard
• small whiteboard
• monthly whiteboard
• colored dry-erase markers (medium or thin, ‘cause I’m a messy writer)
• your phone (optional)
• a kitchen timer (trust me)
• a Full Focus Planner (my holy grail)
• an afternoon for setup
• and your annual goals and weekly schedule.

Your Annual Goals and Weekly Schedule

My Planning System

• On the small whiteboard, list your yearly goals—business, personal, financial, whatever drives you. Number them by priority and add start/completion dates if you’re a go-getter.
• On the large whiteboard, map your daily schedule: meals, exercise, routines, work, commute. Keep a margin—buffer time between tasks (e.g., 5:30-7:30 AM routine, 8:30-9:30 AM workout, with an hour gap). Plan tasks to take 15 minutes longer than needed for flexibility. Stay firm but not rigid, committed but not obsessive.
• The monthly whiteboard holds meetings and appointments. I review it weekly with my husband (Sunday coffee time) and update our kitchen counter board.
• My phone gets daily schedules with alarms, but I don’t rely on it—I’d end up scrolling X for 20 minutes.
• The kitchen timer keeps me honest: set it for a task, and when it dings, I’m done (okay, maybe 5 extra minutes sometimes).

The Full Focus Planner is my planning bible. It’s not just a to-do list—it’s a system for whole living. I jot daily tasks, map quarterly milestones, plan self-care, and dig into my “why” and “how.” It’s where I think deep and plan smart. I’ve tried every planner for 30 years; this one’s the best.

Making It Work

No day’s perfect—life happens, seasons shift, goals evolve. That’s okay. If your schedule doesn’t work, tweak it. What looks good on a whiteboard might flop in real life. Don’t get mad at yourself; it’s a process. Just start, adjust, and keep going.

Monthly Schedule

Put your boards where you’ll see them—my home office wall works, but a kitchen or bathroom is great too. Visible schedules set boundaries (loved ones see when I’m free) and remind me to stay on track. Work outside the home folks, try this for your job too.

Start Your Journey

Planning’s a lifelong game, but it gets easier, and you’ll make it yours. It’s the key to goal setting that sticks, giving you success at work and life. Want my planning tips and resources? Sign up for my newsletter below to get started on your midlife comeback. You’re not alone in building a life you love. Let’s keep it real and rise together.

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