At heart, the PowerSheets® are a goal planner, not a daily planner. Yes, we have a version with weekly pages (hooray!), but what truly sets the PowerSheets apart from other planners (and even other goal planners!) is how the thoughtful goal-setting process guides you, step by step, to uncover what matters, set intentional goals, and then live them out with joy.
The "uncover what matters" part is what brings most gals to the PowerSheets, I think: we're well known for our insightful Prep Work. (This community loves to do it together and share the process during PowerSheets Prep Week!) But the part that comes next, the actual breaking down of goals into action steps? That's where some new Cultivators can get tripped up—but we're here to help!
Enter: the Goal Action Plan pages! On the Goal Action Plan pages, you'll answer a few simple questions about each of your big-picture Yearly Goals and have plenty of space to brainstorm next steps so that making progress is straightforward. These pages will help you break down your big-picture goals into specific and measurable Finish Line goals, simple action steps, and life-giving habits that help you live out what matters. YES!
The Goal Action Plan pages might look intimidating (what?! a two-page worksheet for each goal?), but this space is for YOU! Use these pages in a way that serves you best—there's no one right way to fill them out! A few of my favorite elements:
- Writing in a "why" for each goal: your why is what motivates you to keep going! Why does this goal matter to you? Why is it worth sacrificing for and working hard at?
- Visualizing what success looks like at the end of the year: if you don't know where you're going, it's hard to get there.
- Brainstorming how to have fun with each goal along the way: FUN is such an underutilized but important aspect of goal setting! If you want it done, make it fun :)
The righthand page is kept open-ended on purpose, as every Cultivator likes to plan her action steps differently! If you've liked a structure we've offered in the past, you can easily download and print out Wildcard formats to match. Or, simply use this space to jot down resources and ideas, brainstorm mini goals, or make a mind map of your plan! I've included a snap of my favorite way to use this page above: by drawing in a quadrant and organizing action steps into the four seasons of the year!
Want an example of what breaking down a big-picture goal can look like as you get started? Here you go! Here's what it might look like to break down a big-picture Yearly Goal into Finish Line goals and Habits:
YEARLY GOAL: Steward my finances well
Q1 FINISH LINE GOAL: Complete a comprehensive review of my finances
Action steps:
- Log into all accounts
- Total up all debt and assets
- Note when payments are due and when paychecks come in
Q2 FINISH LINE GOAL: Make a budget and use a budget-tracking system
- Log expenses for one month
- Set budget categories
- Set up budget-tracking system
- Log expenses each week
- Review and adjust budget after first month
Q3 HABIT GOAL: Establish a regular rhythm of financial check-ins with my partner
- Meet weekly to review the budget
- Meet monthly to discuss goal progress
Q4 FINISH LINE GOAL: Build a relationship with a financial advisor
- Ask friends for recommendations
- Set up introductory meeting(s)
- Enroll with an advisor
We'd love to hear: how do you use the Goal Action Plan pages? Leave a comment and let us know!
BUY YOUR 2023 POWERSHEETS NOW!
Emily Thomas
This is His Year: our first-of-its-kind workbook to let your faith inform the goals you set for the New Year.
Set, plan, and track progress toward the goals that matter most, big or small, the things you’ve always wanted to do—with PowerSheets!