How do you reach your goals and accomplish your dreams?
Are you tired of setting goals that you never achieve? Ready to make it happen already? Here's how to slay your goals. Plus, get your FREE Slay Your Goals Guide. #AchieveYourGoals #GoalSetting #Success
Whether you’re setting personal goals or goals for your business, you know that setting it is the easy part.
The real challenge starts when you have to get started, focus and follow-through. Somehow it’s so much easier on paper, isn’t it?
Here’s exactly how I slayed my goal of escaping the 9-5 life I hated to being self-employed and loving it (in less than one year).
Table of Contents:
I know you’re tired of setting goals that you never seem to be able to achieve.
Yet another year passes, and you still haven’t been able to get going on a dream of yours, like starting that business or side-hustle you’ve always wanted.
Odds are this is a dream you’ve had for a while now, maybe you’ve even already spent time creating a business plan and spent money investing in business tools for a project you haven’t started yet.
What is it about planning endlessly and chasing shiny objects that make you feel better for not actually accomplishing?
Like, you feel bad for still not getting started, so the solution is to do something, but in the end, it’s superficial. Can you relate?
Or maybe, you hit the ground running at the beginning of the year, but by the end of January, you’ve stalled, again. Maybe you’ve already invested so much time into planning this life you want, but when it comes down to it you’re not able to make progress.
What gives? Why is to so hard to set goals and actually achieve them?
Keep reading, I’ve got ten steps you need to take to go from dreaming about it to slaying your goals.
Failing to Get Started on Your Goals
You’re tired of feeling like a failure and wondering if you’ll ever get there.
You’re constantly wondering, “What am I doing wrong?”
“How can I actually have this amazing life that I want?”
Or, “how do I achieve my dreams?”
👉🏽 RELATED POST: Why You'll Never Achieve Your Goals
Hey, I’ve been there. I’ll be the first to tell you that I struggle with this, and even today still sometimes question how can I slay my goals for 2017.
But, I turn to a simple, yet amazingly powerful lesson about achieving my goals that I learned from the last one year of hustling my way from unemployed and drowning to self-employed and loving it.
More important than believing that you can, that you’re deserving of success, that you are enough, and yes, that is it indeed possible. More crucial that “having a plan.” Without this, I wouldn’t be sitting where I am right now.
Let me introduce you to the 80-20 rule.
Achieving your goal is 20% setting it, but 80% slaying it.
I’m going to say that again – Achieving your goals is ONLY 20% setting it, but 80% SLAYING it.
Way Less Planning, Way More Doing
“So, just do it right?”
You’ve probably heard the saying before. You know that in order for you to get from where you are to where you want to be, you need to actually do something about it.
But the problem is, that it’s so easy to get caught in the trap of planning. Constantly planning.
It's time to escape the planning trap and start doing! This is how to slay your goals. #AchieveYourGoals #GoalSetting #Success👉🏽 RELATED POST: How to Plan Your Year in Advance
I’ve been here too. I’ve had multiple layovers in planning land.
There I was at the end of 2015 without a plan. I’d be fired without warning and everything I’d accepted as my life was gone. My life plan imploded on itself. From where I would be day to day, to where I’d get my income to survive.
I made the choice to finally pursue my dream of being self-employed and to escape the 9-5 life forever. To be completely free to make a living doing what I love. I was committed to staying motivated no matter what. No fear or excuse was going to stop me. Who-ha! (Insert war cry here).
“Yes, I’m ready to go! You got this girl.”
So as a woman without a plan, of course, I decided that I need one.
But, I got caught in the trap of planning, multiple times. Planning too much, having too many plans, constantly changing the plan, being over-committed to the plan, researching what the plan should be and so on.
Once again, I was just dreaming on paper or in Evernote this time. Not actually making any progress, but with the added pressure of needing to make it work, like now (ya know, cuss I have no job).
“So, apparently, I don’t got this.”
All I have is way too many plans and not nearly enough action.
I was obsessively setting goals for myself and laying plans for months and months in advance. I had the whole year mapped out. I obsessed over being perfect, over getting it just right before doing anything.
The ratio at this point was probably 80% planning and 20% of actually doing and that was the problem. So, I flipped it.
The thing that was stopping me was planning and setting my goals.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: How to Plan a Goal Setting Retreat
Do NOT get caught in the planning trap.
It’s so easy to spend your entire life daydreaming in your journal, planner or hiding behind a business plan. It’s not about your plan, it’s about what you do with it.
Are you living on paper, or acting in reality?
Perhaps you’re even addicted to buying planner after planner, but still can’t take action?
You Act, Not Plan, for Success
“So, did you just stop planning?”
Not exactly, I just stopped over-planning and shifted my focus to the many other aspects of getting sh*t done that planning makes you ignore.
When you’re just planning, it’s so easy.
All you’re doing is setting goals, without having to actually get in the dirt and make something happen. You don’t have to worry about beating procrastination, finding your focus, prioritizing your time, being accountable, getting motivated or other crucial steps to slaying your goals. This is the 80%.
You realize that the plan is only a smaller portion (the 20%) when you actually get going. You only realize that you need these other steps when you move on from the planning.
Move past the 20% as quickly as possible. Stop stressing about creating the “perfect plan.”
