Life-First Business Planning: How to Plan Your Business Year Without Burnout
Most business planning advice focuses on hitting bigger revenue targets and scaling faster. But after helping hundreds of professionals build sustainable businesses, I’ve noticed something: traditional planning often leads to burnout.
I learned this lesson the hard way. In 2015, I hit my highest revenue year ever – and promptly burned out. Why? Because I was planning my life around my business instead of the other way around.
Why Traditional Business Planning Fails
Traditional business planning typically starts with revenue goals and growth targets. While these metrics matter, beginning here often leads to:
- Unrealistic schedules that ignore your natural energy patterns
- Rigid goals that make you feel like a failure when life happens
- Sacrificing personal commitments for business demands
- Constant pressure to scale bigger and do more
A Different Approach: Life-First Planning
Instead of starting with business goals, let’s flip the approach. Here’s the framework I use to create a year that supports both success and freedom:
1. Define Your Version of “Enough”
Before setting any goals, ask yourself:
- What does success actually look like for you?
- How much money do you really need (vs. what you think you should make)?
- What kind of schedule would feel energizing?
This clarity helps you make intentional decisions about your business model rather than chasing arbitrary benchmarks.
2. Honor Your Natural Rhythm
We all have natural peaks and valleys in our energy. Instead of fighting against them, design your year to work with them. For example, I structure my 3-day work week like this:
- Mondays: Planning and prep work (when my strategic thinking is sharpest)
- Tuesday-Thursday: Client work and deep focus tasks
- Fridays: Review, learning, or complete rest
3. Design Around Life Commitments
Before blocking out work commitments, schedule:
- Family time and relationships
- Health and wellness activities
- Travel and adventures
- Personal growth and learning
- Time for spontaneous opportunities
4. Use Monthly Themes Instead of Rigid Goals
Rather than setting inflexible quarterly targets, I use monthly themes to create gentle focus. This might look like:
- January: Strategic planning
- February: Content creation
- March: Client attraction
- April: Systems refinement
This approach provides direction while maintaining flexibility for life’s unexpected moments.
Practical Implementation Tips
1. Start with Life Design
- Block out non-negotiable personal commitments first
- Create buffer time between activities
- Schedule regular check-ins to stay aligned
2. Set Clear Boundaries
- Define your working hours
- Establish communication protocols
- Create systems that protect your time
3. Build in Flexibility
- Use batch working for focused productivity
- Create space for spontaneous opportunities
- Regular review and adjustment periods
Ready to Plan Your Year Without Sacrificing Your Life?
Download my free Intentional Year Planning worksheet to start designing a year that gives you both success and freedom. This worksheet will help you:
- Define what “enough” means for you
- Create a schedule that honours your energy
- Set boundaries that protect your time
- Design a business that supports your life
Download the FREE Intentional Year Planning Worksheet
Want personalized support in planning your year? Learn more about my Business Planning Intensive where we’ll create your custom roadmap for a profitable and purposeful 2025.
Learn more about the Intensive
Your Tiny Business Journey Starts Here
What would your ideal tiny business look like in 2025? How would it feel to run a business that’s both simple and impactful? What needs to shift to create more ease in your work?
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