Listen Below For The Entire Episode On The Systemize Your Life Podcast

Tip #1: Start With A Vision

The first thing you should do when using your planner is create a vision board. Use the first few pages of your planner to visualize your dreams and set them in a place where you can see them daily. Your vision board can include words, images, quotes, or even scriptures that inspire you. When you open your planner, it should remind you of the bigger picture and where you want to go.

If you’re looking for a stunning vision board kit, I recommend Horacio Printing’s Faith-Filled Vision Board Kit. It’s not only gorgeous but comes with everything you need, including motivational quotes, inspirational images, and even space to write your goals. AND you can use code Chelsi20 for 20% off at checkout!

Tip #2: Break Down Your Big Annual Goals Into Quarterly Goals

While it’s important to have big dreams for the year, it’s even more important to break those dreams down into smaller, manageable chunks. I love how the Dream Planner includes a seasonal refresh every quarter, which is the perfect time to revisit your goals. Divide your year into four parts and set quarterly goals that align with your bigger vision. This keeps you on track without feeling overwhelmed by the bigger picture.

Tip #3: Set Monthly Goals

It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day tasks, so having clear monthly goals helps you stay focused. Your planner is a great tool to track both personal and business goals. As a business owner, your work goals often fuel your personal life—whether it’s creating income to fund your family’s activities or scaling your business to allow for more personal time. Aligning your home and business goals is key to reducing overwhelm and staying productive.

Tip #4: Time Blocking Is A Must

In order to have a focused year, you need to have time blocks in your planner. Time blocking allows you to dedicate specific hours to your top priorities, while working towards your goals. I recommend check back in throughout your day to review your goals, work on them, and track your progress. This ensures that your daily routines align with your yearly vision. The key to success is not just setting goals but consistently working on them.

For more on my Time Blocking method:
Time Blocking To Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Mastering Time Blocking: 3 Simple Tips to Revamp Your Work-From-Home Schedule
The Truth About Paper Planners, Time Blocking, And Daily Routines
Use This Fail Proof Time Blocking System To Organize Your Day As A Busy Mom

Tip #5: Track Your Weekly Progress

Tracking your progress weekly is essential to understanding what’s working and what isn’t. Set aside time at the end of each week to review your wins and setbacks. Analyze the data to identify patterns and adjust your strategies accordingly. This helps you stay on top of your goals and pivot when necessary.

Tip #6: Use SMART Goals

To make your goals truly actionable, use the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Make sure your goals are clear, quantifiable, and achievable within the year. Write them out in your planner and refer back to them every quarter to ensure you’re on track.

Tip #7: Include Habit Trackers

Building good habits is a crucial part of achieving your goals. At the bottom of every week in my planner, I include a habit tracker. Whether I’m working on my time blocks or fundamental needs, tracking these habits helps me stay consistent. If you’re already following my method of routine stacks, tidy cues and fundamental needs, that is a form of habit tracking and plenty enough as it is. If you need additional help with this, go to Chelsijo.co/timeblockingworkbook. Enter your email address and I’ll send you the entire workbook with examples and blank pages to practice on. It’s amazing. 

Tip #8: Focus On Your Fundamental Needs

Before diving into your goals, make sure your fundamental needs are being met. Your physical, emotional, and mental well-being should be the foundation of everything else. By using a planner that incorporates a system for meeting your fundamental needs, such as the Dream Planner, you can ensure that you’re always showing up as your best self, both for your home and your business.

Tip #9: Visualize Your Day Every Morning

A great way to start your day is by visualizing how you want it to go. Take a few moments in the morning to look at your planner and mentally map out your time blocks, goals, and priorities. This helps you set the tone for a focused and productive day.

Tip #10: Set Checkpoints and Rewards

Setting checkpoints for yourself is an excellent way to keep track of your progress. I recommend doing this monthly or quarterly. It’s also important to reward yourself when you hit a milestone, no matter how small. A little celebration, like a special treat or a quiet moment of reflection, can help keep you motivated. If you miss a goal, use it as an opportunity to reflect and adjust your approach.

Tip #11: Plan for Obstacles

Obstacles are inevitable, but planning for them can help you stay ahead. At the end of each week or month, take some time to reflect on the obstacles you encountered and brainstorm solutions. This proactive approach allows you to better prepare for future challenges.

Tip #12: Reflect and Revise Regularly

Reflection is key to growth. Regularly review your progress and make adjustments as needed. At the end of each month, use your planner’s reflection pages to assess what went well and where you can improve. Regular reflection and revision keep you from veering too far off track.

Tip #13: Integrate Home and Business Goals

Finally, remember that your home and business are interconnected. Rather than keeping separate planners, incorporate both sets of goals into one. This allows you to see the bigger picture and ensures you’re aligning your personal priorities with your business goals. Keeping everything in one place helps reduce overwhelm and ensures your goals are complementary.

Take Action Today!

By following these 13 tips, you’ll be able to create a plan that keeps you on track, focused, and motivated throughout the year. Start by choosing a planner that supports your goals, such as the Dream Planner by Horacio Printing. Don’t forget to use code Chelsi20 for discounts on planning tools that make goal-setting even easier. And make sure to share this episode and blog post with your business besties, so you can work together to create a successful, goal-filled year.

For more tips and tools to organize your life and home, explore other resources at ChelsiJo.co. Let’s make next year your most productive one yet!