Here’s a spoiler alert – the perfect plan does not exist. You can spend a lifetime planning just to realize your plan is useless in reality.
The excuse is that you’ll always tell yourself that you’re not ready. Or just not perfect enough.
Stop telling yourself that you're not ready yet, or you're not enough. Just go for it! #AchieveYourGoals #Confidence #Success👉🏽 RELATED POST: Why You Need to Stop Stressing About Being Perfect
Maybe you still don’t believe that it’s possible or maybe like me you think that you believe you can do it, but without actually doing anyone you’re just a believer. And belief alone does not get you there.
The Distance Between You and Your Goal
“How can I get to where I want to be?”
Trust me I know the feeling.
The distance between where you are and where you want to be seems immeasurable.
Maybe like me, many aspects of your life were in disarray at the same time (reminder, I was without a job and without a plan and not in great health). Sometimes even the question of knowing where to start or what to focus on can be difficult to answer. Especially when everyone has an opinion on what you need to do.
A simple Google search feeds you hundreds of competing and contrasting bits of advice about what you should be doing. Multiple sources telling you what you’re missing and promising you a solution. And hey, I’m not saying they’re wrong, but they can’t all be right.
But the distance between where you are and where you want to be is shorter and simpler than you can imagine.
The only distance that matters is what you can do now.
This is the 80%. What you need to get it done now.
The only goal that needs to matter is the one you get started on today.
I learned to focus only on what was essential for me to do now (this hour, this day, this week, or even this month at the farthest) to get where I wanted to be.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: How to Take Action When You Can’t Get Started
That’s it. Forget everything else. Just whatever helps you get it done now.
If it doesn’t help you get there, then drop it.
How to Slay Your Goals (No Bullshit)
2020, I’m here to slay. What about you?
Are you ready to finally set goals and actually achieve them?
No more getting caught in the bottomless planner trap?
👉🏽 RELATED POST: Quotes About Achieving Dreams and Goals
Are you ready to have an epic year?
Have you set your goals and intention for this year? If so, have you made any progress towards achieving them? Nay, slaying them?
Or maybe you don’t even know where to start or what goals you should even be slaying.
“Slay what?”
Step #1: Set Your Intention
Where do you want to be one year from now?
To help you slay your goals, your intention will be your true north. Think of it as a promise to yourself that you will do everything you can to get there. Everything you do will keep you focused on attaining this. It’s GREATER than your goal.
An intention is less about the specifics of what and how, and more about who you are and “your why.” For example, your intention might be “to be truly free from the 9-5 world.” It should be a short statement, that you could even use as a personal mantra.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: Why You Need to be Setting Intentions Instead of Goals
Exactly What to Do:
Say to yourself and write down somewhere you can see it, “Next year this time I will be…” Also, consider taking this further and writing yourself a letter of intention that you can read one year from now. Use all the emotions and feelings that you have about your present circumstances to help you make this commitment.
Step #2: Brainstorm Ideas
How can you get there?
Now let’s start thinking about “the what” and “the how.” What are the requirements and resources you need to reach your intention? How can you get there? What do you need to accomplish?
Maybe there are resources or people in your life that can help you. Take stock! Try to keep these as natural and intuitive to you, your experience and interests, skillset and knowledge as possible. Don’t try and completely reinvent yourself.
Exactly What to Do:
Brainstorm a list of your ideas of how you can reach your intention. Use a blank sheet of paper, a document or note. Digital lists are great because you can take them with you and just add new ideas when they come to you.
Step #3: Set Three Smaller Goals
What are the necessary steps along the way?
What are the milestones or major steps that can lead you to your overall intention?
Think about the next year and what three goals you need to achieve in order to get from where you are now, to where you want to be. Is there any knowledge or skills you must attain, the certification you need, resources to save for or purchase, connections to make, sales goals to hit, skills to utilize and so on. You’re looking to identify the MAJOR milestones.
Exactly What to Do:
Use your list of brainstormed ideas from Step 2 to set 3 smaller goals for yourself. Be as quantitative and as specific as possible, avoiding the use of fluffy adjectives. If it helps, think about setting SMART Goals, which are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. Most of all, be hopeful, yet honest and humble in your expectations. You’re going to have to accomplish these, so make your goals achievable.
Step #4: Schedule To-Dos
What do you need to do when?
Are there any requirements for your 3 goals? What timely-tasks or to-dos do you need to do and when?
You’ve set your goals, now it’s time to dig deeper into the requirements of meeting that goal. To recap, think of yourself as building a pyramid to where you want to be one year from now: you’ve set your intention (the peak), then your 3 smaller goals (the middle), now you’re scheduling your to-dos for said goals (the bottom).
👉🏽 RELATED POST: How Plan Your Day with Time-Blocking
Exactly What to Do:
Break down your 3 goals further into timely to-do tasks. Schedule time into your calendar to work on your to-dos. It’s best to find a way to incorporate your to-dos into your daily or weekly routine. Establish your timeline and set deadlines for yourself. The goal of this exercise is to have time scheduled where you’ll see and be reminded to do them and create a routine (or habit) of accomplishing them. This is your to-do list.
