One Step at a Time: Planning Goals for All Areas of Your Life

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We all want to grow. To feel like we’re moving in the right direction, even if it’s slowly. But if you’re anything like me, and many in the TJSM community, your to-do list has, at some point, felt like a tidal wave. There’s so much we want to do: finish that project, finally get more rest, be a better friend, stretch once in a while (or even just drink some water before noon).

Sound familiar?

This post is here to help you set goals across different areas of your life without feeding the overwhelm. Think of it as a gentle invitation to re-balance, not a mandate to “do more.” Because sustainable growth isn’t about hustle. It’s about aligned, kind, energy-led progress.

What Is Balanced Growth?

Balanced growth doesn’t mean every area of your life is thriving at the same time. That’s a myth, and frankly, a recipe for burnout.

Instead, balanced growth is dynamic. It changes with your seasons, your energy, and your needs. Some months, work might take center stage. Other times, your health or relationships might need more attention.

What it looks like in real life:

Prioritizing one or two areas without guilt.
Letting go of perfection in favor of progress.
Returning to your goals with curiosity, not criticism, when life throws a curveball.

It’s not about being perfectly balanced. It’s about having a practice of re-balancing. Again and again.

Life Areas to Consider When Goal Setting

You don’t need to set goals in every area. Choose what matters now, the areas that feel most tender or exciting. Here are some to consider:

1. Work / Creative Output

Are you building a business, writing, making art, or coaching? Think about what small, sustainable actions could support that work.

For deeper clarity around what you truly want to create, you might enjoy our “Clarifying Your Vision” journaling post.

2. Health & Energy

This includes physical well-being, rest, movement, nutrition, and sleep. What helps you feel just a little more resourced?

Want to check in on how well you’re nourishing your body and mind? Try our “Nourishing Yourself” journaling guide.

3. Relationships & Community

Not just friendships or family, but also boundaries, communication, and seeking connection when ready.

4. Personal Growth & Joy

Learning, hobbies, exploration, laughter. What delights you? What helps you feel you?

Looking for more ideas on turning tiny actions into momentum? See our “Tiny Wins, Big Dreams” post.

5. Spirituality / Inner Life (Optional)

This might mean prayer, meditation, nature, tarot, or time alone. A space to feel connected and grounded.

6. Environment / Home

Tidy spaces, comfy corners, calming routines. Sometimes a small home shift can ripple into big emotional clarity.

Pick 2–3 that call to you right now. Leave the rest. You’re not behind.

A Gentle Framework for Goal Setting

Let’s get practical, but keep it soft. Here’s how to approach goal setting with care:

Step 1: Reflect on Your Energy

Ask yourself:

What’s present for me right now?
Where do I feel stretched too thin?
Where do I feel a small spark of desire to shift something?

Step 2: Choose 1 Micro-Goal Per Selected Area

The goal should feel doable, even on low-energy days. Some examples:

Work: “Write one email draft” instead of “Finish newsletter sequence.”
Health: “Stretch for 5 minutes” instead of “Start a fitness routine.”

Step 3: Use Minimum Viable Goals

These are small enough to not trigger resistance but meaningful enough to create momentum. Start with:

One conversation
One page
One walk
One kind word to yourself

Step 4: Plan for Rest and Recalibration

Build in cushions. Expect that some days will need gentler pacing. Ask:

What does rest look like for me?
How will I remind myself it’s okay to pause?

For more ideas on pacing your plan by your energy, check out our recent posts on energy‑led prioritization and planning big goals without burning out.

Examples of Balanced Goal Plans

Example 1: Maya, a part-time coach

Work: Prep outline for fall group program.
Health: In bed by 10:30 PM 3 nights/week.
Relationships: Send 1 message each week to reconnect with a friend.

Example 2: Julian, a writer with chronic fatigue

Work: Edit one paragraph per writing day.
Health: Morning stretch while kettle boils.
Joy: Try watercolor painting on Sundays.

These are realistic. They’re built for the actual human living the life, not the fantasy version who never gets tired.

Final Thoughts

Growth doesn’t have to be linear, or fast, to matter. In fact, slow growth is often the kind that lasts.

Revisit your goals monthly. Ask: Is this still aligned with where I am and what I need? It’s okay to change your mind. It’s okay to change your pace. Need help structuring that monthly check-in? Our Monthly Review & Looking Ahead prompts guide you gently through the process.

Every step counts. Even the smallest ones.

Download the Balanced Life Goal Planner to gently begin mapping your next season. It’s free, printable, and designed with your energy in mind.

If you’re drawn to guided pages, our “Who Am I?” journal offers 78 pages of prompts to deepen your inner work.

Free Resources to Support You

Journaling Prompts to Go Deeper

What’s a goal I can set that truly supports who I am, not who I think I should be?
Which life area feels the most tender right now?
What would feel like a success even if nothing else gets done this month?
How do I tend to measure progress, and does that serve me?
What beliefs am I ready to release about productivity?
What would my most self-compassionate self choose as a goal right now?
Who can I gently ask for support in one area of life?
What would it feel like to set a goal just for fun?
How can I celebrate small wins this month?
What would it look like to trust my own timing?

You’ve got this. One tiny, intentional step at a time.

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