Start the Year Strong with a Clear Plan
To aspire to do great things is food for your soul! I remember just a few years ago feeling major anxiety about what I wanted to accomplish in my life. I didn’t want to sound ungrateful—God has always provided for all my needs. Back when I did direct sales for the Amway business, a speaker said, “God, don’t give me… put me where there is, and I will get it.” Those empowering words left an imprint on my heart, and today, they hold even deeper meaning for me.
Last year, I wrote about starting with my “why” and co-creating my office with God. That year was an incredible journey of discovering my inner power and listening to my inner voice, and I hunger for more of that.
Setting goals is an exciting way to embrace a fresh start, but without a solid plan, even the best intentions can fall by the wayside. Through trial and error, I found a strategy that works.
Today, I’m sharing my step-by-step process to help you organize your New Year’s resolutions effectively so you can turn your dreams into reality.
Step 1: Brain Dump Your Goals
Find a quiet space, grab a notebook, and set a timer for 20 minutes. Let your thoughts flow freely—don’t worry about how you’ll achieve these goals yet. Consider different areas of your life:
Spiritual
Financial
Career
Family
Health
Write everything down. This exercise helps clear mental clutter and gives you a strong foundation to build upon.
Step 2: Categorize & Refine Your Goals
Once you’ve listed your goals, organize them into categories. Then, make them specific and measurable. For example:
Instead of saying “I want to buy a house,” say “I will own a home by 2026.”
Instead of “I want to save money,” say “I will save $5,000 by December 2025 by setting aside $100 per week.”
Breaking down goals into smaller, trackable actions ensures that you can measure your progress. Think about what will be required to reach each goal and how many steps each will take to achieve.
Some goals even complement larger goals. For example, if your long-term goal is to buy a home, you can move the needle toward that goal by starting a savings plan and paying off debt. Although these are individual goals, they work together to bring you closer to the bigger picture
Step 3: Break Goals into Actionable Steps
Big goals can feel overwhelming, so break them down into small, manageable tasks. For example:
If your goal is to save $1,000 in a year, set a weekly savings target of $20.
If your goal is to run a marathon, start with short runs and gradually increase your distance.
Choose 2-3 key goals to focus on at a time to avoid burnout and frustration.
Step 4: Schedule Your Goals
Once you have your action steps, transfer them onto your calendar. Whether you use a planner, digital calendar, or Trello board, scheduling goals makes them more tangible and keeps you accountable.
Set weekly or monthly reminders to review progress.
Block out time for specific tasks related to your goals.
Adjust as needed—life happens, and flexibility is key!
Step 5: Track & Reassess Monthly
Schedule time onto your calendar for some “me” time and assess where you are at least once a month.
What progress have you made?
What needs to be adjusted?
Do any goals need to be modified or extended?
Remember, setbacks are normal! Give yourself grace and adjust as needed while keeping your end goal in sight.
Step 6: Find Accountability
Staying motivated is easier with support. Some ways to stay on track include:
Finding an accountability partner to check in with.
Joining a community or challenge related to your goal.
Hiring a coach or mentor to guide you.
Listening to podcasts or reading books that inspire action.
Final Thoughts: Take Action Today!
The key to achieving your resolutions isn’t just about setting them—it’s about following through with a structured plan. Small steps create momentum, and momentum leads to success!
As I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the power of intentional goal-setting. I ended my year with the news that I was featured in Better Homes and Gardens, January 2019 issue. I was even featured on the same page as Peter Walsh—what an honor! This incredible moment was a direct result of taking pen to paper, setting clear goals, and taking baby steps to achieve them.
The beginning of great things starts with a simple action. I hunger for God to show me more of what we can do together, and I pray that writing down your goals injects you with the motivation needed to move forward toward the dreams you aspire to achieve.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! What’s one major goal you’re working on this year? Drop it in the comments or share it with someone who can help keep you accountable.