Step #5: Get the Slay Your Goals Guide
You’ve set your goal, are you now ready to learn how to slay it? Sign up below for your FREE Printable Slay Your Goals Guide.
Sign up below for your FREE 10 Step Guide + weekly tips to help you slay your goals.
Sign up below for your FREE 10 Step Guide + weekly tips to help you slay your goals.
Are You Ready to Slay Your Goals?
In one word, 2018 was epic for me. Simply put, I slayed my goals.
It will forever be the single most defining year of my life. 2016 is the year that set me free from the 9-5 life I hated to boldly pursue my dream life of self-employment I so desperately wanted.
2017 to 2019 were the year that keeps me free.
2020 will be the year I expand on my freedom from the working world, to spending more time in the global world.
What will 2020 be for you? There’s still time to decide.
Where do you want to be one year or less from now?
Are you ready to make 2020 your defining year?
Imagine what it will be like to finally be living the life you’ve dreamed about (ya know, the life you daydreamed about when you’re bored at work and probably over-plan about).
Knowing that you’ve done everything in your power to change your life is an amazing place to be.
How do you slay your goals?
Last Updated on July 11, 2021
Sue Dunlevie says
Love this post, Nadalie! Just DO IT is the motto I teach my clients.
Thanks,
Sue
Nadalie says
Woot! Nike totally got it right with that one. I love that their logo is also a checkmark, when you get it done. *check*
Fox says
A lot of the time, people are all talk and no action. I appreciate the honesty and wake up call. Sometimes people tend to plan too much and it gets in the way of actually completing the intended task. I’m not ashamed to admit I am guilty of it too, especially as Honey and I try to get our own blog off the ground. Thanks for the motivation, Nadalie!
Nadalie says
Hi Fox,
Yay, so glad that you feeling awake and ready to slay! Me too.
So many big talkers around, but how many actually take action. Myself included at times. Ideas come and you get excited, but then when it comes to making it happen… ugh, so much work.
One day at a time my friend. Slowing but surely we chip away and look forward to being one year from now smiling from all that we’ve accomplished!
Talk soon,
Nadalie
Adrien, The Mom That Works at Home says
Making notes on where I want to be in a year right now. So many traits in your post make sense to me and its 1. nice to know others have the same pain points 2. there is a way to overcome sludge.
Thanks,
Adrien
Nadalie says
Hi Adrien,
Yes, set your sights on where you want to be and slay your way there.
It’s not easy, but it’s totally worth it to push through and gain the momentum we need to stay consistent and be persistent with our goals.
You got this,
Nadalie
Sheila Joy says
What an inspirational post! I’m currently at a 9-5 job, but realized this month that I could work for myself, so that’s what I’m working towards right now! Grabbing my guide book now. Thanks Nadalie!
Nadalie says
Hey Sheila,
Great, I really hope that you find it helpful! You can totally do it, your blog is amazing, just keep it up and you’ll be golden.
Thanks for stopping by,
Nadalie
Ana@CelebratingSunshine says
This is such an inspiring post! I especially like the first step about writing down where I want to be in a year now. Now I know what I’m going to do this afternoon! 🙂
Nadalie says
Hey Ana,
Yay for being inspired! That’s the best place to start.
Happy goals slaying,
Nadalie
Alicia Nicole says
Oh man, this post is definitely something I needed to read. I have such a problem with procrastination, and it’s troubled me for years. I think remembering the 80-20 rule will help me tremendously. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us! Cheers 🙂
Alicia Nicole xo
Nadalie says
Hi Alicia,
Wonderful – I love it when someone finds my post just at the right time.
OMG me too! I need the cold breath of a deadline breathing down my neck to get going most times.
Nisha Syam says
Many of us spend most of our time planning. We may not know the exact steps we need to take to reach the goal when we start. So there is no point in having a very detailed planning.
Nadalie says
Hey Nisha,
Tha planning trap is a real place. Yes, exactly! And even when we do know the exact steps, things shift from the time we start to the time we get there.
Lisa says
I love this Nadalie! It’s so true that we doubt ourselves and can be our own worst enemy at times. Most people are capable of so much more than they give themselves credit for.
Planning certainly has its place but planning is not doing, only doing is doing! You do have to take action, even if it’s just one small step at a time.
It’s really important to also seek support and as you said, sometimes that friend or coach or partner can give you just enough confidence to go for it. It can be one little idea and you might have to think about and consider for days or weeks or months before you act. In my experience as a coach, I know that Planting The Seed can be enough to start the person on the right track!
Nadalie says
Hello Lisa,
That’s so right, we are capable of so much, we have the potential to be unstoppable, IF we would only believe and get going.
I am a firm believer in planting the seed, this blog is the fruit of a seed that someone planted in me. I do hope I can pay it forward by planting seeds in others, one blog post at a time.
Thanks for sharing your post,
Nadalie
Selena, My Rambling Thoughts says
One of the BEST posts I’ve read about setting, doing and slaying those goals! Thanks for the motivation! 🙂
Nadalie says
WOOT! BEST comment ever.
Thanks so much Selena, I am so excited for you to go slay your goals!
Go get em,
Nadalie
Alicia-Joy Pierre says
“Less planning, more doing”. Yes to that. Yes, yes, yes. It’s so easy to get caught in the planning mode (fear has something to do with that usually).
