Strategic planning sounds about as thrilling as watching paint dry. But hear me out—there’s a way to make it work for you, even if your brain rebels against rigid structure. Whether you’re running a business, organizing your life, or just trying to keep your metaphorical plates from crashing down, strategic planning can be your secret weapon. Let’s break it down into bite-sized, neurodivergent-friendly chunks, shall we?

Why You Need a Plan (Even If Plans Annoy You)

Let’s face it: the only thing worse than having no plan is paying $10,000 for someone else’s bad plan. Been there, done that, lost the T-shirt. When you’re flying by the seat of your pants, it’s easy to get swept up by flashy opportunities that sound amazing but derail your goals. Trust me, winging it isn’t always the vibe.

A strategic plan doesn’t have to be boring or overwhelming. Think of it as setting intentions, but with a bit more clarity and a lot less glitter. Knowing where you want to go helps you filter out what’s noise and what’s actually going to get you closer to your dream. You’re the boss here—your plan, your rules.

And remember, no one’s asking for a 10-year spreadsheet of doom. Start small: a year is manageable, tangible, and lets you adjust as life inevitably throws you curveballs.

Dream Big, Then Trim It Down

Strategic planning isn’t about becoming the next Steve Jobs overnight. It’s about figuring out what makes you excited to get out of bed—and how to make that happen without imploding. Start by letting your imagination run wild. What projects light you up? What goals make you giddy (or at least mildly intrigued)? Write it all down.

Once you’ve unleashed the chaos, it’s time to reel it in. Not every idea needs to make the cut. Think of your plan as a curated playlist: only include the tracks you’ll actually listen to. Big goals are great, but smaller, actionable steps are what get you there without losing your mind.

And for the love of all things caffeinated, don’t overcommit. Yes, you can aim to write a book, launch a podcast, and host a summit next year—but maybe not all at once. Prioritize what feels both fun and doable.

Goals: Good, Better, Best

Here’s a pro tip: not all goals are created equal. Aiming for perfection is a fast track to burnout city. Instead, try the “Good, Better, Best” method. It’s like having a menu: your good goal is the appetizer, better is the main course, and best is dessert. You’ll feel accomplished no matter what you achieve, and you won’t beat yourself up if you don’t hit the moon.

For example:

• Good: Write 12 blog posts this year.
• Better: Write 24.
• Best: Dominate the internet with 52 Pulitzer-worthy masterpieces.

Set yourself up for success by defining what “done” looks like. Is it hitting a number? Checking off a task? Celebrating with your favorite snack? Make it clear, make it personal, and make it fun.

Breaking It Down Without Breaking Down

Big goals are terrifying until you break them into smaller, manageable pieces. Writing 52 blog posts in a year sounds like a Herculean feat. Writing four a month? Suddenly doable. Quarterly planning is your best friend here.

Start by dividing your year into quarters. What fits where? If you’re planning a big event, like a summit, work backward from the date. What needs to happen and when? Spreading tasks out avoids last-minute panic and lets you enjoy the process instead of dreading it.

Here’s the trick: keep it flexible. Life happens. Plans change. Your strategic plan isn’t carved in stone—it’s a living, breathing thing that should evolve with you.

The Neurodivergent Edge

Here’s the thing: traditional strategic planning doesn’t always work for neurodivergent folks. The rigidity can feel suffocating, and the lack of creativity can be a buzzkill. So, flip the script. Make your plan work for your brain.

Need variety? Give yourself options. Bored easily? Keep a mix of short-term wins and long-term projects. Struggle with follow-through? Break tasks into laughably small chunks and celebrate every little win.

Strategic planning doesn’t have to feel like a corporate chore. It can be a tool for bringing your wildest ideas to life while keeping your sanity intact.

 

Strategic planning isn’t about being perfect or nailing it on the first try. It’s about giving yourself a roadmap—even if it’s scribbled in pencil with a lot of eraser marks. Start with what excites you, trim the fat, and break it down into steps that make sense for your life.

And remember, you’re the boss of this process. Not your business coach, not your inner critic, and definitely not that one person on Instagram who seems to have their life together (spoiler: they don’t). So grab your favorite drink, dream big, and start plotting your path to success—your way.