The Power of Planning: Turning Intentions Into Achievements

In my last post, we explored how to break down big goals into smaller, actionable steps. Action goals are the foundation of success, but there’s another piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked: planning. Without a plan, even the best action goals can feel like wishful thinking.

If you haven’t read that post yet, I recommend starting there—it’s a helpful guide for creating goals that are clear, specific, measurable and achievable. Today, we’re building on that foundation and diving into how to make those action goals a reality through intentional planning.

Why Planning is Essential

Planning isn’t just about writing a to-do list. It’s about creating a system that helps you consistently achieve your goals. It bridges the gap between knowing what you need to do and actually doing it.

Here’s an example: Many of my clients set a goal to eat healthier. They know the basics of what that looks like—more vegetables, lean proteins, and fewer processed foods—but without a plan, they often struggle. They might buy healthy groceries, but if they don’t schedule time to prep meals or think about what they’ll actually eat, those good intentions can quickly fall apart.

Sound familiar? This is where planning makes all the difference.

From Overwhelm to Action

Planning simplifies the process of achieving your goals by breaking it down into manageable steps. Here’s how to get started:

1. Decide on Your Priority: Focus on one area at a time, like meal prep or scheduling workouts.
2. Make it Specific: For example, instead of saying, “I’ll eat healthier,” decide, “I’ll prepare three lunches for the week on Sunday.”
3. Schedule It: Add your plan to your calendar or daily routine. Treat it like an appointment you can’t miss.

The Habit Stack: A Simple Planning Hack

To make planning a habit, try habit stacking—a method developed by James Clear that pairs a new habit with something you already do daily.

For example, I unload the dishwasher every morning while my coffee brews. I make sure I am finished with the task of unloading the dishwasher before I start drinking my coffee.

Similarly, many of my clients use their morning coffee time to plan their day.

Here’s how you can create your own habit stack:

• Pair planning with a daily ritual, like brushing your teeth, brewing coffee, or reviewing your calendar.
• Keep it simple. Start with 5-10 minutes focused on one area, like meals or workouts.
• Use reminders, like a sticky note or phone alert, to stay consistent.

Planning in Action

Intentional planning doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Here’s an example of how it might look in real life:

1. Meal Prep: Decide when you’ll grocery shop, what you’ll cook, and how you’ll use leftovers.
2. Workouts: Look at your week and block out time for exercise—even if it’s just 10 minutes.
3. Daily To-Do’s: Review appointments, errands, and tasks to avoid surprises.

From Planning to Progress

The key to successful planning is consistency. Start small, build momentum, and adapt as you go. Remember, the goal is progress not perfection.

YOU GOT THIS!

If you’re ready to take your planning skills to the next level, check out my resources at levelwell.com/services. Whether you need help with meal prep, fitness routines, or creating a sustainable system, I’m here for you and would love to help you!

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