Reach Your Goals Faster without Filling Every Hour of Your Day

by | Jan 30, 2025 | Blog, Business Planning, Goal Setting, Planning, Productivity, Right On Time Podcast, Strategy, Success | 0 comments

The Simple (but Game-Changing) Secret to Reaching Your Goals This Year.

You’re busy. Like, “to-do list looks more like a CVS receipt” busy. If you’re anything like me, you probably have 40+ hours of work on your plate right now. (And let’s be real, that’s probably a conservative guess.)

So how are we supposed to actually make progress on our goals while juggling life’s delightful surprises—like last-minute dentist appointments or a coffee-fueled, friend-in-town hangout?

Here’s the thing: You can achieve your goals without pulling all-nighters or losing your sanity. The trick? A simple, three-step approach to goal setting and planning that builds in space for life’s surprises—and maybe even a little magic.

Step 1: Stop Scheduling Every Dang Minute

Look, I get it. You want to be productive. Maybe even hyper productive. But stuffing your calendar like it’s Thanksgiving dinner? Recipe for burnout. Instead, aim to schedule just 60-80% of your work time.

Here’s the math: If you work 40 hours a week, that means you’re only planning 24 to 32 hours. The rest? That’s your buffer zone for magic, meltdowns, or, I don’t know, living.

Pro tip: Block that extra time on your calendar now so it doesn’t get gobbled up by surprise Zoom calls or “quick” errands.

Step 2: Schedule Your “CEO Time”

No, you don’t need a corner office or a seven-figure salary to act like a CEO. You just need 20 minutes on Mondays and Fridays.

  • Monday CEO Time: Map out the week ahead. What needs to happen? Who can help you? Where’s the space to actually get it done?
  • Friday CEO Time: Reflect on the week. What worked? What didn’t? What’s rolling over to next week? Bonus points for a quick life check-in: Are you getting enough sleep, joy, and, I don’t know, hugs?

This simple habit keeps you laser-focused and one step ahead—like a boss (literally).

Step 3: Build Your Rainy-Day Kit

Because, let’s face it, motivation isn’t a forever thing. Some days, you’ll feel like Beyoncé. Other days? Like a soggy french fry.

Your rainy-day kit is your go-to for those “soggy fry” days. Fill it with things that recharge you:

  • A walk outside
  • A power nap
  • Coffee (always coffee)
  • Journaling or blasting your favorite hype song
  • A quick text to a friend who can talk you off the ledge

Life isn’t always smooth sailing, but with a rainy-day plan, you’ll be ready to weather any storm—and still keep your eyes on the prize.

Your Goals Are Waiting—Let’s Go Get Them

It’s time to ditch the “busy badge” and embrace a more intentional approach to goal planning.

Leave room for magic, check in with yourself regularly, and be ready for life’s hiccups. You’ve got this—and this year is your year to reach your goals with ease.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

 

HIGHLIGHTS:

01:45 Step 1 In Maximizing Success

03:57 Give Yourself Margin

04:47 Step Two in Staying on Track to Reach Goals

10:14 What To Do When Motivation Isn’t Present

Hi, I’m amber!

Eternal optimist, lover of dance parties, here to get more of you in the world and help you grow your dream business.

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