A Powerful Strategy is Our Power Tool for Personal and Professional Goals

Vince Lombardi is known to have said that "Hope is not a strategy." What is your strategy for getting to your goals? The outcomes we really want don't happen just by hoping - without a strategy. We all have some sort of plan or strategy - let's make sure it's a good one.

The same techniques we use for project and professional goals can be used for managing our time around all dimensions of overall well-being. Scheduling techniques like time blocking optimize time and productivity. A straightforward framework includes defining goals, assessing the situation, planning steps, setting timelines and deadlines, time blocking, tracking progress, adapting and learning, staying committed, and sharing the plan. Systems and scheduling provide structure, enhance consistency, and reinforce positive habits, while promoting flexibility and adaptability. Using these tools, anyone can make targeted improvements in their health habits and optimize overall well-being.

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Growth day:  (2 Weeks Free Trial): https://www.growthday.com/?via=yes

Default to YES!  (Your Extraordinary Self)

Is there a gap between where you are and where you want to be? You're not alone. This podcast is here to help you close that gap with simple, effective tools, and expert insight to create that personalized self care plan that fits your life. The life you want starts TODAY.

It's time to reimagine what's possible!

Juli Reynolds, BSN, RN is a Board Certified Nurse Coach and Aromatherapist

Transcript

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Welcome back to another week of defaulting to your extraordinary self. I am excited that you were here with me today. I I recorded these episodes based on what comes up as a theme in my conversations about personal growth. And that's in the workplace, in my coaching sessions in various circles, those themes where I need to up my game and make things better for myself. And we all have aspirations and dreams. Maybe it's related to our career personal growth or our health. Achieving those goals can feel like an uphill battle. And especially if you've struggled to make progress in the past, if you feel like you're always waiting We talked a lot in episode 36 about. Waiting and the mindset around that this week, there seems to be a little bit of a theme running through my conversations that is about systems and strategies. Now if you're not a systems or strategic person, or you don't consider yourself to be a strategic person, hang in there with me because I've really. Given it some thought on how to really approach this conversation in a way that would help people who may be. Don't necessarily consider them strategic because I also noticed that this is also a strengths thing. It's a preference on how we go about life, on how we approach meeting our goals. Now, if you're familiar with Clifton strengths finders strengths are divided into domains. strategic thinking, influencing, executing, and relationship building. The strategic thinking themes dominate my profiles. So creating systems and strategies actually is just the way I approach life. And it's also very fun for me. and I do it in a way that honors my desire to think, create, and learn Moving people forward in ways that in the right ways. And that means that it's different for everyone. a system or strategy that works to get an outcome. That I want is so satisfying and you can make a game of it. And it's not just for work projects or just for certain careers or certain types of people, systems offer strategic and organized approaches. To achieving health goals. To maintaining rhythm in a home and family life. if you're running your kids to various sporting events, getting dinner, you have a system, but is it working for you? And so that's a way we can just approach that and make things better. When we have that system that works for us, we have consistency. We reduce decision fatigue. We have an accountability in place to know that we are heading in the direction that we want so that busy-ness, doesn't overtake us. And we end up in burnout. And it also aids in that time management, these systems empower us to make gradual and sustainable changes. Ultimately contributing to improved health and overall wellbeing, which is what we're all about when we want to default to. Extraordinary. aspiring to be at our best. Now. Not everyone feels the same way about strategies and I've experienced many eye rolls in the mention of the word system or strategy or plan even. But you have a plan, you have a strategy. Everyone does. It's just, how's it working for you? The good news is that systems and strategies really do work for everyone and they don't have to look the same. The concept of creating systems and scheduling for personal goals has a strong foundation in scientific principles as well. Our brains are naturally wired to seek patterns and routines. When we established systems and schedule our tasks, we provide our brains. With a structured framework to follow. Making it easier to adapt and create that lasting change. So by creating systems and implementing scheduling techniques, you can unlock your true potential. Now. Additionally behavioral psychology has shown us that habits are formed. Through consistent repetition. So by creating a system that incorporates small manageable actions into our daily routines, we can reinforce positive habits and that lead us closer to our goals. These systems can help us stay on track and make steady progress. Even when our motivation wanes and that is going to happen