I love your steps (including setting the intention). I took notes. 🙂
Thank you
Nadalie says
Yes, yes, yes indeed Alicia-Joy!
Have fun in the “doing mode”! Don’t forget to get a copy of the guide. =)
Becca says
What a great post! Very inspiring
Becca
Nadalie says
Hey Becca,
Thanks for the blog love. <3
Andrea says
Great post, Nadalie! I’ve so been there with over-planning and never actually acting on something. I still struggle with this, so I now start each day out by writing a general to do list and then a more specific one of what need to get done NOW. That way it keeps me accountable. Great tips! 🙂
xo,
Andrea
Hustle and Hearts
Nadalie says
Thanks so much Andrea!
Yeah, me too! I try now instead of falling into the planning trap, to just write down my ideas instead of following them through on paper. That helps too!
– Nadalie
Danielle @ Follow My Gut says
I love the positivity in this post and the way you are so supportive! I have the hardest time setting goals, but you really break it down on a super easy way that i think it can be done. Me, of all people, me I think I can do it. I can’t wait to implement this myself =]
Danielle | FollowMyGut.com <3
Nadalie says
Hello Danielle,
WOOT, so happy that it came across. One has to make goal slaying fun, ya know?
Happy goal slaying,
Nadalie
beth says
It sure is a struggle when you have got all these great ideas but you can’t get anything done. Doing decreases the overwhelm! Thanks!
Nadalie says
Hello Beth,
Ideas are the worst! When you have too many that is. I sooo do my best to avoid inspiration when I’m already working passionately on something. Ideas = distractions.
Stay focused, you got this,
Nadalie
Whitney McGruder says
This post was really awesome. I think everyone has a goal they’re afraid to achieve, but correcting your mindset can help us from stopping ourselves. I downloaded the freebie, so I’m excited to check it out. Thanks! (P.S. I found you through Blogging Boost.)
Nadalie says
Hey Whitney,
Aww, yay! I so hope you enjoy it.
ps. I love being found!
– Nadalie
Jessie says
I get so much inspiration from all your post! I love this one though, I never slay my goals!
Nadalie says
You got this Jessie, just get started today!
Sarah says
I definitely needed this push!
Nadalie says
*push* happy slaying Sarah!
Rebecca says
Great post Nadalie. Honestly the hardest part for me is #1 – figuring out what I want to do. Right now I’m considering doing more schooling but every time I think about it I get so overwhelmed that I just put off even thinking about it, let alone actually taking action.
SO, as soon as I finish this comment I’m going to take some serious “me” time and start following these steps. You make them so accessible.
Nadalie says
Hey Rebecca,
Thanks!! Right, it is hard. When you know you know, but when you’re not sure.. you’re really not sure. As one who has run to school when she was not sure, I’m going to say, “don’t do it!”
I know from experience that when I went back to school (2 degrees, diploma + certificate) it was always at the heart of it because I was afraid I wasn’t enough, I didn’t know enough, that I couldn’t make it without another piece of paper.
And as someone who is on the outside looking in, you’re fantastic! I love what you’re doing with Healing Coaches. I am actually exercising if you only knew how insane that is.
I believe in you!
– Nadalie
Jaime Buckley says
Nadalie,
You never cease to amaze me…and you’re such a motivating writer!
So many of us (especially youth) don’t realize OR underestimate how important goals are and that to achieve our dreams, you have to plan your course…
That means goal-setting and sticking to the plan you make!
I would encourage youth (AND everyone else, of course) to do the brainstorming session like an adventure…a dreaming stage and enjoy the process!!
Then take it all in bite-sized pieces.
Thanks for sharing this article with the rest of us, Boo. =)
Jaime Buckley
Your BIGGEST Fan!
Nadalie says
Hello Jaime,
Who me? This girl?
hehe, thanks, friend!
When I was younger, like in high school, for example, I hated setting goals. I think it was civics or something where they wanted you to write your 1 year, 5-year goals. I thought it was such BS and I hated it.
Granted in high-school who really knows what they want to do. You don’t even know what you want to study in school, much less where you want to be. I wish they made goals more tangible and taught people how to connect their goals to who they were, rather than who they were programmed to be.
Bite sized is the way to go for sure. It’s really all we can do, one day at a time, so we might as well see it that way from the get-go.
Thanks for commenting boo,
Nadalie
Jaime Buckley says
That’s where we differ….
I have always known what I wanted to do.
Heck, since I was TWO, I knew. Been pursuing it ever since.
In high school, I wanted to write a book, so I did.
…also graduated early (age 15) with 4.0, honors and 2 scholarships to college which I never used.
Went to work with my father instead.
So I’ve always been about my personal business and it’s always revolved around my goals.
Just proof how important this article is to me (grin)
Nadalie says
WOW Jaime! I knew you were special.
Somehow this doesn’t surprise me about you.
For me, in high school I was too busy trying to learn as much as possible (took everything social sciences + media). In University, I more or less did the same thing… I think I spent close to 9 years in post-secondary. And even towards the end, I still did not know what I wanted to be.
