We've all heard the saying “Follow the plan, not your mood”... but what does it mean to "follow the plan"? Do you even have a plan made? 

A plan means the daily "to-dos" you have for yourself to make sure you reach your goals. That may mean hitting a set amount of protein per day to support your strength goals. Or it could mean tracking everything you eat if weight loss is your goal. Whatever it is, that plan serves as your guide—what you look back to when motivation fades and you just need a clear direction on what to do next.

Define Your Goal

Before you create a plan, you need to know what you're working toward. Is it a fitness goal? A business goal? A personal development goal? Your plan should be structured around a clear outcome.

Break It Down Into Daily Actions

A strong plan isn’t just a lofty goal; it’s a series of daily, actionable steps. These could be:

  • Eating a set number of calories per day
  • Going to the gym 4x a week
  • Making 10 sales calls
  • Reading for 10 minutes a day

Small, consistent actions create real progress over time.

Remove the Guesswork

Your plan should be clear enough that you don’t have to think about what to do each day—it’s already laid out for you. The less decision-making involved, the easier it is to follow through, even when your mood tries to derail you.

Set Non-Negotiables

Some tasks should be non-negotiable, meaning you do them regardless of how you feel. Treat them like appointments—whether or not you feel like doing them doesn’t matter. The commitment is already made. That's your plan.

Use Your Plan as Your Guide

On the days when motivation is nowhere to be found, don’t rely on feelings—rely on the plan. That’s why you created it. You don’t have to think about what needs to be done; you just have to follow the roadmap you already set. Stick to it, trust the process, and let your actions—not your mood—lead the way.