no matter what change you're making, you will eventually the newness of the decision to meet that goal or to go on that journey will start to lose its luster. And then you hit that, what we call the messy middle. And that's when we have, we struggle with what we refer to as motivation. We're going to explore the science behind the power of systems and scheduling. And I'm going to provide a framework that includes time-blocking and a couple techniques. I'm going to make some suggestions on some tools as well as some guidance for those of you maybe have never found an effective planner or an effective system to use. Now the scheduling techniques like time-blocking and the Pomodoro technique have been rooted in psychological research. So that means that we see that this is in line with the way our. Our brains are wired up and many people have gotten really good results. So we have to take a look at it and then we can modify it to what works for us. these techniques help optimize our time and productivity. Making it easier to tackle even the most challenging tasks. Enhancing our ability to concentrate and making steady progress. And that's really what it's all about. We want it to be making steady progress. If you are a planner and you consider yourself strategic then you're probably always working to refine your strategy to refine your plan, your time management. And so hopefully you'll take some tips away or learn about a tool that can make that easier for you. if you're somebody who resists these plans, planners, strategy, words like that. Spiel, like they're taking the fun out of life. Hanging in there with me, because I'm going to show you how this can actually lead to freedom and more fun than it does taking it away. The first of all, just find your goals. And I know that if you have some resistance around strategy, you also have some resistance around the word goals. Call it, whatever you want, you have an outcome that you want. We all do. You wouldn't be listening to this. If you weren't invested already in some form of your personal growth or going after something that you want. So first of all, deciding what you want to achieve. Begin by setting those clear, specific, measurable goals. And instead of vague aspirations, so define your objectives precisely. For instance, set a goal to lose 10 pounds in three months, instead of just I'm going to lose weight. Or increase monthly savings to 20% instead of I need to save more. Specific goals will provide that clear direction for your systems and for scheduling. The things that you need to put in place to support those goals. I hear people say all the time. And I actually, in my coaching sessions, I will ask what is it that you want? And and I might hear. I want more clients or I want to find my dream job, or I want to be in better shape. All of those things are good aspirations But the only way we get them is to know specifically how to get there and the way we make that sustainable is breaking it up in manageable steps. So first of all knowing what we want specifically to achieve over a period of time, So another way probably to say that would be smart goals, but I wanted to see that you could just say. I need to know what I want within a specific period of time. That gets you into that smart goal without actually having to spell it out that way. you can make this your own. Use your own language. You don't have to use a formula. You can even make a game out of it. So first step in our framework is to define your goals or decide what you want to achieve. Second is to assess your situation, understand your current position. Your strengths and weaknesses. We've talked before about gap analysis, That's really just about understanding where you are and where you want to go. That's about understanding. What you have to work with, what your strengths are, what tools are already working for you. And then what tools do you need to. To fill in that gap. To get you there. What weaknesses do you have? What obstacles do you, can you foresee that you're going to face so first decide what you want. Second, assess your situation. Third plan your steps. When setting our goals, it's really important for us to remember that they should be achievable and not feel overwhelming. one way to make sure of this is to break them up into smaller, doable actions. And this approach can help you stay motivated And you'll be able to see progress towards your goals more easily. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, you might break it down into those smaller actions such as running. A certain distance each week. Gradually increasing your speed and incorporating strength training exercises to build endurance. And by setting those achievable actions and working towards them, you'll be able to get to that larger goal. don't think that I've ever really enjoyed running. I used to do it when I was very much younger, but It was really out of necessity and working with a trainer. I didn't really have a choice probably left to my own devices. I'm not sure I would have done any running than either. I do enjoy walking. But not running, but I've always wanted to want to be a runner. Anyway, I downloaded a app. The couch to 5k. And this is a perfect example of if you want to run a 5k. this is a great way to ease into it. So your Big goal is I want to run a 5k. But you don't just start out. The very first day and see how far you can go, because that gets painful, that you get discouraged because you find out how far away you are from being able to do that. Possibly you find out that it's not fun. You find out that you're not equipped to do that. So in my