In the latest episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the transformative journey of Danielle Mcgeough, a certified elite life coach, professor, podcast host, and mom.
Embracing Mindful Planning
Danielle's story is one of transformation. Despite achieving professional success and securing her dream job as a tenured professor at the University of Northern Iowa, she found herself feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled. This episode explores how a 3 AM epiphany led Danielle to embark on a journey of mindful planning and holistic goal setting, ultimately enriching both her personal and professional life.
From Overwhelm to Fulfillment
Danielle shares how she transitioned from a state of anxiety and overwhelm to one of balance and fulfillment. Her journey began with the simple act of decorative planningβa technique recommended by a student to manage anxiety. This seemingly trivial activity sparked a profound interest in time management, personal development, and identity-based goal setting.
Creating Balance: A Journey of Holistic Goal Setting
High-achieving working moms, in particular, will find Danielle's insights invaluable. She discusses how she helps these moms balance their ambitious careers with fulfilling personal lives. Decorative planning, she explains, can be a powerful tool to manage anxiety and enhance daily routines. Danielle's academic research on storytelling and identity further enriches her approach, offering a fresh perspective on creating a satisfying life.
Crafting a Satisfying Life
Throughout the episode, Danielle provides practical strategies and inspiring anecdotes that listeners can implement in their own lives. She emphasizes the importance of setting clear, identity-based goals and practicing mindful planning. Danielle also shares her "RISE ritual"βa daily practice that incorporates reflection, intentional planning, sensory activation, and embodying one's new story.
High-Achieving Moms and the Art of Decorative Planning
Danielle delves into the concept of decorative planning, explaining how it can transform mundane tasks into enjoyable activities. By making planning fun and engaging, individuals can better manage their anxiety and stay organized. This playful approach to planning is particularly beneficial for high-achieving moms juggling multiple responsibilities.
Finding Purpose: Danielle's Guide to Balanced Living
One of the key takeaways from the episode is the idea of trying easier instead of harder. Danielle advocates for practices that, while they may seem more effortful initially, ultimately make life easier and more enjoyable. She encourages listeners to ask themselves, "What would this look like if it were easy?" and to focus on simple, actionable steps that align with their goals and values.
Practical Tips for Mindful Planning and Holistic Goal Setting
Danielle offers several practical tips for listeners looking to implement mindful planning and holistic goal setting in their lives:
Daily Top Three: Identify three priorities each day that, if accomplished, would leave you feeling satisfied and content.
RISE Ritual: Incorporate reflection, intentional planning, sensory activation, and embodying your new story into your daily routine.
Plan to Play: Make planning enjoyable by incorporating elements of play and creativity, such as using stickers or colorful pens.
Embody Your Future Self: Translate your vision for your future self into daily actions and habits.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up this episode, Danielle leaves us with some actionable wisdom: create a "to-be list" alongside your to-do list. Consider how you want to be in different situations throughout the day, and strive to embody those qualities. This mindful approach to living can help you achieve a greater sense of balance and fulfillment.
To learn more about Danielle Mcgeough and her approach to mindful planning and holistic goal setting, be sure to check out her podcast "Plan, Goal, Plan" and her free mini audio course, "Bold and Balanced," available at boldbalancedwomen.com.
Tune in to this episode for an inspiring conversation that will leave you ready to take on your own goals with a new sense of purpose and mindfulness. For the full episode, show notes, and links, click here.