Here’s a harsh truth: You’re probably not reaching your goals, and there’s a reason why.
It’s not because you’re lazy or unmotivated.
It’s because you need a system that works for your unique brain.
Here are 3 planning strategies that ACTUALLY worked for me—no rigid calendars, no need to purchase a stack of magazines and Mod podge. Just practical, fun, and personal techniques.
But first, let me explain why you might be hitting roadblocks.
Big, abstract goals make progress feel impossible. That’s where most of us get stuck.
The solution? Think SMALL. Not in a way that limits you, but in a way that feels manageable, realistic, and flexible. That’s why I like to plan for 3 months at a time.
Your life is always changing, so your goals should adapt too.
1. The Vision Board (With Words, Not Pictures)
Forget Pinterest-perfect vision boards covered in glossy pics of dream vacations and mansions. Those rarely move us.
Instead, create a vision board with WORDS. Handwrite phrases that describe how you want to feel when you achieve your goals.
Example:
Instead of a picture of a mansion, write: “I want to feel safe, grounded, and cozy in a home that I love.”
Words trigger emotions. Emotions fuel motivation. Focus on the feelings behind the goals—not just the shiny outcomes.
2. The Goal Bingo Card
This idea blew up on the internet this year and I think there’s a reason why.
When you make your goals FUN by turning them into a game, you’re more likely to achieve them.
Create a bingo card with your goals as the 25 squares.
Each square = a small, actionable task you can complete in about a month.
Here some examples that gamify your growth
- Complete the Whole 30 challenge
- Walk 300,000 steps in a month
- Build a capsule wardrobe of 30 pieces of clothing
- Read 2 fiction books by Black woman authors
When you get a bingo, celebrate! Small wins build momentum, and turning goals into a challenge keeps it light and exciting.
3. The Goal Wall (My Favorite this year)
Use a wall or board to make your goals tangible. Write each goal on a notecard and include:
- What the goal is
- WHY it matters to you
- A breakdown of the big picture steps to achieve it
Here’s an example:
Goal: Move to a new city
Why it matters: “I’m ready for a fresh start and new adventure.”
Steps:
- Pick a city
- Save moving money
- Find an apartment
Seeing your progress every day is a powerful reminder that your goals aren’t just dreams—they’re actionable.
Why This Works
Small wins = BIG momentum. By focusing on short-term, bite-sized plans, you set yourself up for consistent success.
The secret is building habits and motivation with wins every single day.
Your Challenge:
Pick one:
- The word-based vision board
- The gamified bingo card
- The tactile goal wall
Then try it for the next 3 months and see if its more successful than the vision board you made in 2024.
Let me know which one speaks to you and how it goes.
