What’s One Thing You Can Do Today to Get Closer to Your Goals?

June 9, 2026

What is your number one goal or vision for your business or your role? You have to know this before you decide what actions to take. If you don’t, it’s time to do some thinking about the future.

Consider the five core elements of vision:

Clarity, Purpose, Values, Goals, and Strategy-to help guide your thoughts.

Once you have that big picture, it’s time to break your vision down into milestones. What has to happen first? That step becomes your first milestone.

Understanding Milestones

I don’t have a formal business degree, but I have successfully managed large projects and events by relying on practical resources like Project Management for Dummies. You don’t need a background in corporate business to understand how to move a project forward.

Think of building a house. It is the perfect example of how milestones work. A milestone is simply a marker or a specific moment in time—like a freeze-frame during your project when you finish one segment and move to the next.

When you build a house, the steps look like this:

Milestone 1: Acquiring and purchasing the land.
Milestone 2: Choosing a contractor.
Milestone 3: Digging and pouring the foundation.
Milestone 4: Framing the structure (when the house finally looks like a skeleton).
Milestone 5: Putting up the shell with plywood and installing the roof.

Milestone after milestone is accomplished until the project is complete and you finally move in.

While we aren’t building physical houses here, we are building sustainable businesses that generate cash flow, attract clients, or create useful products.

What If Your Vision Feels Too Big?

What happens if your vision is so massive that you either don’t know where to start, or you feel so daunted by it that you keep procrastinating?

If you feel this way, you are not alone. As a time coach, I work with many clients who want to accomplish big things but struggle to get started, or find it hard to keep going once they realize how much time the journey will take.

Remember this quote:
“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.”
by Earl Nightingale

It is incredibly easy to talk yourself out of doing something meaningful by making excuses. But the truth is simple: if you get started today, one or two years from now you will have something amazing to show for it. You will have something to be proud of.

How to Finally “Get Around to It”

The best way to conquer procrastination is to break a massive project down into smaller, bite-sized chunks.

Take my client, Kaye. As a new business owner, she knew that many startups fail, and she rightly believed that a detailed business plan would help make her new pet-training business a success. When she first called me, she had been trying to write her business plan on her own for nine months.

Every day, Kaye would sit down at her computer to work. But without a structured plan, she would get distracted by exciting ideas and spend hours researching them on the internet. Two hours would pass, and she would have zero progress to show for it.

Realizing she needed help to stay focused, she used her excellent research skills to find me. Together, we built strategies to keep her highly focused for short periods of time. The results were incredible. After just two months of working together, her robust business plan was fully finished!

Watch Kaye’s full success story on my YouTube Channel here!

How Time Coaching helped a new business owner Rock it!

Use the SMART Framework
As you work toward your vision, it is excellent practice to filter your milestones through SMART goals. I regularly check my long-range projects against these criteria to ensure they are both realistic and exciting enough to keep me motivated:

Specific: Clear and defined.
Measurable: Tracks your progress.
Achievable: Attainable and realistic.
Relevant: Aligns with your overarching vision.
Time-bound: Has a clear deadline.

Which of these elements can you apply to your vision today?

Build Your Support System

How do you plan to stay on track? If you don’t have a plan yet, I highly recommend checking out my previous blog posts on motivation, planning, and building habits.

Another highly effective strategy is to seek out external support. Depending on your needs, support might look like:

An accountability buddy
A professional coach
A trusted mentor

If I can offer one final piece of advice: I know you are excited and want to achieve everything right now. However, it is much wiser to focus on one single thing at a time instead of fracturing your attention.

In his bestselling book Atomic Habits, James Clear highlights the danger of trying to change too much at once. He notes:

“You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

Reaching for your vision is significantly more rewarding when you have the right systems—like good habits, a clear plan, and strong support—in place. My hope for you is that you find exactly what you need this week to bring your biggest dreams to life!

Resources:

Helpful links to my previous articles about SMART goals, planning and habits.

Be SMART With Your Goals

Refocusing after Vacation

What’s Your Plan for the Rest of the Year?

6 Habits Keeping You Disorganized—And How to Fix Them

by Glenda Mull

a woman hikes and reaches a sign - she can choose to spring forward or fall back

Spring Forward & Focus

June 8, 2026

Facing something difficult at work or with your business this week?

I know it’s spring—you have more energy than ever—and there are so many things you want to do. Lots of ideas, plans and goals for your business and your life.

We love the spring projects like getting outside and getting the flowerbeds ready, or even working on ourselves by getting in shape by hiking in the flower-filled hills (like I do here in the Rogue Valley).