case, I haven't run in decades. And so I'm not just going to go out there and run a 5k, walk a 5k, no problem. Run a 5k is a different story. Couch to 5k is a perfect example of making a game out of it. You have a timer, you get up every day and all you have to do is accomplish that one task over time. That leads to being able to run a 5k. If you do it. So you can make a game out of it. With the right tools. So we have so we have defining our goals, assessing our situation and planning our steps. And this is the same with anything. Just make a game out of it. Plan the steps to get there so that your focus is really on today. This is what I'm going to do, and you're not thinking about. Six months out or a year out, or sometimes if you're starting a business three to five years out, you're just doing the things that you need to do every day to move you closer to that goal Four at the set of timeline, creating a schedule for when you'll take each step Creating a schedule is one of the most important steps that you can take to ensure successful completion of any task or project. A lot of us have aspirations to do something to complete something. To complete a course, but once you have a clear idea of what needs to be done, it's time to break it down into manageable steps and then put it on your schedule. By setting specific dates or times for each step, you can avoid that procrastination and stay on track. And it takes The decision out of it as well. when you set that goal initially and you get it on your calendar, it's decided. And of course, then you have to stick to it. You have to keep your promises to yourself. So be sure to prioritize those most important tasks and give yourself enough time to complete each one. And don't forget to build in that flexibility in case unexpected issues arise. also setting deadlines, crucial to maintaining momentum. You want to assign a realistic deadline to your sub goals and tasks. So due the deadline, after you've planned out the tasks, So that you'll be able to accomplish that you want to push yourself just enough to make it fun and challenging and actually get it done, but don't take the joy out of it by just cramming as much as you can into a single day or a single week. So you want your deadline to create a sense of urgency. And motivation for taking that consistent action. And then you want to be sure to review and adjust your deadline as needed. Okay. Hear me when I say that A deadline is a tool for you to stay focused, stay on track, stay motivated. And reach your goals. It's meant to work for you. Not the other way around, you don't work for the deadline. The deadline works for you. So that means you need to move it, adjust it. It is. Okay. You want to allow that sense of urgency, that it deadline creates so that you are motivated and so that you. Stay on track, but you don't want to let that drive away. The joy that you have in pursuing. Your goal. So I want to tell you to take the pressure off of it and to exercise some self-compassion. And balance that out with staying on track and allowing that deadline to work for you. Not the other way around. Okay. I set a deadline for myself To launch a new aroma therapy course by January 15th. I've discussed this with my accountability group and I already had the steps broken up. So I know that this is doable. I know that week by week. I can time block. I can schedule the tests that need to get done so that by January 15th, I have a strong, enjoyable, fun, meaningful course on aroma therapy to put out into the world. And I've wanted to do this for a really long time. And this is an example of not setting a deadline. Because I didn't set a deadline and because I didn't have accountability, I didn't tell anybody I was going to do this. I just keep pushing it and pushing it because something always comes up. When we want to do something, we need to make a plan and set a deadline. Now if January 15th comes and I don't release this aroma therapy course, what happens? Ask yourself, this question what's going to happen. If on January 15th, I don't launch this aroma therapy course. I'm probably going to know it before January 15th, obviously. But I'm going to be a little disappointed, but I'm going to understand why. And is it going to hurt anybody? No. What if I need to push it to January 20th? Oh no big deal. What if I have to push it to February 15th? That I'm starting to think, oh, people aren't going to be able to learn the things that I want to teach about aroma therapy and that's a real butter and I will have let myself down. But if I'm still getting it done, then I'm still moving forward. So what I'm saying is it's not the end of the world. If you don't actually. Hit that deadline. So take that pressure off. Now going back to StrengthsFinders. Competitive is. Up there and my top 10 of strengths as well. I've put it out there that I'm going to be there. Done with this on January 15th. So I am going to do everything I can to play this game. Do the things I need to do and get it done so that on January 15th, I can celebrate. Because my accountability group, they have their own things that they're going to be done with on January 15th. And you can bet that I'm going to hold them to that. So if they're listening. game on. Okay. So we're setting deadlines. But time blocking. So time-blocking is a scheduling technique that involves allocating specific time slots. In your day for Various tasks related to your goals. The, for example, if you're aiming to improve your physical fitness scheduling, a designated time for workouts is crucial. Nobody gets up. Maybe somebody does. Write me, if you do, I'll