Why You Don't Follow Through On Your Plans

[@HeartBreathings]

Who's ready for an amazing second half of 2023?? Let me know in the comments if any of these 3 reasons resonated with you and which tip you want to try. Thanks, as always, for watching! Want to join HB90? You can sign up here: heartbreathings.teachable.com/p/hb90-bootcamp

[@schuylergeery-zink1923]

Yes 😭 I often am too ambitious with planning and then wonder why I’m flailing around. I appreciate you’ve been through the highs and lows of a writing career and that you’re so honest about it! ♥️

[@megwriter3power-gg6ml]

I came to the conclusion I would not put pressure on myself. I’ve written 4 detective novels in my series but haven’t published yet because of finances. So I’m taking one step at a time. By the spring of 2024 I intend on publishing 2. Thanks for being encouraging Sarra.🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@HeartBreathings]

Wow 4 is amazing! You're doing great! And it's going to end up being a huge advantage to be ahead on production once you do start publishing!

[@megwriter3power-gg6ml]

Thank you Sarra. I’m also going to save to take your Publish & Thrive course.

[@Danielle2Cats]

Learn cover design, I did.

[@Eileen_Marie]

I hope you never underestimate the deference you make in other people’s lives. I appreciate what you post here, and how you do it.

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much Eileen. This means a lot!

[@suzisaintjames]

When I'm not completing my goal it's usually that I haven't broken down the next step into small enough baby steps or micro actions. For me a micro action needs to be 10 minutes or less (in my mind)... if l think it's going to take longer, I get into overwhelm. (When l say "in my mind", l mean... when l look at the dishes, "in my mind" I'm thinking it will only take 10 minutes, while it really takes an hour.) If "in my mind" I look at all those dishes and l hit overwhelm, l break it down into micro actions, i.e., today I'll do all the glasses, next I'll do the silverware. A lot of time, when I start the first micro action, I'm on a roll... I'll go on to the second action. ... Sometimes the micro action as simple as: get the tools together. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Oh my gosh yesss!! That “other person” were setting goals for us both hilarious and scary accurate haha!

[@jenniferadam2258]

Oh my gosh, I ALWAYS seem to create unrealistic plans and then I DEFINITELY build up negative momentum. I struggle with toxic perfectionism that makes me just procrastinate because I know i can't actually do everything. I am easily distracted and discouraged. Your tips have come at the perfect time for me. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[@eugenia6356]

This made me realize that I was too focused on the bigger outcome, and that instead, I should be more grounded and in the present moment.

[@TheWriteNowMom]

While they all hit home, the negative momentum hits the hardest. I have the worst habit of only seeing what I'm not doing rather than what I've accomplished. I make plans, get excited, only to fizzle out when it's actually time to start, then the next quarter I feel like "what's the point, you're not gonna follow through anyway." So, this time, I'm really gonna focus on the small wins. Today, woke up at 5:30 and wrote 1246 words. First time in a long time!

[@laurlovesliterature]

literally felt like you were speaking to my soul. I have been talking in therapy about how I “can never finish anything” and this just came at the perfect time!

[@sabinewatts6639]

"...planning for habits we don't have yet..." That one phrase is a lightbulb moment!

[@DianeShugart]

Such a truth: you're more productive when you're joyful about what you're doing. But it's so much "easier" to spiral negative than spiral positive. What I need is internal-noise cancelling headphones! (And as always thanks for such solid advice and your positivity; I hope to carry your vibe through a weekend of writing.)

[@ailismckinney1750]

Your videos always seem to show exactly when I need to hear what you have to say. You really are magic, the only way to explain how you know exactly what I need to hear and when I need to hear it.❤

[@HeartBreathings]

This means a lot to me! I spend a lot of time journaling and thinking about what I see people going through and what I feel will be helpful, so when it is, it means so much to me!

[@natashasanders8785]

Oh Sarra....It's as if you've been watching my life on the big screen. 🙈 I've definitely focused on the big goal. And a fe days ago, I was debating Wix vs Squarespace. Ughhh...I've always loved writing and want to write 500 words a day to hone my skills and create a writing habit/routine. I'm always trying to hurry and get it all done now. And what I need to do is take it a step at a time...literally. complete a task a day to move towards my goal. And use a Kanban board to track those accomplishments. Thanks for this video! ❤

[@StellaThyme]

I love the idea of cataloguing and reflecting on our wins, however small. 💙 Myself, I know I don’t do this enough and this is a great reminder to do so. And hopefully, it creates positive momentum 😊

[@cassiewrites8097]

All three reasons definitely resonated with me. 😅 I create impossible plans, get distracted by other things, and I have so much negative momentum. I'll have to actually create a plan that meets me where I am, be super clear about what I need to do, and find my wins! I'm excited to go through HB90 Bootcamp again and really take the time to set up my plans for Q3! 💙

[@HeartBreathings]

I know you can do it!