It’s a great time for new ideas and vision since we are re-energized.

Think about the last time you felt energized and excited about an idea, you started to implement it and things were going great, then you hit a big snag.

Does this happen to you?

Sometimes it’s the tech, sometimes you’re not sure what your next step is, you don’t know how do the next thing, or you need a resource that you don’t have (or don’t have the time or money to acquire).

When you hit the snag, or obstacle, lots of times you feel like it’s “not supposed to happen” or “the timing isn’t right”, or even just say to yourself “I’ll take a look at this next month when _________ happens” (Either money coming in or you believe you’ll magically have more time.)

Even though these automatic thoughts are natural and human, they are not the path to achieving your dreams and growing your business or career to the next level.

Procrastination is no one’s friend. And you won’t have more time next month unless you MAKE time through planning and preparation.

Getting to the Next Level

What IS the path to grow your business or career to the next level, you ask?

In a word, systems.

Systems are crucial. When you “change your habits, you change your life”, (from my book, Get Organized Quick, and my TV interview with KOBI 5) and to change habits you need to change the systems supporting the habits. Basically, that means setting yourself up for success to implement a new habit of:

Planning time in your schedule for what’s important
Revisiting your vision often to make sure you’re on track
Setting aside time for marketing each week
Following up after networking events
Making warm or cold calls to prospects
Taking time to plan a strategy instead of inconsistent, scattered efforts (for whatever)

A productivity coaching client (a high-achieving and successful woman) told me,

“I’ve improved a lot. Coaching has definitely helped me with structure and a lot of other areas. Before, I was just taking a handful of these tasks and responsibilities and just throwing them at the wall to see where they stick and where they drop.

And now I feel like having this structure on my calendar, it has helped immensely. I realized—I like structure . . . I like to have a guide. That’s what I do best with. I feel I’ve improved, and my team has felt that too. Now I’m more organized and not dropping the ball as much. I feel good!”

~Peggy Blair Maxwell, Executive Services Manager, Rogue Credit Union

This delightful and talented woman gained structure and time management skills she needed through individual coaching with me. She also strengthened her boundaries, which helped her move forward without overcommitting herself.

And now you have the opportunity to learn about overcoming obstacles and adding structure to support new habits you desire to create. Also how to avoid common time management “traps” that suck you in and distract you from your vision!

For free, from me.

What will you gain from “Get in The Zone of Genius” class?

I share a lot of things in my Get in the Zone of Genius workshop at BBSI each month.

Wow, why am I giving away this knowledge?

Because a core purpose of mine is to ‘help more people’ with vision, obstacles and time management through speaking. I have a genuine desire to help entrepreneurs especially, because sometimes it’s a lonely road. And you don’t know what you don’t know!

Once you know what to do, you’ll take action and the business will get rolling. You’ll find more clients, profits will go up, and all the good things will start happening.

It’s the first step in a path toward success which will bring:

Growth
Financial independence
Time to enjoy the “fruits” of your labor
Success beyond your wildest dreams

Join me in my next monthly class, Get in the Zone: The Secret to Unlocking Your Business Growth

All you have to do is register here: https://rb.gy/nf57or
(You’ll be directed to BBSI website)
When: Wednesday, April 8 from 9:30 to 11:30 am
Where: 2045 Cardinal Ave, Medford

Registration link: https://rb.gy/nf57or

Resources

by Jennifer Morin

Is it Time For a Reset to Realign With Your Vision?

September 18, 2025

Is it time for a Reset? Get inspired to look back at your vision, see where you are in your progress, and make the final push to where you want to be by December!

by Jennifer Morin

Is Your Business Ready to Navigate Change?

February 14, 2025

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to manage organizational change isn’t just an asset—it’s a necessity for maintaining a competitive edge. As an entrepreneur, you’re not just a business owner; you’re a leader tasked with guiding your company through transitions with foresight and precision.

Successfully navigating these shifts demands a deep understanding of your team’s potential and a strategic roadmap to chart your progress.

The goal? To empower your workforce for the challenges ahead through targeted support, training, and resources.

Analyze Your Team’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Effective change management starts with a clear-eyed assessment of your team’s unique strengths and areas for development. By pinpointing each employee’s abilities, you can strategically align roles with skill sets, driving productivity and fostering a sense of value. Is someone on your team a natural problem-solver? Position them where their innovative thinking can shine. For those who may find change more challenging, targeted support and training will equip them to thrive in an evolving environment.