have you on here. So you can tell us how that happened for you. But. Nobody gets up every day and just automatically works out. You have to plan it. You have to decide ahead of time. And sticking with those blocks will help you establish consistency and routine until it just becomes, like I said, routine. and maybe you do get up and work out without having to necessarily decide or push yourself. I don't actually know anybody like that to tell you the truth. Like I said, if that's you. Let me know I'll have you on here so you can share with us. Your tips and tricks for how to make that that mindset happen. Okay. yesterday on my call with essential illnesses. We talked about this time blocking and we talked about scheduling and we talked about focus blocks. I The most important thing is that you need to keep your word. To yourself, you wouldn't schedule an appointment with a friend and then cancel over and over again. Not without having problems with your friend anyway. Same thing with you. So when You've made an appointment with yourself. Keep your promises to yourself. It's one of the most important things that you can do in defaulting, to your extraordinary self. is default to yes. When it's an appointment or a promise that you've made to yourself. All right. we've talked about what do you want setting a timeline, managing those steps? The fifth step in this framework is to keep track to measure your progress with simple indicators. tracking. Our progress is essential to achieving our goals. It's really easy to drift off into not even working on our goals. If we're not even tracking. So simple indicators are useful tools that can help us monitor our progress and make necessary adjustments to the approach that we're taking. To get where we want to go. These indicators can be as basic as tracking the number of hours you spend working towards your goal each week. The number of pages that you read each day. I love to just track how many times that I moved the needle. 1%. So I actually have checked boxes in my planner that say 1%. Check. So that I can see that I did move forward on that goal in some way that day. Now sometimes it's going to be, I moved the goal 2%. Instead of 1%, but regardless, I'm moving forward every day, I'm keeping my word. I'm taking the steps. Now another effective indicator is setting achievable milestones for yourself and tracking that progress towards meeting them. This can help you break down your larger goals into those manageable steps and give you. That sense of accomplishment as you reach each milestone, we do this in weight loss, right? We set a big goal. We're going to lose 20 pounds. And then we celebrate along the way by weight, like maybe a weekly weigh in. And we weigh in and we find out we lost two pounds and then we maybe celebrate when we get to 10 pounds. And so we set those milestones to know that we are moving forward. Now, additionally, it's important to celebrate your progress along the way. No matter how small it may be. Celebrating your progress can keep you motivated and focus on reaching your ultimate goal. I like to reward myself with books or time spent reading. We all have different ways that we can celebrate. Maybe you're going to celebrate by calling a friend, maybe you're going to get a massage. Maybe you're just going to go for a walk in nature and just leave your phone behind. just give yourself something that brings you joy. That you could do to just to honor that milestone honor, that sense of accomplishment. And that you did it, that you kept your word, that you executed your plan and that you're moving forward. Having the right tools, is everything a planner, a tracking tool, Something like the growth day app. I. I think it's been a while since I've mentioned that, but it's always in the show notes, but growth day is that all in one, you get the motivation and all. Talk every single day. You have a journal to track your mindset. The action planner so that you can not only set those manageable steps, but you can also set your deadlines in there either. And put them on notifications. the growth day app will notify you when your deadline is approaching. However you want to do it. Customize it. It will also remind you if you have a daily task. That you need to complete that day. So the growth day app is a really great tool for that. and it comes with some additional motivation every day. You can listen to a motivational message. And there are some courses in there that you could take if you. if you use the mindset evaluation, it will suggest courses that are right in that app for you to take. And learn from experts on how to move the needle on a specific skill. And actually I w I want to say one more thing about growth day, and that is probably that. Growth day is an app for for action planning, for goal setting. For mindset. That I don't think it feels as strategic or as technical as some of the other tools So I think that might be a more fun tool to use. So if you're somebody who kind of shies away from being strategic and strategic is not one of your strengths maybe growth day, check that out. All right. So like I said, there's a link in the show notes and that gives you two weeks to try it out for free. So use that link, get your two weeks free and see if it works for you. Now, I know that a paper planner is something that's really important that for me to have, I like to write it down and I like a place that I can see the calendar as a whole, when I'm actually sitting down to do with some intentional planning. it allows me to just sketch out a plan. I like to see the timeline. There's something about putting pen to