I think for students like you, who did know, goal setting is great. You already knew where you were headed. Whereas folks like me are still working it out so goal setting at the age didn’t really make sense. I would have loved more focus on myself as an indiviudal, and goals relating to that rather than career etc.
I also firmly believe that making us believe at a young age that you need to be here at 20, here at 25, and you better have the job, house, car, husband, dog and baby on the way by 30 does more harm than good. An entire generation of us is trying to live and be ourselves under the shadow of these insane expectations.
Anyhoo, I admire that you had such clarity from so young. I am stll just figuring it out and focusing on 1 year at a time and the person I want to be now.
Talk soon,
Nadalie
Jaime Buckley says
Ohhhhh that whole such-and-such-by-this-and-that-age is a load of complete crap.
…yeah, hope you find a pony in that pile of manure, people!
*sigh*
We all learn differently.
We all have different talents.
We all have different struggles and challenges.
…so we all get where we’re going at different times, in a different way.
That’s how it’s SUPPOSED to be.
Can’t tell you how many times I snapped at a doctor or nurse (some of them friends of mine) who say, “Your child is too heavy…”
“Really? Compare to WHAT? ….a FIRE TRUCK!?! The kids SAMOAN and he’s TWO for crying out loud. These midgets are made of $%#$! LEAD!! …so….SHUT up and give him the lollipop already.”
Fact is Nadalie, ya can’t change stupid.
BE who you are, ON purpose, WITH purpose…and then make your goals and accomplish them with styyyyyyyyle.
I’ll back ya.
Jaime Buckley
Your BIGGEST Fan!
Nadalie says
Oh it is COMPLETE crap, BUT it still weighs on you, you still believe it… and every time a family member or colleague asks you questions like, “oh so are you dating anyone?” “oh why are you single?” you still feel like crap.
AND SUPER judged. This happened to me a few times last month and it’s like really, is that all you look for or see? Or is that how you value someone?
Anyways, it really bothers me. Not me personally in the sense that I feel inadequate, I just hate that people make others feel that way all the time.
OMG, that poor pony, get digging folks!
I agree with you completely, that that is how it should be. We are all different, but how much of our upbringing and education ACTUALLY reinforces that.
And that’s so cool. Samoan people are absolutely beautiful. I have like a group crush on their entire community of people.
YUP and you can’t agrue with stupid either, you’ll end up feeling stupid.
I think I hate with a burning passion and statement that has the phrase “for a .(whomever)” in it. Like, who made you judge, jury, and executioner on what is normal and acceptable.
LOL, like do these people get a degree from the institute of normalcy?
Normal is boring.
Talk soon,
Nadalie
Jaime Buckley says
So as a dad of 12, super Instagramer AND your friend who adores you, I’m gonna share a story with you to level this conversation out.
YOU READERS LISTENING!?!
*ahem*
In my church, boys go to classes based on the ‘calling’ you receive.
HOWEVER, most members of the congregation, as a matter of habit (NOT worthiness), insist on their boys being advanced at a certain age….12, 14, 16 &18.
My father never believed in that.
He said, “My religion is perfect. The people are not, but my religion IS…” and he wanted me to be the young man he expected and required me to be.
On the way home one Sunday, I was overcome with sadness.
My father and I were alone, but I felt the weight of being an embarrassment to the man I held as my literal hero because I didn’t advance classes at 12, 14, 16 & 18…
No, I progress at 14, 16, 18 and 20…usually two years behind everyone else.
It was breaking my heart that I brought shame to my father, and couldn’t keep it in anymore. So here I am, 20 years old, weeping because I wanted to be a BETTER SON…
…and here’s what happened:
“What’s wrong, Jaime?” he asked, concerned.
“Dad, I’m…sorry I’ve let you down so often.”
He looked at me puzzled, “What are you talking about?”
I shrugged. “I’m always behind everyone else. Deacon at 14 instead of 12, Teacher at 16 instead of 14, Priest at 18 instead of 16…and I wasn’t made an Elder until I was 20!”
The pain was killing me, yet my father reached over and gripped my forearm and smiled at me.
“Now you listen to me, young man, because you have it all wrong. You’re not always behind. You always MAKE it…and THAT’S the most important thing. Don’t you ever forget that.”
…and I haven’t.
That’s my father. My hero.
A successful father I wanted to emulate.
Like I said, Nadalie—you can’t fix stupid.
You can only be who you were meant to be and let the rest of the world revolve around you =)
Nadalie says
*taps the mic*
IS ANYONE LISTENING?
Jaime, I am such a big fan of your stories.
I’m kind of jealous, I wish I had an amazing story to share with of something my dad said to me when I was little. But alas I dont… (and I won’t go there, maybe one day if I write a book I will).
Even though this isn’t my experience, having someone who just expects you to be you, and just loves on you. It’s clear that you’re amazing father, and you had an amazing father.
Breaks my heart a bit, that if you don’t have an amazing father, you don’t always end up as one.
BUT, that being said, you inspire me and instill the hope in me that if I am parent one day I would be the same.
ps. ANY PARENTS IN THE HOUSE?
Check out Jaime Buckley, Dad of 12 and all around hero you need in your life. He also has some really awesome comic strips you NEED to be reading.
