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Ready. Set. GOALS! How to Dream Big Without Losing Your Balance

Ever found yourself on the verge of burnout – acing life on one front but feeling the whirlwind behind the scenes? In this episode of It’s About Time, we’ll tackle the chaos head-on! Picture a roadmap to not just survive but THRIVE despite the overwhelm.

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 It’s about time we balance…

In our fast-paced, always on, go-go-go world, where the lines between personal and professional lives are increasingly blurred, it’s no secret that many of us feel like we’re running on a treadmill that’s just a bit too fast. 

We’re constantly juggling responsibilities, chasing deadlines, and trying to squeeze in some semblance of a personal life. Not to mention during this busy holiday season we’ve got even more weighing on us than the rest of us. Chances are if you’re listening to this podcast, you’re also in charge of buying christmas gifts, wrapping presents, decorating, coordinating family schedules, getting teacher gifts, signing up to bring stuff to holiday parties, planning travel and 50 million other things on top of all of your normal responsibilities. 

The word ‘overwhelm’ doesn’t even begin to cover it, right?

I see it all the time – incredibly talented and hardworking women and men who are making waves in their fields – totally killing it in their businesses, yet when it comes to managing their own time and finding that sweet spot of work/life balance, they’re struggling. The result? Burnout, stress, and a nagging feeling that something’s got to give. Or that there’s something wrong with you because everyone else seems to have all of this figured out. 

This is just like one of my former clients, I’ll call her Sarah: Total powerhouse in her industry, but she confessed in our very first call that even though everything looks great on the outside, she usually feels like she’s being pulled in a million directions. Meetings, emails, family commitments – you name it. And when it comes to setting aside time for herself or her dreams? Well, that often falls by the wayside. Who has time for that?

Does Sarah’s story sound familiar to you? If it does, you’re not alone. And that’s exactly why we’re tackling this head-on in today’s episode. We’re going to explore why this sense of overwhelm isn’t just a personal problem, but a widespread issue that needs to be addressed. And, most importantly, we’re going to talk about a solution – a practical, achievable way to dream big and reach those lofty goals without losing your balance.

So today, we’re talking about

• How to deal when you feel like you’re being crushed by the overload of overwhelm
• How to create your own clarity, focus, and a sense of balance in your personal and professional lives
• Three actionable steps for creating the future you want for yourself
• The simple and effective secret to a more balanced, fulfilling life designed specifically for YOU

Unsustainable Overwhelm 

We’ve all been in that place where the imbalance between our personal and professional lives doesn’t just feel like a minor inconvenience – it feels like a looming crisis. It’s total chaos. It’s not just about having a packed schedule and a mile-long to-do list, but it’s beginning to take a toll on our health, our relationships and our overall well-being.

I’ve absolutely been there before. If you’ve heard me share my story before about how I came to be a time management coach, you know that I had a pretty big run in with burnout around 2016. 

Imagine waking up every day feeling like you’re already behind. Your mind is cluttered with a never-ending to-do list, and the thought of taking time for yourself seems like a luxury you can’t afford. This constant state of stress and hustle isn’t just exhausting; it’s unsustainable.

But here’s the thing – it’s not just about being busy. It’s about the quality of our busy-ness. Are we spending our time on things that truly matter to us? Are we making progress towards our dreams, or are we just spinning our wheels? This chronic cycle of overcommitment and under-fulfillment can lead to serious consequences – burnout, anxiety, and even a sense of failure despite all our hard work.

Now, if this is resonating with you, I want you to know that it’s not your fault. We live in a society that often glorifies busy as a badge of honor. We’re conditioned to believe that saying ‘yes’ to everything is the key to success. But at what cost?

How to Craft the Life You Want

We’ve identified the problem – that overwhelming juggle of work and life. 

Now, it’s time to flip the script. It’s time to introduce a strategy that’s not just about getting through your day-to-day tasks, but about crafting the life you truly want . And the key? Goal setting. But not just any goal setting – we’re talking about goal setting that’s aligned with your deepest values and aspirations.

Here’s why this approach – purposeful, personal goal setting –  is a game changer for those of us feeling overwhelmed and off-balance:

Reason 1: Clarity in Purpose and Direction 

First, goal setting gives you clarity in your purpose and life’s direction. It’s like having a personal roadmap for how you should spend your time. When your goals are clear, you’re no longer scattered or spread thin over tasks that don’t serve you. Instead, you’re focused, and every step you take is intentional. This kind of clarity reduces stress and boosts your confidence because you know exactly where you’re headed and why.