paper. That is just solidifies that in my thought process. But a paper planner doesn't work for me. Alone because I don't always have it with me for one thing. And I don't always write everything down that matters to the plan. I won't do the work to write the details. I might bullet point. I might sketch out a timeline. But I'm not a real detailed list maker. my paper planner doesn't work for that. So I combine it with some tools, mostly electronic, and this is actually how I make the electronic work for me as well. The paper so that I can see the plan all at once. In one view and then I have the electronic. Tools. That helped me automate the process a little bit, help me remember and communicate. I use Google calendar that helps me let my husband know what I'm up to. And so that if I forget to tell him that I have an appointment. Or a call that it's on the calendar so he can see that I am going to be busy or so that he doesn't schedule something for us. In a time that I already have something scheduled. So this goes for my time-blocking too. I can share that with my family. I can share that with him so that he knows that. That I have some focused time planned. On the calendar. So if you want to run errands or if there's something else we need to do. He can check that. Also helps me to notify. If I have a meeting with someone. I can invite them to the The calendar event. So that, so they get a reminder, it goes on their calendar. And so there's a lots of checks and balances there. So what if you don't have a planner and what if you've never had a planner that works for you? I have a lot of those, actually I have a lot of planners that I have. Used and really enjoyed when I started out. With them. And then just for one reason or another stopped using them. Maybe they became less effective. And anytime that you find yourself working for the tool instead of the tool. Working for you. But it's time to make a change. So I love a lot of planners that I have tried and I enjoyed part of it, but not other parts of it. And so you can modify and use the things that actually help you leave the other things. The important part is to really try it out because in the way that it's intended to, because people that have created planners, a lot of times I've put a lot of research into it. And they've tested their product and it's new to us. So it feels awkward. Get past the awkward phase before you judge your planner is to be not effective. Because sometimes Learning the system can be a little bit laborious and Then you learn it and you see the benefits of it and it starts to work for you instead of the other way around. And then it becomes that power tool that you were looking for. So don't give up too soon. I have ones that I've used for three months Sometimes a half a year before moving on or making a decision to change to a new strategies. every time I've used a planner, I've taken a little bit. Of of a new tool or a new skill with me. From that experience. so it's also not for nothing when you're learning to use a system like that. And maybe one day you'll customize and create your own planner. relying on my digital tools is probably where I am the most. if I'm setting a new goal that I'm going to get my paper planner out, So I guess I probably use my daily planner. Like paper planner for the big picture. And when I'm starting a new goal to really focus and implement this whole framework. In a way that gets me started in the right direction. As I move forward, I might slowly gravitate back to more reliance on my digital tools for the automation of it and for the ease of it, once I've got the hang of it. Again, these tools are meant to work for you. Not the other way around. We're not supposed to work for the tools. So it's not about filling that planner and doing it exactly right. Or exactly the way it was intended to it's about. Using the tool to meet our goals and to get the outcomes that we want. Again, these are tools that are meant to work for you. Not you working for the tools. All right, a good planner should help you balance your work and your personal life. Not add more stress to it. With some patients and experimentation, you will find the right planning system that works for you and helps you stay organized and productive. Now, for those of you who are new to planners, they, or aren't fond of planning because it takes the fun out of life. It's important to start with simple user-friendly options. First of all, just the basic paper planner, straight forward paper planners, like a pocket size is monthly or weekly. That is ideal for beginners. It's also very easy to carry. It requires minimal commitment and it can help. Ease you into the planning habit. Without being overwhelming. It's a way to have your calendar. So when someone asks you, if you're, when you're free, you have that. And then you might have your to-do list in there as well. You can use that however you want, but that would probably be it's a low. Low cost option. And so if it doesn't work for you or you lose it, you can just start over. the bullet journal method. allows for that minimalistic planning. You can start with a blank notebook. I love the composition books for this, and they're a little big to be able to carry around, but you could get a smaller size. But I'm just a blank notebook that you can create your own simple layout. That is a way that's highly customizable, obviously that you can adapt your needs and preferences as you go. Before I really switched over to using the full focus planner while I was learning to use that system. I use composition notebooks. I kept all my meeting notes there. I write my calendar