Defining the Plan [Goal Setting Series, part 3]

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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. 

If 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 Plan

Step 1: Do a brain dump

Start 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 step

Emphasis 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 phases

There 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.

1. 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?
2. 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.
3. 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 Dinners

The goal: I want weeknight dinners to feel calm and less chaotic.

Step 1: Do a brain dump

• Find 5 easy dinner that everyone will eat
• Plan meals ahead of time (not at 4:30 pm every day)
• Grocery shop with a plan
• Prep food earlier in the day
• Use the slow cook, instant pot or air fryer more often
• Order takeout less
• Clean out the freezer
• Get help from the kids

Step 2: Choose your first small step

This 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 phases

1. Getting started - What do you already know how to make that your family likes? Pick a few repeat dinners.
2. 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.
3. 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 Goal

The 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 the way. 

Put it on your calendar. Make an appointment with yourself, and keep it the same way you would keep any other appointment. Commit to your goal the same way you commit to your job or volunteering at the school or keeping a lunch date with a friend. 

Decide where you will work on your goal. Will you need certain materials that you can keep set up in a certain place? One of my hacks for an exercise goal is doing my workouts in front of the tv. It makes it feel more fun.

Adjust as you go. If the space that you create isn’t working for you, that’s okay. If you decide to work on your goal after the kids go to bed, but you find that you’re always really tired by that time of night, try another time. Pivot and figure out a new solution. You can always make a new plan.

Have fun! If your goal feels heavy and like something you’d rather avoid, you’re not very likely to stick with your action plan. How can you make it fun? Turning on some music is one that works well for me. Or commit to a very short period of time, like 10 minutes. If you want to keep going after that, great! If not, you’ve still made some progress.

I want to leave you with a few final reminders…

Your goal does not have to be lofty. It just needs to be meaningful for you.
You are capable.
You have already overcome so many other things. 
You've achieved so much in your life. 

Women are incredible. We can achieve so much when we get committed to it.

Today, I challenge you to think of the smallest step you can take toward your goal. And do it!

You’ll Learn:

• A simple 3-step process to creating a goal plan you can actually stick to
• Real-life examples of simple first steps
• How to make time for your goal and keep yourself accountable
• What to do when you get stuck

Resources:

• Get the free workbook: Prioritize & Achieve Your Goals in 4 Steps
• Episode 204: Defining Your Goals
• Episode 205: Defining & Overcoming Obstacles