#4: Reset & Refocus: Plan Your Year Without the Overwhelm
What if 2025 could be the year you finally create a planning system that inspires rather than stresses you? Whether you’re mapping business goals or personal milestones, the right tools and mindset can make all the difference.
Reflecting on 2024: Wins, challenges, and why metrics matter
Before planning for the future, it’s important to reflect on the past. For me, this means looking back at my 2024 Metrics Made Simple tracking system. Numbers don’t lie—they reveal trends, patterns, and opportunities. For example, I celebrated a big win with a 96.61% success rate of clients scheduling their session planning calls after submitting an inquiry form. On the flip side, I discovered an area for growth: converting leads from Google inquiries. This reflection has shaped my 2025 strategies. So, as you plan for the year ahead, ask yourself: What worked? What didn’t? What habits or systems can you improve?
Goal Mapping Basics: Breaking down big goals into actionable steps
Big goals can feel overwhelming if they’re too broad. Instead of saying, “I want to book more clients,” try setting a specific, measurable goal like, “Book an average of eight clients per month.” Breaking big goals into smaller, daily targets makes them manageable and gives you a roadmap to follow. For example, if your goal is eight clients a month, you might set a daily habit of reaching out to inquiries for 15 minutes a day. It’s all about creating clear, actionable steps that lead to success.
Planner Picks: Why the Hobonichi, Erin Condren, and Full Focus planners work for me
Not all planners are created equal, and finding one that works for your unique needs is key. Here are my go-to planners for 2025:
Hobonichi Techo: Perfect for personal self-care tracking and daily affirmations. I’ve even created a monthly self-care bingo card to make it fun and motivating.
Erin Condren Undated Focus Planner: My third year using this gem for business tasks. Its undated design makes it flexible, and I love the yearly overview for outlining campaigns, projects, and vacations.
Full Focus Planner: A new addition for big-picture goal tracking. This detailed planner is all about setting SMARTER goals (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Risky, Time-bound, Exciting, and Relevant) and tracking progress step by step.
Each planner serves a distinct purpose, helping me stay organized without feeling overwhelmed.
Fun Meets Functionality: Gamification and themed days for stress-free planning
Planning doesn’t have to be boring! Gamifying your goals can make a huge difference. I use a bingo card to track both personal and professional milestones. It’s a fun, visual way to stay motivated and celebrate progress.
Another strategy I’m loving is themed days. For example:
Monday: Money + strategy day
Tuesday: Education day (learning + creating course content)
Wednesday: Content creation day
This structure keeps me focused on my goals while leaving room for flexibility during the rest of the week.
Celebration and Flexibility: Celebrate wins and pivot without guilt
Your goals and plans should guide you, not box you in. It’s okay to pivot when something isn’t working or when priorities shift. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and add some fun goals into the mix to keep the process enjoyable. For example, treat yourself to a coffee date after hitting a milestone or add a “just-for-fun” square to your bingo card.
Ready to make 2025 your best-planned year yet? Grab my free bingo card template and let’s start mapping your goals today! Let’s turn planning into progress—one step at a time.