Define’s Guide To Umbrella Goal Planning
At Define, we believe in navigating each day with purpose, and our Umbrella Goal Planning System is designed to help you set and achieve your goals with clarity and intention. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use this system within your Define Softbound Planner (A5 size), turning your aspirations into actionable steps.
Getting Started: Understanding the System
At the beginning of your Define planner, you’ll find a welcome page introducing the structure of the planner and a step-by-step guide on how to use the Umbrella Goal Planning System. This is your go-to resource whenever you need a refresher on how to break down your goals and stay on track.
Now, let’s dive into the goal-setting process!
Step 1: Define Your Umbrella Goals
Flip to Section 1 to locate the Umbrella Goal Planning page—this is your personal roadmap. At Define, we have identified six key goal-setting pathways, allowing you to align your objectives with your purpose. These pathways include:
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Career
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Health & Wellness
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Fitness
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Personal Development
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Relationships
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Financial
Choose one or multiple pathways to focus on. Your Umbrella Goals represent long-term aspirations within these categories. For example:
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Fitness: Run a 5K
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Personal Development: Read 12 books this year
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Financial: Save more money
This page is designed for flexibility—set your goals at your own pace and revisit them throughout the year as you progress.
Step 2: Monthly Goal Breakdown
Turn to your monthly calendar. In the top left corner, you’ll find a section labeled “This Month’s Pathway Focus”—this is where you select the pathway you want to prioritize for the month. For example, if you choose Fitness, write it down as your focus.
In the bottom right-hand corner of the monthly spread, you’ll see a section titled “Break down your umbrella goals for this month’s pathway focus into monthly action items.” This is where you take your big goal and break it down into smaller steps.
For instance, if your goal is to run a 5K in three months, your monthly action items might be:
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Walk 1.5 miles, 3x a week
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Stay hydrated
Draw an arrow from your umbrella goal to your monthly action items, visualizing the connection between your long-term vision and short-term actions. If you wish to focus on multiple pathways, repeat this process for additional goals.
Step 3: Weekly Goal Execution
Your weekly spread further breaks down your monthly action items into manageable weekly steps. In the top left corner of the weekly spread, you’ll find a section for “This Week’s Pathway Focus.”
For example, if you’ve chosen Fitness, write it here. Then, in the bottom right-hand corner, under “Break down your monthly action items into weekly action items,” translate your monthly goals into weekly steps. Using the Run a 5K goal as an example:
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Monthly Action Item: Walk 1.5 miles, 3x a week
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Weekly Action Item: Walk 1.5 miles on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
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Hydration Goal: Drink 64 oz of water daily
We recommend scheduling your weekly action items into your planner to enhance accountability and track your progress effectively.
Step 4: Reflect & Adjust
At the end of each month, your planner provides a Monthly Reflection Spread with prompts to help you evaluate your progress. This reflection process allows you to celebrate achievements, identify challenges, and adjust your plan to stay motivated and on track.
Start Your Journey with Define
The Umbrella Goal Planning System is designed to help you take control of your aspirations and navigate life with purpose. Whether you’re striving to improve your fitness, advance your career, or build stronger relationships, Define’s structured yet flexible approach ensures that your goals remain achievable and meaningful.
Start planning today with your Define Softbound Planner and take the first step toward making your dreams a reality!
See It in Action: Umbrella Goal Planning on YouTube
Want a visual walkthrough of the Umbrella Goal Planning System? Watch our step-by-step guide on YouTube! See how to break down your goals, track progress, and stay motivated—all within your Define Softbound Planner.