Episode 40: Why I Broke Up With PowerSheets This Year

I did it – I broke up with PowerSheets. I know, I know. Last year, I swore by the process. Don’t get me wrong, I am really glad that I made the investment and tried the process. But after 365 days of it, I decided to try something new in 2023 to track progress on all of my goals. I needed the best planner for goal setting and I think I found it! My solution is a goal notebook that I created for myself. After only 44 days in 2023, I don’t think I’m ever going back to PowerSheets. Let me explain …

Why I Ditched PowerSheets

The reason I invested in PowerSheets back in 2022 was because it was depicted as the best planner for goal setting. As a goal enthusiast, this was right up my alley. And while PowerSheets is a great tool, I found myself craving something more customizable. PowerSheets felt repetitive with my MAP Book in many ways and I had a hard time justifying the price.

Ready to set-up your own notebook system? Click here to download your free notebook system set-up guide, in 60 minutes or less.

What I Am Doing Instead

Let’s talk about what I am doing instead for 2023. I searched for years for the perfect planner. And if you have been around here for awhile, you know that I ended up creating my own notebook system that I lovingly call my MAP Book (if you are interested in downloading a free MAP Book set-up guide, you can do that here). So when PowerSheets no longer felt like the right fit, I asked myself: “Why don’t I create my own goal planning system?” 

That is exactly what I did. I grabbed a blank notebook that I bought at Homegoods a few years back. In the notebook, I mapped out what I needed a goal notebook to do for me. It was important to me that I have a place to reflect on the year that just passed. After that, I wanted to be able to record my hopes for the upcoming year and then be able to list all of the action steps from my personal growth plan. 

To be honest, I love the idea that I can have a running record of how my goals progress as the year goes on. Can you tell that I am a little obsessed with goals?!

What My Goal Notebook Looks Like

So what does my goal notebook look like anyway? When you open my goal notebook, you first see the table of contents. This is where I write down the title of each page so that I can find it quickly. 

With the table of contents, you can clearly see three sections: 

• Annual Review 
• Planning for 2023 
• Personal Growth Plan Goals & Action Steps

The first section is dedicated to my annual review process (you can learn more about my annual review process in episode 26). This is where I reflect on the year that just passed and work through several exercises. 

After the annual review, I took time to plan, dream and visualize for 2023. Who do I want to be on December 31, 2023? If I could order my ideal year on Amazon Prime, what would it look like? This took a lot of space as I allowed myself time and energy to let my imagination run wild.

Finally, I get down to business with the personal growth plan goals that I select. In the last episode, I shared my personal growth plan for the first quarter of 2023. In my goal notebook, you can see each of these habits, systems and personal growth areas broken down into specific actions. I used sticky notes to separate the goals. The sticky notes also help me to reference certain pages quickly. My hope is that I will be able to write down my progress on each goal each month. I love the idea of being able to go through each goal at the end of the year to see all of my work in one place. 

How I Have Been Using My Goal Notebook

How have I been using my goal notebook? I’m so glad you asked. In January, I spent most of the month focused on my annual review. As I have mentioned in the past, I take most of January to work through my annual review and dreaming for the year ahead. Why? I don’t believe that this process can be rushed! The idea that if you don’t have your goals set in stone by January 1st is short-sighted. I would rather take my time to set meaningful goals that will progress me on my journey faster, than rush to set goals that will have little impact.

At this point in February, I have set out all of my goals, habits and systems for the year, using my personal growth plan. I keep my goal notebook right next to my bed and try to write down any progress on any action steps every 2-3 days. This practice isn’t perfect, but it does remind me of the consistency that I would check in with my PowerSheets. I love that it feels like I am constantly immersed in my goals and my daily actions, for the first time, truly feel aligned.

Why I am Loving It More than PowerSheets

There are a few reasons that I am loving my goal notebook more than PowerSheets. First, the notebook was way less of an investment. PowerSheets didn’t go on sale for Black Friday this year, and it felt expensive for what it was. 

Second, I love how I am able to see everything, all in one place. I am not hunting around for different documents on different Google accounts, in different folders. 

Finally, as I mentioned above, PowerSheets was beginning to feel repetitive with my MAP Book system. I didn’t need the habit trackers or tending lists, since my MAP Book provided me with a lot of that already. If you haven’t tried my fully customized notebook system, I definitely recommend checking it out. You can do that here. 

How I Plan To Use it in 2023 

This is the first year that I am implementing my goal notebook process, so I am very curious to see how it goes. As of right now, my plan is to check in with it informally every few days. Then, as part of my end-of-month routine, I will take the time to update each goal. Hopefully, that will help me see patterns and gaps. 

I think this tool will also be really helpful as I do my quarterly check-ins. Again, having everything all in one place seems magical! 

Finally, I can see myself using this as the perfect jumpstart to my annual review at the end of this year. A lot of my thoughts and reflections will already be organized. It will also be very clear which goals have been attained, versus which ones need more attention in the future. 

So what do you think, can you see yourself using a goal notebook in 2023? 

Let’s Make a Plan!

Take a moment to think about how using a notebook system might help you. If you are new to the idea of a MAP Book, I highly recommend downloading my free set-up guide here. You will receive a download to start setting your system up right away. And I know you’re busy, mama, so it will take you 60 minutes or less from start to finish! 

If you have been using the MAP Book system for awhile, take a moment to consider tracking your goals this year in a separate notebook. Even if it’s later in 2023, now is a great time to get yourself set-up and practice the system. After all, all you need is a notebook! 

I truly hope you enjoyed this episode! If you did, be sure to subscribe on Spotify so you don’t miss next week’s episode. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start sharing your personal growth plan with your partner. Whether it’s over dinner at a fancy restaurant or on the couch in your comfy pants, here are some tips to make this a conversation that will inspire you and your partner!

Finally, if you want to connect between episodes, be sure to give me a follow over on Instagram – @sharonlegercoaching. I would love to support you on your personal growth journey! 

Did You Love This Episode?

If so, be sure to share it with a friend – this helps busy moms like you to find me!

And finally, you can also check out these related episodes that I think you’ll be obsessed with:

I’m Writing a Book!

Plan Your First Solo Personal Growth Retreat

How I Used Powersheets in 2022