And just there I remembered something, reading the Sunday paper with my dad. Well, back then “reading” for me was the comic strips.
YOUR biggest fan,
Nadalie
ps. you better still be a parenting blogger when I become a parent
(p.p.s. there is no time line on this… pending arrival of a man worth my time.)
((p.p.p.s. know any? j/k )
(((p.p.p.s. not entirely kidding)))
Jaime Buckley says
I’ll give you another snippet of wisdom my dad gave me, when I was So lonely and wishing I was married…
He said, “Jaime, stop trying to FIND that someone and BE that someone and that someone will find YOU!”
That was 3 weeks before I met Kathilynn.
Personally, I think my dad’s a prophet, he’s so good at this.
…and BTWm, he’s still alive. (wink)
HOWEVER,…I will be rooting for you, cheering you on, Nadalie and friendship doesn’t have a time limit either, ya stinker.
Your BIGGER BIGGEST Fan!
(like 360lbs of me, hun…)
p.s. I’ve been doing this for 20+ years, I don’t think I could stop if I tried.
p.p.s. no man will ever be worthy of your time…you have to bestow it as a loving gift…
p.p.p.s. Yes, I do.
p.p.p.p.s. I know (smirk)
p (x4).s. I have a feeling the more you blog and display your awesomeness and darling personality, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised =)
p (x5).s. Just call it a hunch.
Nadalie says
Your dad must be the happiest grandpa + great grand dad in the world!
Truth be told, I joke about it, but I’m really not too concerned.
I do believe that God is good to me and ALWAYS (like seriously always) gives me what I need, or whom I need right when I need them.
So many random stories in my life of things just lining up right.
I also believe that it will happen, I’m too awesome for it not to.
BUT presently I am wayyyyy too consumed with blogging and “trying to make it” that I do not even have time to comb my hair.
Like I find hair pins from hair styles of weeks past hiding in here all the time.
Unless he’s down for unkempt, hustler at heart Nadalie then..
I’m an all or nothing kind of person and I would rather be all in this for now, in the incubation period before meeting someone.
What’s that famous quote, “we make plans and God laughs…”
hehe.
PS. I feel like this is one of our email conversations published. LOVE IT.
PPS. WOW 20 years, I wonder if I’ll still be at this in 20 years. I think I would be but the topics would have evolved quite a bit. “How to spend your millions and run an empire from your beach home.”
PPPS. I like that. The gift of time.
PPPPS. REALLY now. I’m adding a new tab to my site, “date me” haha j/k
PPPPPS. I think i’m kidding.
PPPPPPPSSSSSS. lets be friends for ever.
Casey the College Celiac says
First off, WOW! What a well organized, professional and gorgeously shot post. And your content is so true. Planning seems so easy compared to the actual action, but action is the whole point! Thanks for the tips! Is there anything that the 80/20 rule DOESN’T apply to and rock?
Nadalie says
Aww, *hand to heart* thanks for the love Casey.
YES, it is. The action is the pudding, the proof in the pudding? ( you know what I mean).
You are so correct, I haven’t come across an 80-20 rules that wasn’t the bomb!
Thanks again for the love,
Nadalie
Kasia says
Great ideas here. I’m definitely organizing myself better these days. I’ve got the whole week planned out and as I go through tasks I check them off and that’s how I keep myself in check.
Nadalie says
Hey Kasia,
Woot, yes indeed. Get your organization on. Yes, me too! The first chunk of Monday’s for me are sitting down and just laying it all out. I then fill in everything on this giant white board I have in my office.
Talk soon,
Nadalie
Maketta says
Hello Nadalie,
Excellent blog post! You are right many times we get caught up in the planning and don’t get on a schedule. Consistency is key. Just got to get a plan and stick with it. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Nadalie says
Hey Maketta,
Thanks for the blog love!
I completely agree consistency is clutch in slaying your goals. One tiny task at a time over the course of many many days to get you there for sure.
– Nadalie
Tee says
Great post Nadalie! Downloading your free guide to start!
Nadalie says
Thanks for the love Tee! Enjoy the guide.
Laneic Lavalle says
Absolutely. Planning is so much easier. You dont actually have to take risk. If your plan seems to audacious or scary you can always erase. Action is where is gets real. This is a great post on breaking down a bigger plan into measurable steps.
Nadalie says
You are exactly right Laneic, there is ZERO risk in planning.
Well, you risk wasting time but that doesn’t matter to you if you never actually take action.
Glad you found it helpful,
Nadalie
Heather LeGuilloux says
I really like your idea of planning less but doing more.. sometimes I need to tell myself the mantra of ‘one thing at a time’ so I don’t get too overwhelmed with what I would like to accomplish. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Nadalie says
Hello Heather,
OMG yes, me too. It’s like my lullaby in a way.. so I don’t freak out from the insane amount of things I’m trying to accomplish.
One day at a time,
Nadalie
Patty says
You are so right about not spending too much time planning. I can get caught in the idea phase and before I know it, time is up! Thanks for the inspiration!
Nadalie says
You are so welcome Patty!
I am right there with you. Sometimes I just gotta set a timer on how far down the rabbit hole I can plan to fall, before just jumping in.
