Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote, “Failing to plan is planning to fail,” might feel overused, but there’s a reason it has stood the test of time.
It’s true.
As a fitness or wellbeing business owner, your passion is helping others, but without a clear plan, even the best intentions can spiral into chaos. Planning isn’t just about writing to-do lists; it’s a mindset shift that sets you up for sustainable success.
Before I dive into 6 different ways to plan for 6 different brain types, let’s explore why planning is essential for your business:
1/ Planning reduces overwhelm.
You’ve got client bookings, social media, invoices, marketing campaigns, and a hundred other tasks pulling you in different directions.
A lack of planning often leads to overwhelm. You’re constantly putting out fires instead of making meaningful progress.
- Planning helps you prioritise your tasks, focusing on what’s most important for your business growth.
- Breaking down your big goals into smaller, actionable steps makes them less intimidating and easier to tackle.
- A clear plan gives you structure, so you’re not flying by the seat of your pants every day (or at least not quite as much).
2/ Planning takes your mind from chaos to clarity.
Instead of seeing planning as “boring admin,” think of it as a way to create the business and life you’ve always dreamed of.
When your mindset is rooted in abundance and growth, planning becomes less of a chore and more of a tool for freedom.
A positive mindset helps you embrace planning as a way to gain clarity and confidence in your direction.
- Planning reinforces a sense of control, reducing stress and giving you the mental space to focus on serving your clients.
- By adopting a growth mindset, you’ll approach planning as a chance to refine your skills and improve your outcomes.
3/ Planning helps you stay on track.
If you end up spending too much time on small things and you don’t feel that sense of progress or you find yourself veering off course and getting distracted by shiny objects too often, a clearer plan would definitely help.
Planning keeps your long-term vision front and centre, so you don’t lose sight of your goals.
- It helps you track your progress and adjust your strategy as needed.
- By planning ahead, you’ll feel less rushed and more intentional in everything you do.
Actionable Tips For Better Planning
Set aside planning time. Dedicate 30 minutes each week to map out your goals and tasks. But don’t forget to keep it flexible. Life happens and if you can’t make the 30 minute set planning session one week, you don’t want to then spiral into a negative thought loop about how you’re rubbish at planning and never keep it up.
Just look at your diary for the next available 30 minutes.
Make the time.
A plan isn’t set in stone; it’s a guide. Adjust as necessary to accommodate life’s surprises.
Finding The Right Planning Tool For You.
Choosing a planning tool that aligns with how your mind works can make all the difference. Here are some tailored suggestions based on different working styles:
1. For the Visual Thinker:
Tools to try: Trello, Notion, or a physical wall planner.
Why they work: These tools let you visually organise your tasks with boards, cards, or layouts that help you see the big picture. If colour-coding or categorising tasks by visuals sparks your creativity, these tools will keep you motivated.
2. For the List Lover:
Tools to try: Todoist, Microsoft To Do, or a simple paper notebook.
Why they work: If checking items off a list gives you satisfaction, these tools are designed to keep your tasks clear and concise. Digital options allow for recurring tasks and syncing across devices, while paper enthusiasts might prefer the tactile satisfaction of handwriting lists.
3. For the Overwhelmed Multitasker:
Tools to try: Asana, ClickUp, or Google Calendar with time-blocking.
Why they work: These platforms help you break down big projects into smaller tasks with deadlines. Time-blocking on your calendar can be especially effective for managing a busy schedule and creating focus pockets for deep work.
4. For the Tech-Resistant Traditionalist:
Tools to try: A printed planner, such as a Passion Planner or a Filofax.
Why they work: There’s something grounding about writing things down by hand. A physical planner offers simplicity, keeps you off screens, and gives you a tangible connection to your goals.
5. For the Big-Picture Dreamer:
Tools to try: MindMeister (mind mapping), Evernote, or a vision board.
Why they work: These tools help you think broadly and strategically before zooming in on the details. They’re great for getting everything out of your head, aligning goals with your vision, and keeping your “why” front and centre.
6. For the Detail-Oriented Perfectionist:
Tools to try: Notion, Airtable, or Bullet Journaling.
Why they work: These tools provide flexibility and allow you to track every detail. From setting up custom templates in Notion to creating intricate bullet journal layouts, they let you plan your way with precision.
Your planning needs might change as your business grows or as life shifts. Experiment with different tools until you find the one that feels natural and supportive. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, it’s creating a system that makes you feel clear, calm, and in control. Leading at the front of all your planning must be your WHY. Not only why you do what you do but also why planning is important. Make it an appointment in your diary that you treat just as you would a client appointment. And lastly, if you find this a challenge, reach out, I can help: philippa@holdmyhandcoaching.com
Until next time,
Best wishes
Philippa x