[@adrianadascalu5908]

You look fantastic in green. May all your plans and dreams come true!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much!

[@samaralloyd521]

Hella long comment incoming lol... The negative Nancy's can say whatever they want, but I find the fact that you are so open about the struggles of writing such a refreshing outlook. Knocking on 50's door (in 3 years lol), I always feel like I'm racing the clock to fulfill my life long dream of being a writer... one I gave up on for over a decade. I only found my way back to that dream and passion in December 2018 when I stumbled across this youtube channel while looking for videos about planning. In your plan with me's, you mentioned being a writer and I went through your channel and found your plotting series. In late 2018, I was still trying to find my way PAST anxiety after a BIG anxiety snap in 2017. After binging ALL your videos, I spoke with my therapist about getting back into writing and she encouraged me. I began plotting in Prep-tober of 2019 (from your workbook that you shared that year) and for the first time, I actually wrote THE END on my first novel on December 1st 2019 (at nearly 64,000 words). I actually hit the 50,000 mark on November 20th. I also learned that year that I was aphantasia and that was why I constantly feel like I am banging my head against a wall when OTHER people's steps don't work for me. 2020 was covid and me learning what worked for ME. 2021 was a rough year losing my brother and mother 6 weeks and 1 day apart. Since that I have struggled, I have faltered, but I have not given up. And that is because you share that we don't HAVE to be perfect and even the greats (that's you 😉) have their ups and downs and that progress forward is still progress. 2023 will be my year. I might not publish hundreds of books, I might. I might not make millions. I might. But I will publish my novels and I will follow my dream of becoming a published author that I've had since I was 15 years old with my first romance novel in my hands. And that WILL HAPPEN because of you. I'm a "everything happens for a reason" and I believe that I found your channel for that reason. Negative Nancy's be dam'med, I am thankful you lay your whole heart out there to make MY journey (an every other author, too) so realistic and possible.

[@HeartBreathings]

Wow, this truly touches my heart. You've had quite a journey, and I'm honored to even be a small part of it. You WILL publish. I 100% believe in you!!

[@jbwoods4450]

I really needed this little chat. The last couple of years have been disastrous for my writing. I went from steady productivity to skidding into burnout, and then hanging around in some sort of limbo where nothing gets done. I was afraid I’d lost my writing joy, and I felt like giving up completely. I’m trying to gently get myself back on track. Your videos are such a great motivator for me! Thank you for making them!

[@ronwynallen9876]

Watch her 4 writing reset videos, it may help

[@1marya.]

For me, meeting myself where I am means getting to know myself better before I even begin planning. Tracking my energy levels and ADHD symptoms in relation to my cycle. Writing out my daily to do list and setting a timer for each task to see how long it actually takes me to finish. By knowing what days I'll be more focused and energized, and how long tasks actually take, I'm now beginning to be able to make plans that I can actually follow through on. My to-do lists are realistic and I know when I can do more and when I can only do a little. I'm FINALLY making progress on my plans because I know myself well enough now to plan for who I actually am.

[@HeartBreathings]

This is huge. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!

[@eeveequeen25]

I set a goal of finishing my novel this year, without properly breaking it down into steps like you said! Now I'm trying to be more specific and realistic in my goals, and using 3 month planning has been really helpful too. I'm still learning, but this video resonated with me so strongly. I still carry guilt over having to alter my plans, and feel the urgency you mentioned to get it done asap. I'm so thankful you're always so open about your own experiences - if someone I admire so much hits the same issues, then I can remind myself that we're all only human and we need to practise self compassion ❤

[@HeartBreathings]

♥️

[@msmwriter]

Many times have I not followed through on plans. Can't even count how many. But I'm learning from you (and HB90) how to set smaller, more specific goals. I'm still learning, but let me tell you, I'm a lot better than I used to be. Thank you 💜

[@WaxWithNikki]