dates. My bullet point lists, my deadlines I'll have everything. My goal, my smart goals will be written out in there. I just, and I used it to this journal too. So I just had a composition book that I kept my notes in. That kept everything in one place. And I used a highlighter highlighted dates and tasks that I needed to make sure that I could find easily. And then I transferred everything into the Google calendar. And the Google task list. That worked for me for a really long time. So that's a way to be very minimalistic, low cost, low commitment. And very customizable If you like digital tools consider using that note, taking app like Evernote or notion. Microsoft one note. Those apps. Allow you to jot down notes, tasks, and ideas without the rigid planning structures. I like Evernote Sticky notes and whiteboards. If you're averse to commitment to the traditional planner using sticky notes or a whiteboard can be a flexible way to jot down reminders and to do lists without that structured format. I have had clients that have just used post-it notes. And the important thing about that is to have them in. One place, not all over the place. So using using those post-it notes on one whiteboard that hangs on the wall or the back of a closet door or somewhere where you're going to see it, and you're going to be able to review. It's a great way to write your notes down. And then every time that you have to attack or an appointment that you want to remember, just stick it on a sticky note. That is also it seems a little messy, but it works. And this is what that's really what this is about. Whatever works. Simple mobile app apps are great. Google keep apple notes. There are a lot of different interfaces that are just a really super simple, easy task management note, taking apps. Productivity planners. the five minute journal. just a simple desk. Calendar is a low pressure way to stay organized. Task management apps like Trello Assana wonder list. If you're working with other people. If you have a team or you foresee having a team involved in any of your projects or if you're doing it like home management, even Trello or Asana abuse, both of those. And I, right now I'm using a sauna. But I have a lot of experience with Trello as well. And either one of those are good. None of them are perfect, but they are all, they're all going to be better than nothing. Trello and Asana, I would say probably for entrepreneurs, especially, or if you're managing a lot of different moving parts. That would be the way I would go. Might be a little more, those are, might be a little more involved. They do take a little bit of planning and sometimes it feels like I am planning to plan and just. And just know that they're really essential if he, especially if you're communicating with others. Along the way or working with a team. Maybe a little more complicated than Evernote. But it is a great way to organize. Tasks and just address one at a time and keep yourself on track. Just remember that finding the right planner or planning method. It's a personal journey. It's may take some trial and error to discover what suits your style and your preferences. The key is to start with something simple, and then gradually build your planning habit over time. Now I told you I've used a lot of these tools and because I love the strategic process. I love being able to see how I can improve it. And I love that process. But the important thing is find something that brings you joy and freedom and helps you meet your goals. And again, be open to change and learn from your experiences. Maybe everybody is using one certain planner and they swear by it, but it drives you crazy and doesn't help you meet your goals. Find one that works for you. so two more steps in our S in our strategy. One stay I stick to the plan and remain flexible at the same time, having him put a plan is important, but sometimes things don't go as expected. And that's why it's essential to remain flexible and an exercise that self-compassion. When unexpected challenges arrived rise, it's important to adapt and adjust your plan accordingly. When you mess up when you forget things, when you stall out. Just figure out why and get right back on it. This doesn't mean that you have to completely abandon your original plan. But it may mean that you need to make some revisions. So be flexible, allow yourself that openness to new possibilities and opportunities that can come up on your journey. You might discover a new something new about yourself. And you might be able to help other people with that as well. It's important to remember that the ability to adapt and change is a valuable skill to have, and both in personal and professional settings and. Again, stick with your plan, but always remain flexible. The next step is to share your strategy. I made reference to this when I shared with you that together my accountability group. R w that we set a goal and we set deadlines and strategy steps. Communicating your plan with others. Find those trusted individuals that can ask you about your journey, that you could share your progress along the way. This is just a way to help you keep motivated. And I got, if you don't tell anybody that you're reaching this goal, You have to ask why. Is it? What is it in your mindset? That is keeping you from sharing it with somebody that you trust. I'm not saying that you have to share it out with the world. Like I just did with my, this course. We'll see if that makes it through editing. If I, when I think about what I just said, But, so it doesn't mean that you have to share it out with the world, but share it with someone