Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan: The Secret to Achieving Your Dreams
by Kristina Karlsson
Do you ever feel like your dreams are just out of reach?
You have big ambitions—maybe you want to start a business [or side hustle], write a book, improve your health, or simply have more time for what matters.
But despite your best intentions, life gets in the way, and those dreams remain just that—dreams.
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry.
The difference between people who wish and those who achieve is simple: They plan.
This recent Monday Motivation Podcast is all about the power of planning and how applying Napoleon Hill’s famous quote—"Plan your work and work your plan"—can transform the way you approach your goals. In this post, I’ll break down why planning is key and share a simple three-step method to help you take action today.
Why Planning is the Secret to Success
You’ve probably heard the phrase “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” It’s so true! Having a dream is a beautiful thing, but if you don’t create a plan to achieve it, it will always remain just an idea in your mind.
Planning is important because it gives you:
✅ Clarity – When you put your plans on paper, you define exactly what you want to accomplish.
✅ Focus – A well-thought-out plan helps you eliminate distractions and keep your attention on what truly matters.
✅ Confidence – Knowing your next steps makes it easier to take action and overcome fear or hesitation.
I always say, if it’s not scheduled, it’s not real. The more specific your plan, the more likely you are to follow through!
3 Steps to Turn Your Dreams into Reality
Want to make real progress? Here’s my simple three-step formula to help you plan your work and work your plan.
Step 1: Set Your Intention & Prioritize
Start by asking yourself:
👉 What is the ONE thing I truly want to achieve in the next 90 days?
Be specific! Instead of saying, “I want to get healthier,” say, “I will walk 2K every morning” or “I will meditate for 10 minutes daily.”
It’s also important to prioritize. If you’re an ambitious dreamer (which I know you are!), it’s easy to try and do everything at once.
But true progress happens when you focus on one goal at a time.
💡 Action Step: Write down your top goal for the next 90 days. Then, break it into smaller milestones.
Step 2: Create a Simple Plan
Once you’ve set your goal, it’s time to make a plan. Think about:
🔹 What needs to happen weekly?
🔹 What daily habits will move me closer to my goal?
🔹 How will I track my progress?
I personally use the Daily Progress Journal, which I designed specifically to help me plan my goals. Find a system that works for you—whether it’s a planner, a journal, or a digital app.
💡 Action Step: Write down three small steps you can take this week to move closer to your goal.
Step 3: Take Consistent Action
This is where the magic happens! Taking small, consistent steps every day leads to big results over time.
Too often, we get stuck thinking we need to make huge changes overnight. But that’s not how success works! Think of it like training for a marathon—you wouldn’t run 42K on day one. You’d start with a small run and gradually build up your stamina. The same applies to your dreams!
💡 Action Step: Start TODAY. Take the first small step toward your goal.
Need Help Getting Started? Join Me in March!
If you love this idea but need accountability and support, I have something exciting for you!
In March, I’m running my Dream Life Coaching Program, where we’ll work through this planning process together.
By the time April arrives, you’ll have a clear roadmap for the next 90 days—and the confidence to take action.
🚀 Join me here: https://www.yourdreamlifestartshere.com/course
Let’s make Quarter 2 your most productive and inspiring one yet!
Final Thought: What’s Your Plan?
What’s one thing you’re going to plan this week?
And what’s your first step today?
I’d love to hear! Share your plans below or in our free Dream Life Podcast Facebook Group, DM me on Instagram (@kristinadreamlife), or tag me in your stories!
💛 Remember: Planning your work is just half of the equation. The real magic happens when you work your plan.
Wishing you a powerful and productive week ahead!
💛
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