The #1 Reason You Have Chaos in Your Life

If you feel like your life is chaotic and your goals remain out of reach, there’s a high chance the root of the issue lies in one thing: you don’t have a plan. Sure, you might have the ideas in your head, but if you’re not taking the time to map them out formally, how can you expect to get from A to Z?

Think about it—most successful journeys start with a clear roadmap. Without it, you’re just winging it, hoping to stumble into success. And while spontaneity can work in some cases, the lack of a solid, actionable plan often leads to overwhelm, procrastination, and missed opportunities.

Why Most People Don’t Plan

For many, the concept of planning feels overwhelming or unnecessary. You might think:

“I know what I need to do—I don’t need to write it down.”

Truth: Writing it down isn’t just about remembering—it’s about commitment. Studies show that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them compared to those who don’t. A written plan serves as a roadmap, helping you stay focused and avoid distractions, ensuring that your goals move from thoughts to action.

“Planning takes too much time.”

Truth: Not planning actually wastes more time in the long run. Research shows that employees spend an average of 2.5 hours per day searching for information or deciding what to prioritize. By spending just 10-15 minutes planning your day, you can eliminate this inefficiency and focus on high-priority tasks, saving hours of time each week.

“I don’t like being tied to a rigid structure.”

Truth: Planning doesn’t have to mean rigidity. A good plan is flexible, giving you a clear direction while allowing room for adjustments. In fact, studies show that flexible goal-setting improves motivation and performance by 35%, as it creates a balance between structure and adaptability. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress and ensuring you’re moving closer to your goals.

The Power of a Clear, Written Plan

When you create a detailed plan, you’re essentially giving yourself a blueprint for success. Writing it down makes your goals tangible, keeps you accountable, and helps you track progress.

Here’s why having a plan works:

1. Clarity: When you outline the steps to achieve your goal, the path becomes clearer and less intimidating.
2. Focus: A plan helps you prioritize and eliminate distractions. 
3. Accountability: Checking things off a written plan creates a sense of accomplishment and motivates you to keep going.

Let’s say your goal is to lose 20 pounds. Without a plan, you might vaguely think, “I’ll eat healthier and work out more.” But what does that actually look like?

While a seemingly structured plan like this might feel sufficient:

• Meal prep every Sunday for the week ahead.
• Do strength training three times a week.
• Walk 10,000 steps daily.

…it’s still lacking the actionable details to create true clarity and direction. There’s no clear roadmap, and that’s where most people get stuck.

Now, let’s rework this plan into something more specific and actionable to ensure success:

Meal Prep Every Sunday for the Week Ahead

Plan What to Eat:
Choose three main meals to batch cook, such as:

• Grilled chicken with roasted vegetables and sweet potatoes.
• Quinoa salad with chickpeas, cucumbers, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
• Turkey chili packed with beans, diced tomatoes, and spices.

Add healthy snacks like pre-cut veggies, hummus, boiled eggs, and Greek yogurt with berries.

Prep Schedule:
Set aside 2 hours every Sunday afternoon. Start by cooking the dishes that take the longest (e.g., chili). While those are cooking, chop vegetables, prep salads, and portion meals into containers for easy grab-and-go options.

Where to Shop:
Create a detailed grocery list on Friday and shop on Saturday to avoid last-minute stress. Stock up on pantry staples like olive oil, spices, and grains to make meal prep smoother.

Do Strength Training Three Times a Week

Workout Plan:

• Monday: Lower body (squats, lunges, deadlifts) + 20 minutes on the StairMaster.
• Wednesday: Upper body (bench press, dumbbell rows, bicep curls, tricep dips) + 15 minutes of HIIT cardio.
• Friday: Full body (kettlebell swings, burpees, planks, box jumps) + 30 minutes of yoga or stretching for recovery.

Where to Train:
Join a local gym for access to equipment, or set up a home workout space with dumbbells, resistance bands, and a yoga mat.

How to Track Progress:
Keep a fitness journal or use a workout app to log the exercises, reps, and weights for each session. Track improvements weekly to stay motivated.

Walk 10,000 Steps Daily

Plan the Route:
Use tools like Google Maps or AllTrails to map out scenic 30-minute routes near your home, workplace, or local parks. Aim for routes with minimal distractions and pleasant surroundings.

Set a Time:
Break up your steps throughout the day:

• Morning: A 20-minute walk before starting your day.
• Lunch Break: A 20-minute walk around your office or neighborhood.
• Evening: A 20-minute post-dinner walk to wind down.

Add Steps:
Incorporate more movement throughout your day:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Park farther from entrances to add extra walking.
• Replace coffee chats with walking meetings.

Track Your Steps:
Use a fitness tracker like a Fitbit, Apple Watch, or even your smartphone’s pedometer to monitor your progress. Set reminders throughout the day to keep you moving toward your goal.

This detailed plan works because it eliminates guesswork and provides actionable steps to follow every day. Instead of vague ideas like “work out” or “eat healthy,” you’re addressing the how, when, and where for each goal.

This clarity not only reduces overwhelm but also increases your likelihood of sticking to the plan. Remember: the more specific the plan, the easier it is to follow.

Why Plans Don’t Have to Be Rigid

A common misconception is that plans must be rigid and inflexible. That’s not true. The best plans allow room for adjustments while keeping your ultimate goal in sight.

For example, if your plan includes working out at 6 a.m. every day but you miss a session, you don’t scrap the entire plan. Instead, you adjust and find another time to fit it in. A solid plan isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency.

How to Create Your Own Plan

Creating a plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these simple steps to get started:

1. Define Your Goal: Be specific about what you want to achieve.
2. Break It Down: Identify the steps you need to take to get there.
3. Set a Timeline: Assign deadlines to each step to stay on track.
4. Write It Down: Commit your plan to paper or a digital tool to keep yourself accountable.
5. Review and Adjust: Regularly check your progress and tweak the plan as needed.

Pro Tip: Keep your plan somewhere visible, like a journal, planner, or app, so it stays top of mind.

What Happens When You Have a Plan

When you take the time to create a plan, you’ll notice a shift almost immediately. The chaos begins to fade, and you’ll feel more in control of your life. Here’s what happens:

• Reduced Overwhelm: You have clear steps to follow instead of guessing what to do next.
• Improved Efficiency: Your time and energy are spent on tasks that move you closer to your goal.
• Increased Confidence: Each completed step builds momentum and reinforces your belief in yourself.

The number one reason chaos persists in your life is the lack of a clear, actionable plan. But you have the power to change that. By taking the time to define your goals, break them down into manageable steps, and write them out, you can transform your ideas into reality.

So, what’s your big goal? Start by creating a plan today, and watch how the chaos fades, making room for clarity, focus, and success. And if creating plans and structure isn’t your thing, don’t worry—that’s where I come in. Book a call with me below, and let’s create a strategy to 10x your life!