Chart Your Course with a Clear Timeline

A well-defined timeline is the backbone of any successful change initiative. By setting realistic expectations and milestones, you keep everyone on track and focused on the end goal. Remember, flexibility is key. Unexpected hurdles are inevitable, so build in room to adapt. Regular updates and checkpoints will maintain momentum and ensure that no aspect of your plan falls behind. This structured approach not only drives results but also reduces stress by providing clarity and direction.

Celebrate Milestones

Don’t forget to celebrate progress! Acknowledging milestones and rewarding your team’s achievements is a powerful way to boost morale and sustain enthusiasm throughout the change process. These celebrations can be a great way to keep morale high and remind everyone of the progress that is being made.

Empower Your Team with Training and Support

Investing in effective training and support is critical for ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining productivity. Jenny offers Make Time Your Ally, a dynamic time management workshop, which addresses your company’s specific challenges to turn them into strengths. Prioritization, procrastination, more time to focus on important tasks, and email strategies are just a few of the topics.

Clear communication, interactive training sessions, and ongoing support empower employees to embrace new processes and systems with confidence.

Having a point of contact available to answer questions as they arise is also helpful. Schedule regular training sessions to educate teams about the changes, address concerns, and provide opportunities to learn new skills.

Leverage the Power of Coaching

In times of uncertainty, coaching can be an invaluable resource. Individual or team coaching provides leaders with the guidance and support they need to champion the vision of change, overcome obstacles, and communicate effectively. Anyone who has experienced coaching will tell you it has accelerated their development.

Teams can also benefit from coaching, by creating a more cohesive unit and motivating and inspiring individual members. A skilled team coach can help resolve conflicts, address resistance, and foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

Jenny offers executive coaching for all levels of business to support them through a changing landscape and motivate them to achieve their goals. She will work as a success partner, strategist, and personal advocate. She partners with businesses every step of the way so they grow and thrive.

Anticipate and Mitigate Roadblocks

Change is rarely without its challenges. By anticipating potential roadblocks, you can proactively develop solutions and minimize disruptions. Whether it’s technological glitches, market shifts, or internal resistance, having a contingency plan in place will keep you on track and maintain morale.

Engage with different departments to identify potential issues and develop tailored solutions. Addressing concerns proactively not only keeps the change process on track but also reinforces confidence in your leadership and direction.

Address Employee Pushback with Empathy and Transparency

Resistance from employees is a common challenge and is a natural part of any change process. Addressing employee concerns directly and fostering open communication is essential for building trust and buy-in. Encourage your team to voice their fears and frustrations, and respond with honesty and empathy.

Ensure that every employee understands the ‘why’ behind the changes and how it benefits both the team and the organization as a whole. This preparedness will not only keep the change process on track but also help maintain staff morale and confidence in the company’s leadership and direction.

By demonstrating empathy and providing clear, transparent communication, you can significantly reduce resistance and foster a more cohesive and committed workforce.

Create a Comprehensive Change Management Plan

Finally, synthesize all of these elements into a comprehensive change management plan. This plan should clearly articulate the goals of the change, the steps required to achieve them, the roles and responsibilities of team members, and the timelines for each phase.

Provide easy access to the plan or a concise summary to ensure clarity and foster a sense of ownership. Regularly review and adjust the plan as needed to accommodate new insights and emerging circumstances.

A dynamic plan, combined with a robust strategy for communication and employee engagement, will serve as your roadmap for navigating organizational change successfully.

Transform Change into Opportunity

Effective management of change hinges on a clear vision, meticulous planning, and a deep understanding of your team’s capabilities and areas for improvement. By proactively supporting your employees throughout this transition, you create a resilient foundation for your business to not only withstand change but to thrive in the face of it. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth, innovation, and new achievements. With these strategies in place, you’ll position your business to adapt, flourish, and stand out in today’s competitive marketplace.

Transform your productivity and organize your life with executive coaching and workshops from Efficient Spaces.

Book a discovery call today to unlock your team’s potential!

Resources:

Time Seminar

https://ideascale.com/blog/5-tech-issues-that-can-slow-down-innovation

by Jennifer Morin

team, long-term projects, celebrate success, teamwork

Maintain Momentum for Big Projects

November 8, 2023

Long-term projects. Could you use some tips to help finish that project you started with gusto, which is currently lagging?
If you hit a roadblock (or two, or three) what are they—and does your team have ideas for overcoming those hurdles? Decide ahead of time how you will handle issues when they come up. Planning will prevent panic and help people stay on track.

by Jennifer Morin

What’s Your Plan for the Rest of the Year?

October 20, 2023

Do you like to revisit your goals in the fall? I do! Fall is a perfect time to recommit to your goals for the year.