Reason 2: Measurable Progress and Achievement 

Second, setting goals allows for measurable progress and achievement. There’s something incredibly empowering, exciting and fulfilling about seeing how far you’ve come. Setting specific, achievable goals means you can track your progress. And with each milestone you reach, there’s a sense of accomplishment that fuels your motivation further. It’s not just about the end result; it’s about celebrating the small wins along the way.

Reason 3: Personalized Approach to Professional Growth 

And third, it’s about a personalized approach to your personal and professional growth. Your goals are just that – yours. They are tailored to your life, your dreams, and your circumstances. This isn’t about fitting into a one-size-fits-all formula; it’s about creating a path that resonates with your unique journey. This personalization means your goals are more than just achievable; they’re meaningful. Again – they’re yours. And that’s really special. 

3 Ways to Set Life-Changing Goals 

So, how do we start setting these life-changing goals? How do we ensure they lead us to the balance we’re craving? 

We’ve talked about why setting the right goals is your bridge to a balanced life. Now, let’s get into the how. 

Here are three actionable ways you can start setting goals that are not just about getting things done, but about creating the life you’ve always wanted. Goals that not only push you to excel professionally but also allow you to thrive personally. 

Step 01: Reflect and Prioritize 

First, reflect and prioritize. This is where it all begins. Take a moment to really think about what matters most to you. What are your core values? What does your ideal work/life balance look like? Write these down. Your goals need to align with your values to create a life that’s not only successful but also fulfilling. Remember, if a goal doesn’t resonate with what truly matters to you, it’s just another boring task on your to-do list.

Step 02: Develop a Realistic Action Plan 

Next, put together a realistic action plan. It’s great to have high aspirations, but your goals also need to be attainable. Break down each goal into smaller, manageable steps. Set deadlines that are challenging yet achievable. This approach helps prevent overwhelm and keeps you motivated, as you’re not trying to conquer a mountain in one day.

Step 03: Join the ‘Ready. Set. GOALS!’ Workshop

And finally – if you’d like some help in your next goal-setting session, skip straight to Step 03: Join me for Ready. Set. GOALS. This 2-day goal-setting workshop is specifically designed for busy professionals and business owners just like you. 

It’s about taking these principles we’ve discussed and applying them in a practical, hands-on way. Plus, you’ll be part of a community of like-minded individuals all working towards creating balance and success in their lives.

Visit – annadkornick.com/goals for more details and to grab your seat. And because you’re a listener of ‘It’s About Time,’ I have an exclusive gift just for you. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to save $40 on your workshop ticket. Don’t miss this chance to turn your goals into reality with me by your side to guide you along the way. 

So there you have it.

We started this episode by facing the hard truth about the overwhelm that plagues so many of us – those feelings of being stretched too thin, struggling to juggle professional success and personal fulfillment.

​​We then explored how goal setting, when done right, isn’t just about ticking boxes or adding to our overwhelm. It’s about crafting a life that aligns with your deepest values and aspirations. 

We talked about the importance of clarity in purpose, the empowerment that comes with measurable progress, and the beauty of a personalized approach to your professional and personal growth.

Finally We discussed actionable steps you can take to start setting goals that truly reflect who you are and who you want to be. Reflecting and prioritizing, developing a realistic action plan, and the opportunity to dive deeper with the ‘Ready. Set. GOALS!’ workshop – these are tools at your disposal to start making a change today.

Remember, the journey to a balanced life isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. And just like any marathon, it begins with a single step. Your goals are those steps. Each one is a stride towards a life where success and balance aren’t just dreams, but your reality.

So, I challenge you to take that first step. Reflect on your values, set meaningful goals, and join us at ‘Ready. Set. GOALS!’ to make those goals a reality. And always remember – you have the power to create the life you’ve always wanted. It’s about time to start.

Resources Mentioned:

• Ready. Set. GOALS! Workshop
• Get your hands on Dream Big: 101 Inspired Goal Ideas for 2024

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• Believe To Achieve: Why You ARE Good Enough To Achieve Your Goals
• Crossing The Finish Line: Why You Need Accountability To Achieve Your Goals
• The Buddy System: 3 Ways To Fool-Proof Your Goals And Make Big Things Happen