Jackie Clough says
Nadalie,
Thank you! This is very helpful. I really like how you’ve laid it out and helped me put the dream into action. I’m surrounded my folks who believe in the 9-5 job, did it they way we all do it, and I guess I see things differently. I’m such an entrepreneur but the ideas come fast and it’s hard to take the next step and get it organized but don’t be afraid to get started. I think it’s the difference in so many people still at the starting line. It’s also very lonely as friends and family don’t get it or don’t understand why you work into the night and the weekend. It’s extremely important to find people you can connect with and I appreciate the guide.
Nadalie says
Hey Jackie,
I have been there – I’m still kind of there. I’ve be doing this for like a year and a half now and I still get flak from family (not so much friends) who doubt that I can make a living. It gets so old so quick.
Hang in there! I know when you’re in it, that 9-5 world, it’s hard to find people who understand you and why you’re always working. Why are you staying up late and weeknights and spending your saturday’s working on your dream? I said this to a friend who also struggles with negativity around being self-employed or even just pursuing her dreams, that “they’re not going to get it – but they will when I’m living at my beach house.” Don’t let them discourage you.
Getting started is the hardest part. Imagine that, that after you get going it will get easier. Isn’t that encouraging?!
I mention this in the Slay Your Goals guide under accountability, but you really need a human in your physical life who supports you. Just one person who can hug you or tell you it’ll be alright, that they believe in you and that you can do this. I am fortunate to have a sister in law who is into all this stuff and whispered in my ear that I could and I was nuts enough to believe her. I also find that once you dive in, you gain entry into this underground society of mompreneurs, network marketers, online business owners, bloggers and other crazy titles you’ve never heard of. It’s fascinating and soooooo inspiring.
So, jump on in Jackie, the water is fine.
Talk soon,
Nadalie
Savanna says
Wow! So inspiring! Love this so much!
Nadalie says
You are so welcome Savanna! <3
Alicia Pope says
Love this – i am totally ready to slay my goals! I find myself doing the little stuff because it is less scary, but when i have a good plan of the important stuff, its easier to execute.
Nadalie says
Hey Alicia,
WOOT, best comment ever! You got this girl! Totally rooting for you!
– Nadalie
Divya says
This is definitely a helpful post to read for many of us who have dropped our NY resolutions come April. I have done something similar recently and everything led back to accountability. I need accountability. So I joined a few FB groups that have helped me out with this and I think it’s working!
Nadalie says
Hi Divya,
Right, if we make it to April! That’s a great idea, I love those goals and week planning threads. It’s nice to have someone checking in on where you’re at for sure.
Talk soon,
Nadalie
Steph | zero to biz says
I feel like I NEEDED to read this today. I get so caught up in planning everything out, that the do-ing is secondary. I really needed this reminder… now I’m off to knock some stuff out! Thanks for the motivation <3
Nadalie says
Hey Steph,
I am SO happy that you found my post right when you needed it!
Slay girl, slay!
– Nadalie
Rhonda Swan says
Way to be unstoppable. Cheers to goals and dreams!
Nadalie says
*cheers* to goals and dreams, Rhonda!
Moipone Islam says
Wow I so hate my 9-5 and I see I have been trapped in the planning phase. Time to slay thank you for such an amazing and inspirational post.
Nadalie says
Hey Moipone,
The time is now to stop planning and start making moves! You got this,
Nadalie
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
This is really great advice! I love your “80/20 rule!” So smart. I need to work on this myself, but definitely going to share this with a friend. Thanks!
Nadalie says
Hi Patricia,
Thanks so much for sharing with your friend. As someone else commented above, “is there a 80/20 rule that isn’t amazing?!”
Happy slaying,
Nadalie
Ana Ojha says
Very inspiring post! I try to break my long term goals into smaller goals on a weekly and monthly basis. The most important factor that should be considered while making any goal is that it should be SMART, achievable with a time-definite frame!
Nadalie says
Yay for inspiration, Ana!
Me too – I find it’s a great plan to make things more “bite-sized” for sure.
I’m not crazy about SMART goals, but lots of people find them helpful too!
– Nadlaie
Amrita says
Perfect tips to get my goals slayed .I like the idea of taking small steps and doing 3 smaller goals .Having to do lists when we need them is also something I do.Very wise post.
Nadalie says
Hello Amrita,
Woot, happy goal slaying!
Crystal Green says
I love this. I love the fact that you pointed out that we need to “just do it.” I have a tendency to get wrapped up in all of ideas and plans, and then never get the chance to actually do it.
Nadalie says
Hey Crystal,
We all do. Something warm, cozy and super comfortable about planning and dreaming.
You got this,
Nadalie
Marisa says
I love this post!!!! I’m always seeing posts about how everyone is so dang happy and It makes me think if that’s even true!! I love how real you are with this post because I think this is how most of us feel! I need to save this for later to read as a pick me up!
Nadalie says
WOOOT, I love that you love this post! Your comment has made by day, thanks!
Hahah, *side look* I hate.. (clears throat) sorry I mean am not a fan of those always smiley people, I’ve just never been one. hehe
But your comment made me smile,
Nadalie
Melissa says
This is such an inspiring read! I can totally relate. I am more of a planner more than a doer, I admit. You have opened my eyes that I should avoid overplanning and start doing more. I love this post. I’m gonna share this in my twitter.