It’s a great time for renewal. The heat dissipates and fades into crisp fall weather, giving me a burst of energy.

When my main job was a work-at-home Mom, I had more leisure time. I often would watch Anne of Green Gables in September with my children.

I agree with her sentiment:

“Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it yet.”
~L.M. Montgomery.

Do you feel the same way about fall and revisiting goals left unfinished?

I’ll help you out with those goals. Today I’ll share best practices for getting back on track with your goals—business or personal ones.

In January, I posted about SMART goals. Following the SMART formula works for many people like you and me.

Renewing Commitment to Goals

First: Remind and reconnect with the goals from the beginning of the year.

I like to read over my goals at the beginning of each month and track my progress in each. Sometimes I am doing great, and other times I have dropped the ball or abandoned a goal or two.

I want to notice my gut reaction as I read through my goals. What ones am I most excited about? What ones cause an apathetic (lukewarm or tepid) or even guilty response? To try this yourself, look at your goals and jot down your primary response to each one.

Now is a great time to follow my call to action: take time to revisit your goals and recommit!

Second: Reprioritize your goals.

Which goal will you focus on first? This would be the one you’re most excited about at this time. Which goal is second priority, third priority, and so on.

When you set out on this yearly journey and created these goals, your mindset and ambitions may have been different. Also, some things may have changed at work or in your personal life. Consequently, you may decide to pick a different priority one goal.

For example, if you received a well-deserved promotion to a different position with more responsibility, the goals you had for your former post would be obsolete. You would need to create a new set of goals that correspond to your new job.

And personal goals would alter if a major change like having a baby or becoming empty nesters is your new normal. If you had a baby, (or are a new dad), the goal of blogging or writing 1 hour a day is unrealistic. For empty nesters, the goal of traveling once a month is now totally possible.

Third: Note which milestone you’re currently working on.

If you broke it into milestones, are you at milestone 3, for example?

Note how many milestones or steps you have left in your goal. It’s time to plan.

Then, take a few minutes to look at the next steps for your goals. When could you reasonably accomplish each step? If you are fond of a structured approach, you could even sketch out a timeline at this point.

Take into account how long each step would take, the time you have to work on your goal, and any resources you’ll need. Other people may be willing to help you, but they may not be available right away, for example. Factor that in when you create your timeline.

Say you are working on some professional development classes to further your career. When will you finish your current class? Also, do you need a break between classes? Be aware that in college programs, some classes are only available either fall or winter semester. It’s wise to check on class availability.

Fourth: Revisit your motivation to achieve the goal.

What motivated you to create that goal or objective in the first place? Better pay, more recognition, a promotion, personal peace of mind, or health?

What drives you now? Which goal are you most excited about?

I firmly believe that each of us will be more successful when we focus on some goal or objective we are passionate about. I don’t believe in forcing myself to accomplish something I’m no longer motivated to do.

That being said, I am my own boss and I set the direction for my company. When you have a manager or boss running the show, you do need to accomplish the tasks and projects they set out for you. In a perfect world, your passion and your profession intersect.

Fifth: List the resources needed for success.

This is related to point #3. What resources do you need? Education, money, a mentor, experts within your company, time, and passion may play a part in reaching the objectives you’ve set.

Planning the steps in detail takes some time and thought. In fact, I’ve found it’s best, if your company permits it, to go off-site, turn off your phone and email notifications, and do a planning deep dive.

I know one company where the top admins go offsite for a planning session once a quarter. They see a huge benefit from this. (Company leaders are often the people who get interrupted the most onsite.)

The GM and her leadership team return with renewed enthusiasm for their projects and plans.

Sixth: Remember to celebrate your success!

This is something I don’t always do. I just smile, give myself a nod, and fall into an exhausted heap. Just kidding!

When I finish something big, I do celebrate. I did a happy dance the moment I opened that cardboard box and gazed on my book Get Organized Quick!

It’s healthy to celebrate your achievements; when you work hard, you deserve it!

Each of us have individual ways we celebrate; choose the reward that appeals to you. 😉

Remember my call to action? I’ll add one thing to it.

Take time to revisit your goals and attack the ones that excite you with renewed vigor.

What did you learn from this blog? I’d love to hear your comments here or on Facebook or LinkedIn.

by Jennifer Morin

Refocusing after Vacation

August 2, 2022

by Jennifer Morin

What’s One Thing You Can Do Today to Get Closer to Your Goals?

Understanding Milestones

How to Finally “Get Around to It”

Build Your Support System

Resources: