Defining the Plan [Goal Setting Series, part 3]

Today’s episode is the final installment of a series on setting (and achieving!) your goals. This week, we’re talking about making an action plan - one that you’ll actually follow through on. In this episode, I’m walking you through how to tackle a goal that is challenging for a lot of moms - simplifying weeknight dinners.You’ll Learn:A simple 3-step process to creating a goal plan you can actually stick toReal-life examples of simple first stepsHow to make time for your goal and keep yourself accountableWhat to do when you get stuckIf you missed either of the previous episodes, go back and listen to the first two episodes about defining your goal and solving for obstacles. And be sure to grab the free workbook here.-----------------------------------------I once read that former Secretary of State, Madeline Albright, decided to go back to college when she had three small children. She did all of her schoolwork while in the car waiting for them at pickup. Proof that big goals are achieved through manageable, consistent actions.Throughout this series, I’ve used the example of my own 2026 goal to publish a book to illustrate this goal process. Today, I’m tackling a goal that is a little more relatable for most moms - simplifying weeknight dinners.3 Steps to Defining Your PlanStep 1: Do a brain dumpStart by rewriting your goal, so you’ll keep it top of mind. Then, write down anything you can think of that will help you make progress toward your goal. What are all the things you could do in order to make your goal happen?Brain dumps are the time to get EVERYTHING out on paper. There are no bad ideas in this stage. No editing, just brainstorming.Think about what will keep you accountable, too. When I started my podcast, one of my action items was to share my goal with others. Don’t keep your goal a secret. When other people know what you’re working toward, they can check in and cheer you on. Step 2: Choose your first small stepEmphasis on SMALL. The goal here is to start taking action without getting overwhelmed. Taking the first step will help you build momentum to keep going.When in doubt, start small - small, simple actions, small chunks of time. These are much easier to stick to than big, lofty goals that leave you with a feeling of dread.Step 3: Chunk your goal into phasesThere are a few phases that are common to most goals. They’ll look different depending on what you’re working toward, but the overall concept is the same. In the beginning of a goal, you probably won’t be sure what to do or which approaches will work best for you. There’s a lot to figure out, and your actions will take longer at the beginning. As you continue taking action, you’ll build routines and momentum, until your goal starts to feel easy.Getting started - This is the foundation. Start by looking at what’s already working. What have you already achieved in this area that you can build on?Building momentum - Here, you’re starting to take real action. It still feels challenging, but you can see progress. You are building a pattern and a rhythm.Sustaining - Your actions start to feel like second nature - just something you do. You’re in a routine, and things flow more easily and efficiently.Example: Making Weeknight DinnersThe goal: I want weeknight dinners to feel calm and less chaotic.Step 1: Do a brain dumpFind 5 easy dinner that everyone will eatPlan meals ahead of time (not at 4:30 pm every day)Grocery shop with a planPrep food earlier in the dayUse the slow cook, instant pot or air fryer more oftenOrder takeout lessClean out the freezerGet help from the kidsStep 2: Choose your first small stepThis could be something as simple as choosing three dinners and writing them on a sticky note. Pick meals that you already know how to make and that your family likes.Step 3: Chunk your goal into phasesGetting started - What do you already know how to make that your family likes? Pick a few repeat dinners.Building momentum - This is where you’re planning weeknight dinners ahead of time and grocery shopping with more intention. Maybe you’re doing a bit of food prep, too.Sustaining - Now, you’re in the flow. Maybe you have a meal rotation that you work through or a simple theme for each day of the week (e.g. sandwich night, salad night, pasta night, etc.). Perhaps you’ve created a routine of spending 20 minutes meal planning each Sunday.Making Time for Your GoalThe final part of your action plan is figuring out when, where, and how you are going to do your plan. Get specific! We talked about overcoming time obstacles in episode 205, so go back and review if you need to. Check your capacity. How much time are you going to spend on your goal? You can think about this in terms of how much time you have or how much time you think you need to make the progress you want.Do a time audit. Find the gaps in your day where you can work on your goal. Then, commit to it! Make sure nothing and nobody gets in ...