Nadalie says
So happy you found it inspirational Melissa!
Thanks so much for sharing and happy goal slaying,
Nadalie
Tanya @ Moms Small Victories says
I love this post. I’m a chronic planner but really it’s a necessity so I don’t forget anything, can get it out of my racing mind and so I can stay focused on the task at hand. Otherwise I get distracted chasing squirrels all day. I’m really trying to make my dreams a reality this year, thanks for this guide to slaying your goals, I’m ready to do it!
Nadalie says
Hey Tanya,
You and me both, we gotta go to planning rehab. Wanna be roommates?
Oh squirrels and bushy tails, I feel ya on that one.
I try to have tunnel vision with my goals, see nothing else, care about nothing else, just eyes straight and walking forward.
Miranda Nahmias says
Your tips are on point. Pay more attention to what you’re doing instead of planning, and you’ll notice a big difference in your personal growth and business goals!
Nadalie says
Hey Miranda,
Yessum, that’s exactly it! Much easier said that done though that’s for sure. There’s something alluring about planning.
Jay cool tips says
Great read! Pretty much h the message I live by. Although I’m still in the works of leaving my 9-5. Bit I’m actually doing things to make it happen and not planning every Tony detail. Awesome stuff!
Jay cool tips says
Excuse the major typo’s it’s finals this week and I had 3 hours of sleep haha
Nadalie says
Hey Jay,
hehe no worries at all! I’ve been where you are!
It’s an exciting time, but please don’t forget to get some sleep. No point escaping the 9-5, just to fall apart.
Luca Spinelli says
Questo si che è un contenuto di valore! 🙂
Nadalie says
Grazie Luca!
Shana says
Love this post! Although I know where I’d like to be in a year from now, I haven’t mapped out the steps I need to get there. You’re words have given me life though, I’m a serious overplanner, need to just crack on and get it done! Thanks girl 😉
Nadalie says
Awesome Shana!
It’s a balancing act for sure – get those steps down on paper but at the same time don’t over plan, just get going!
You got this,
Nadalie
daniel wiseman says
sorry for calling you nadine not nadalie <slaps face :O
Carly Delski says
Girl, I absolutely love this post! I’m ready to go after my goals and SLAY! I love all the quotes you picked as well 🙂
xx Carly
Nadalie Bardo says
Thanks so much Carly!
Slay those goals girl!
Stephanie Edmonds says
I have definitely been in the goal planning trap a time or two. Thanks for the great article!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Stephanie,
Me too, me too! *tears* it’s just so easy to stay on paper. I may be trapped there right now, but I’m busting out of it that’s for sure. Action is the cure!
silvia says
This is a really well thought out piece, great job! I agree, it’s so easy to overplan everything, and it usually ends up hindering you rather than helping. Especially considering that many times what you plan in your head doesn’t exactly match reality… And congratulations on doing whatever needed to be done in order for you to live your life on your own terms 🙂
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Silvia,
Isn’t that the truth! Things in our minds vs in reality are usually completely different. Which is why I think we need to push ourselves to always just do, even if we don’t know every detail of it, or have it all planned out.
Thanks so much!
Nancy says
Love your points! I’ve been stuck in planning mode for way too long because it’s comfortable! I know what my intentions are, but the doing part is all that matters. Those parts are scary, but the only way to make progress! Great post!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Nancy,
Isn’t that the truth, it’s so nice and comfy in the planning phase. Nothing can go wrong or force us to leave that zone and grow. It’s scary for sure, but we can soo do it.
Helen says
Love This!
Nadalie Bardo says
Yay!
Makaela says
I loved reading this post! I always get stuck in the planning process and never leap to actually follow my dreams. This definitely gave me the confidence and plan to move forward and to not look back.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Makaela,
One day at a time, one tiny task or “mini goal” on your journey. All we have is now, and it’s all that we can really control, so take charge and do what you can to get there today.
No looking back, keep pushing on! You got this!
Melissa Javan says
I like your steps, it’s do-able and it shows being consistent will help you reach your goals. Nice!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Melissa,
Thanks so much. It’s all about being doable and consistent. Consistently persistent until we arrive at where we want to be.
Charlene says
Great Post! Pinning and tweeting!
Nadalie Bardo says
Thanks Charlene for sharing!
Dyana says
SO inspiring! I admit I am caught up in the ‘planning too much’ stage, and right now I am lacking the confidence to go full throttle. It’s like okay I have this goal but where do I go from here? Thank you for sharing this encouragement!
Douglas Antrim says
This is a great article. I can really identify with the problem of over planning or planning to much. I have gotten into the habit of asking myself if this doesn’t get done will it affect what I want out of life or go against my basic core values. I find it’s easier to stay focused if you plan according to your values. Thank you for this article.
emily says
Great read!! I completely get caught up in the planning process and embarrassingly…get caught up in making my planner looking pretty…something I need to work on!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Emily,
So glad you enjoyed it! OMG me too, even still after writing this I realize how easily I can continue to stay stuck. Here’s to just doing it!
Elizabeth says
Great point about switching the ratio… really interesting read!