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Reset And Realign: This Goal Planner Will Give You A Fresh Start

Updated: 1 day ago

Boss Free Academy


Nauma here, and the new year is in full swing. We even got a bit of snow in Dallas, which was the perfect excuse to stay in, indulge in a long, hot bath, and revisit my goals to make sure they still align with the person I’m becoming. Whether it’s for your personal development, business planning, or simply ensuring your planner works hard for you, now’s the perfect time to unwrap that fresh, new planner and start mapping out the next steps toward the life you’ve been envisioning.


I hope you find this lesson helpful as you take the next step in your journey.


 

Reset and Realign


A new year often feels like an invitation—a chance to reset, reflect, and approach life with intention. But before you dive into planning your next big goals, there’s something important you need to do first: give yourself the space to refresh, recalibrate, and start from a place of clarity.



A mobile phone, pencil, goal planning calendar and notebook on a desk next to a wooden container.


Resetting is about more than just making a list of resolutions. It’s about shedding what no longer serves you and setting a clear path forward with purpose. It’s about making room for the new version of you, the one who’s ready to step into your next phase with confidence. And what better way to do this than with a dedicated day that centers on you?


Step 1: Grab Your Goal Planner and Choose Your Day of Reset


Pick a day where you can truly focus on yourself—a time when you’re energized and inspired. It doesn’t have to be a weekend or a holiday, but it should be a time when you feel at your best. Plan for a day that’s all about you—no distractions, no obligations. Just you and your intentions. Make it something that signals a fresh start.





Step 2: Cleanse Your Body and Mind



Bathroom with a modern white bathtub, black hardware, gray tile on the wall, with an aesthetic setting for relaxing and pampering.


Before you get into the planning process, take a moment to physically and mentally cleanse. Start with a bath or shower to wash away the old. Imagine cleansing not just your skin, but your mind as well—removing any stagnant energy that’s holding you back. Use luxurious products that make you feel pampered and special, because this moment is about treating yourself with care and intention.


Consider adding an affirmation during your bath or shower, one that will center you on your goals and the version of yourself you’re ready to become. Perhaps something like, "I am open to growth and new possibilities," or "I am ready to release what no longer serves me."


This moment of self-care will help set the tone for what’s to come. Cleansing yourself—both physically and mentally—will create a clear space for new opportunities to enter.


Step 3: Let Go of What Doesn’t Serve You



Planner, laptop, and cup of tea on a wooden tray on the bed. Mobile phone is close by with books and a pillow. A relaxed setting for goal planning.


With a fresh mindset, it’s time to take a hard look at your life and what’s cluttering it. What tasks, commitments, or habits have you been holding onto that no longer align with who you are or where you want to go? The new year isn’t just about setting new goals; it’s about clearing the path for them. Make a list of things you’re ready to release—whether it’s certain responsibilities, relationships, or outdated goals.


By eliminating what doesn’t serve you, you’re creating room for the things that matter most. The process of letting go is a powerful one, and it sets the stage for your next steps.


Step 4: Visualize Your Future Self


Before you start setting goals, take some time to really envision where you want to be. What does your life look like in one year? Where do you want to live, and what kind of work do you want to be doing? What does your ideal day look like? Imagine yourself living in alignment with your highest potential—what does that version of you embody?


This vision will be the foundation for your planning process. It will help you pinpoint the goals and objectives that truly matter and align them with the life you want to create. When you’re clear on your vision, goal-setting becomes less about checking boxes and more about creating a life that feels fulfilling.


Step 5: Write Your Long-Term Goals and Plan Backwards



Goal planner on a white desk with a white office chair.


Now that you have a vision for your future, it’s time to set some long-term goals. Think about where you want to be in one year. What are the milestones you want to hit? And most importantly, what steps do you need to take today to make that vision a reality?


Remember, a goal is the big picture outcome—where you want to be. An objective is a specific, measurable action you can take to move toward that goal. A milestone is a key achievement along the way that indicates progress.


Using a goal planner like the Not Just Notes Goal Planner is a great way to break these down. This planner is designed to guide you through the A.C.T.I.O.N. Goal Setting Framework, helping you align your vision, clarify your goals, target your objectives, implement your actions, observe your progress, and nourish your achievements.


The beauty of this planner is that it doesn’t just leave you with a list of goals—it gives you a structured plan to turn those dreams into reality. With monthly and weekly planning pages, you can track your progress and adjust your course as needed.


Step 6: Break Your Goals Into Manageable Steps


Once you’ve set your goals, objectives, and milestones, break them down into actionable steps. What can you do this month to move closer to your goal? This week? Today? Start with small, consistent actions that will build the momentum you need. Your goal planner will help you track these steps, keeping you organized and motivated.


Celebrate each milestone along the way—whether it’s a personal achievement or a professional one. Acknowledging progress, no matter how small, keeps you motivated and reinforces the positive steps you’re taking.


Step 7: Create an Empowering Daily Routine



Monthly calendar against a black wall and a succulent plant in a clear vase, stopwatch, white cup of tea with a saucer, and a notebook on a desk.


Your routine is the key to consistency and empowerment. What does your ideal day look like? Maybe it means waking up a little earlier to journal, or perhaps it’s stepping outside for a midday break. Maybe you want to prioritize skincare or morning meditation to set a positive tone for your day.


Take some time to write out your ideal routine and think about how you can integrate small actions that align with your goals. Your planner can help keep you grounded and motivated to stick to your new routine. Whether it’s tracking your habits or simply giving you space to reflect, having a planner by your side helps you stay intentional with each day.


Step 8: Make It Visual


Create a visual board—whether on Pinterest or with cut-out images from magazines—that captures the feelings and actions that resonate with your vision. Gather images that inspire you—things that represent the life you want to create. This is more than just a collage; it’s a daily reminder of the version of yourself you’re striving to become. The more you can see your future life, the more motivated you’ll be to work toward it.


A goal planner, particularly one like the Not Just Notes Goal Planner, isn’t just about organizing your thoughts. It’s a tangible tool that helps you break down your goals into manageable pieces and stay on track as you move forward. With its detailed planning pages, actionable exercises, and built-in inspiration, this planner guides you through the goal-setting process, step by step.


By taking the time to reset, cleanse, and clarify your intentions, you’re setting yourself up for a year filled with meaningful progress. Start with a fresh perspective, and let your goals flow from a place of clarity and purpose.


Here’s to your most aligned year yet.

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Wanauma Graham 

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Wanauma Graham is the founder of Boss Free Media and the brand Not Just Notes. She’s the author of Totally Unstoppable and Boss Mode Business Growth, a growth guide for women solo entrepreneurs. Based in Dallas, Wanauma writes and designs planning products full-time while exploring the city’s vibrant food scene, real estate, hidden gems, and landmarks.

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