who you can talk about through the process and who will ask you about it. And can celebrate it with you All right. this is a pretty straightforward framework to help us achieve our goals. Whether you're somebody who considers yourself strategic or not. I want to point out that this is not just about specific like business goals or work goals or career goals. Home project goals, but it's also related to our health. one example is if you want to eat better meal planning and eating better, Changing your eating patterns or habits does not just happen because you say one day I'm going to eat better. So Let's say your goal is to eat better. One way you can define your goals is to break that down a little bit. You want to improve your eating habits by consuming more fruits and vegetables. But assess your situation, evaluate your current diet, notify those strengths in areas for improvement. Do you have access to fruits and. Vegetables easily. How many fruits and vegetables do you eat now? What, how many do you, how many more do you want in your diet, that break down your goal into those smaller actions. By adding a serving of vegetables to every meal. Or. Snack on fruit instead of chips. So just really super simple steps. Then set a timeline, decide when you'll want to implement these changes such as start this week. I'm going to start on Monday. I'm going to start. Replacing my, this snack with fruit instead, or I'm going to add a serving of vegetables to every meal. And then keep track, use a food journal or to track your progress. Make a checklist on every day that you complete that one step every day that you add a serving of vegetables to a meal. Put a little check mark on your check box. So use that journal, track your progress. To ensure that you are moving forward every day. And then adapted learn. So if you find it challenging, if you're meeting with an obstacle that you didn't foresee, adjust your strategy, maybe you'll need to try new recipes or buy precut veggies for convenience, maybe it's the cutting up of the vegetables that stood in your way of actually making that happen. So then stay committed, Stick to your plan and remain flexible. So if those occasional and diligence happens and You default to a snack that you had wanted to replace with a fruit. Figure out why And then change your plan to make it happen. Share your strategy, let your friends and family know about your goal so that they can support you. So that's how it would work if your goal was around eating better. Alright. So I think you can see how that works. by following this framework, we can make targeted improvements to eating habits, sleep patterns, and any other aspects of our health that we want to move the needle on. keeping it simple like that and having a plan. We can work on multiple things at the same time as well. And just optimize overall wellbeing. It's about setting achievable goals, planning, concrete steps, and staying committed to the positive changes. So think of strategy and planning as your trusty sidekicks on life's awesome adventure. There it's not about rules and restrictions, but more like a game plan that sets you free. Imagine it as a roadmap to your dream destination. With this, you can focus on what truly matters and make the most of your time. It's like having a secret recipe for an exciting life. Strategy and planning, take the stress out of the unknown. Making life more fun and full of cool surprises. So remember with a good game plan. Your journey to success becomes not just efficient, but a super fun ride. By having a clear strategy and planning in place, you can easily identify your goals And steps needed to achieve them. And this helps us stay focused and motivated when faced with obstacles or distractions. Without a plan it's easy to become overwhelmed and lose sight of what we really want. Oh, well thought out strategy will allow that flexibility and adaptability to make adjustments as necessary. And it also helps us to prioritize our time and resources. So that we can make the most out of every opportunity that comes our way. And don't be discouraged if you've had planner troubles in the past. There are lots of tools and methods available to help you along your journey to success. If you're having trouble and packing it, remember that I offer a completely obligation free coaching session. To help you. Meet your goals. And to get to your outcome, identify those barriers and put a strategy in place. So take me up on that. if this is something that you struggle with. And you want, and this time you're determined to get it right. Remember the power of systems and scheduling can guide you towards your goals, making them more achievable than ever before. start today at, let me know. Get on the list, email me, let me know. And if you have some tips and you've mastered this, we'd love to hear from you. Maybe you have some tips that you can share with the rest of us. If you've enjoyed this episode, don't forget to hit the subscribe button, and stay updated on all the episodes. Get on the list. I'll send them right to you. I love. And I'm honored to be on this journey with you. Your support means everything to me, And it helps to create a great big community of those who default to yes, and aspire to extraordinary, not settling for anything less. If you really love this episode, consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps me to improve and reach new audiences. And thanks for tuning in. And I can't wait to bring you more exciting episodes in the future. Until next time. What is your strategy for getting up every day and defaulting to, yes. Your extraordinary self.