Goal Planning Made Simple: The Proven Set Goals That Actually Work for You (Without the Overwhelm)
Effective goal planning starts with one simple truth: it doesn’t have to be complicated. Do you ever feel like goal setting is just another thing on your never-ending to-do list? You sit down to plan your year, stare at a blank page, and suddenly feel overwhelmed by all the ‘shoulds’ swirling in your head. You’re not alone.
For many of us, (especially in midlife, when life feels extra busy and our brains are juggling a million things) traditional goal setting can feel more stressful than helpful.
But what if goal planning could be simple, flexible, and even… enjoyable? In this post, I’ll share my favorite strategies for setting goals that work for real life, plus practical tips to help you build your productivity and organizing muscle—without burning out.
Why Traditional Goal Setting Often Fails
Let’s be honest: most advice about goals is designed for people with lots of time and energy. But what about those of us who are managing families, work, health, and maybe even neurodivergent brains (hi, fellow AuDHDers!)?
The truth is, goals don’t have to be big, scary, or perfect. They just need to be meaningful and manageable.
My No-Pressure Approach to Goal Planning
Here’s how I make goal setting work for me (and how you can, too):
1. Start Small and Personal
Instead of “get organized,” try “clear off my kitchen table by Friday.”
Instead of “exercise more,” try “stretch for 5 minutes after breakfast.”
2. Break It Down Into Bite-Sized Steps
Big goals are just a series of tiny actions. Write out the steps, no matter how small.
Example: If your goal is to declutter your workspace, your steps might be:
- Clear one drawer today
- Sort pens and toss the ones that don’t work
- Wipe down the desk
3. Make It Visual and Trackable
Having a visual reminder of your goals helps keep you motivated. That’s why I love using a goal planning printable—it lets you see your progress at a glance, and gives you a little dopamine hit every time you check something off.
4. Celebrate Every Win (Seriously!)
Every step forward is a victory. Did you complete one action step? Celebrate! Progress is progress, no matter the pace.
What’s a Goal Planning Printable?
A goal planning printable is a simple, downloadable worksheet that guides you through setting, breaking down, and tracking your goals. Unlike other planners that leave you staring at blank pages, mine includes step-by-step instructions and helpful prompts to keep you moving forward.
It usually includes:
- A space to write your main goal and why it matters
- Sections for breaking your goal into smaller steps
- Deadlines to keep you on track
- Checkboxes or trackers for progress
- Reflection prompts to celebrate wins and learn from challenges
If you want to try one, I’ve created a free sample you can download here.
Tips to Build Your Productivity & Organizing Muscle
- Set a timer: Work on your goal for just 10 minutes. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.
- Pair it with something you enjoy: Listen to music or a podcast while you work.
- Ask for support: Share your goal in our Facebook group for encouragement and accountability.
- Give yourself grace: Some weeks will be better than others. That’s normal!
Ready to Get Started?
Pick one small goal this month and use effective goal planning strategies to break it down.
Share your progress in the comments or in our Facebook group—I’d love to cheer you on!
Remember: productivity isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters most to you—one small, kind step at a time.
Ready to turn your goals from overwhelming to achievable? Start with my free goal planning printable that walks you through each step—no guesswork required.
Download your free goal planning printable here.
Join our supportive community here.
