The Weekly Word: PLAN
Julia Burkin
National Coaching Awards - Highly Commended Life Coach 2024 & Transitional Coach 2023 Coaching people who feel stuck and want to be free… specialising in the relationship you have with yourself.
Dictionary Definition
Plan (noun): a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something.
Plan (verb): to decide on and arrange in advance.
Why PLAN?
The transition to a new year brings an opportunity for reflection, intention, and action. Whether 2025 feels exciting, daunting, or just like another year, a clear plan can help you move forward with confidence and purpose.
For me, I recently faced an empty, dry-wipe board and a racing mind. My house move and coaching practice relocation mean planning is more important than ever—not just for logistics, but for staying focused on my bigger goals.
A plan is my map to clarity, and asking a group of trusted advisors for guidance worked for me this week!
PLAN for Self
Why it’s important: Life often feels overwhelming when we lack direction. Having a personal plan allows you to prioritise your well-being and create a vision for what’s possible. Whether it’s related to health, hobbies, or mindset, planning puts you back in control.
Tip: Start small. Choose one area of life to focus on, and break it into manageable steps. Ask yourself: What’s the next best thing I can do to move forward?
My plan: I’ve been working on a mindset shift around food, and it’s paying off—I’ve already lost five stone. My 2025 plan is to continue eating healthier, moving more, and staying consistent. My goal is to fit into size 14 jeans by May 2025! It helps me visualise what this means by having this AI generated image of me stepping into my new self, stronger, fitter and healthier,,, the impossibly high heels are optional!
What’s your personal plan for 2024?
PLAN for Relationships
Why it’s important: In relationships, it’s easy to assume your partner’s goals align with yours—only to find out later that they don’t. Having open conversations and creating a shared vision strengthens trust and ensures you’re working towards a future that feels good for both of you.
Tip: Schedule a planning session with your partner. Ask each other:
? What do you want for yourself in 2025?
? What do you want for us as a couple?
? What’s one thing we can do together to get closer to those goals?
My plan: My husband and I are talking about how our goals align with our upcoming house move and my business relocation. It’s a chance for us to dream about our next chapter together while making sure we’re on the same page.
I have worked with clients who failed to plan with their spouse and then discovered a mismatch of expectations and dreams, often leading to upset and in some cases divorce in later years… avoidable if you talk about the important stuff.
What could a shared plan do for your relationship?
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PLAN for Busines
Why it’s important: Whether you’re self-employed or working within a team, planning gives you focus and direction. Without a plan, it’s easy to waste time on things that don’t matter—or worse, miss opportunities for growth.
Tool: Use a simple planning framework:
1. Write down your ultimate goal for 2025.
2. Break it into quarterly objectives.
3. List weekly actions you can take to achieve those objectives.
My plan: For my coaching business, this means taking care of my Derbyshire clients while preparing to launch in a new location after my house move. Transitioning to a new area is daunting, but with a clear plan, I’m confident I can build connections and continue helping entrepreneurs and business owners get unstuck. my first quarter will be -change, the second - growth, the third - deepen and the final will be celebrate and reflect - starting to plan for 2026!
What’s your plan for your business in 2025?
Review of Last Week’s Word: ACCOUNTABILITY
It felt like a week where I was pushing water uphill, you might know that feeling. I didn't like that clear wipe board and I needed to change it...
? I completed the advent calendar for my grandson Luci—just in time for December!
? After three frustrating weeks with my previous estate agents, I replaced them. My new team got the house on the market in just three days. They listened, acted, and held themselves accountable to their word.
? I showed up for friends going through tough times, holding myself accountable to strengthen our connections and maintain friendships as they are important to me.
? I shared that I’m writing a book—something I’ve been scared to talk about! Now I’m holding myself accountable to finish it.
Call to Action for This Week
As we approach the festive season, take time to PLAN. Think about how you want 2024 to end and how you want 2025 to begin.
Here are a few ideas:
? Plan moments of joy this December.
? Schedule time for self-care, connection, and creativity.
? Start dreaming about your goals for 2025.
Need help creating a plan for yourself, your relationships, or your business? I’m here with tools and strategies to help you get unstuck and start moving forward.
What’s your plan for this week, this year, and beyond?
Share in the comments below! Don't be shy….