Thank you so much for always having words of encouragement Sarra! This video has definitely popped up at the right time in a time of trying to feel better mentally and physically, and it is so helpful to hear the words of working with yourself instead of against yourself. I’ll see you at the kick off call! :D 💜

[@staceyloffredo2947]

This was so concise. It’s like you know me… and my lack of focus😅. The impossible plan aspect is a big issue for me. I never really looked at it as making plans that were unrealistic, I was too focused on beating myself up for not reaching them. This was super helpful. 😊

[@aliciac.7569]

I've come to realize I usually write nothing at all in the first six months. I'm not mentally ready to do so. This used to bother me but after being a professional Indie writer for almost 2 years I realize it's because of seasonal depression and I don't have a quick bounce back period. So I spend time thinking about the stories I want to write. Meanwhile I'm super prolific the 2nd half with what I've spent months thinking ahout. So... it evens out. Thanks to your inspiration and videos I've realized it's okay to not be on a regular schedule or fit time frames. I am unique, as is my process. And that's okay. I make money, I pull in email subscribers and I'm still creating. And now I can be gentle with myself. After all that's one of the reasons I went indie instead of trad-pub. So I can work and do what I love according to how my body and mind allow without stress. Through you, I've also learned the joys of various types of processes, journaling, craft books and all have been instrumental in propelling me forward as well as the wonders of micro goals. Easily digestible plans that I can accomplish over time and before you know it I have several books ready for bulk release. Body doubling is a life saver as well for productivity. For some reason I focus so much better when working in tandem with someone even if it was pre-recorded.. So thank you. And thank you for continuing to inspire us.

[@HeartBreathings]

I love this so much. I'm honored to have been part of this journey for you. It inspires me that you're learning to work with your own cycles and really lean into them!

[@aliciac.7569]

@@HeartBreathings You are a huge part of my journey and I'm thankful every day I came across your videos. The irony is I'd already read a few of your books and didn't make the correlation. But it's nice to have a mentor who not only practices what she preaches but continues to grow right along side the people you mentor. P.S. I am super excited for The Disappearance of Vanessa Shaw. Be well ❤️

[@ailismckinney1750]

🤲 Both hands are definitely raised to all of this.

[@HeartBreathings]

I understand!!

[@magpie_mel]

It's taken me a long time -- and several attempts at tweaking the HB90 system to work with my brain -- but I eventually found the best way to keep me moving forward towards my goals. For me, that's only setting up my kanban board by the month, rather than the whole 90 days (to avoid visual overwhelm and to give me guilt-free flexibility in adjusting my goals as I need to) and I 'under-goal' myself....to counteract my tendency towards those impossible plans you mentioned in the first step (oh, so guilty of that! In my mind, I have maximum energy all of the time and about 28 hours in the day :D). That way, I can overshoot my goals and then feel extra smug...or else simply just complete the projected goals and feel accomplished, triggering the positive momentum. I love that your system allows for that flexibility -- I'm just too contrary to follow strict rules! I'm looking forward to going through this round -- I'm just emerging from a really fallow time, having done a total writer reset and I feel ready and energized to tackle my goals again. I doubt I would've got this far without your example and your encouragement...so thank you!

[@moegirl76]

I almost didn’t watch this video because as someone who watched so many planning videos and later realizing I’m ADHD. I gave up for a year or two while I came to terms with how my brain works differently. Last fall before Nano I found this community and I started to hope and dream again. If this program helps with ADHD productivity than I’m willing to give it a shot. I’m genuinely hopeful because so many things you said had me going ding ding ding!!! I won Nano because of your camp nano videos, community, and encouragement so let’s go again!

[@HeartBreathings]

This means a lot to me!! We have a lot of alumni with ADHD, and I hear almost daily how much it has helped, sometimes with a few tweaks. But that's one of the best things about the system is that it's really flexible to make it your own over time. Plus, you'll have the support of the community if you run into any issues with adapting it, and everyone is so helpful!

[@PlanwithLaken]

Another great video! HB90 has made such a difference in my life and so excited for a new quarter!!

[@jenller]

"All progress is a Win!" I love this! You should make this as a sticker!

[@hersabbatical580]

The rabbit hole is EXACTLY what I have just gone through this morning! "Website...branding...check emails...do I need a filing system...off to IKEA website...but that's not what I am looking for...oh wait...my website!" I have used your HB90 system a few years ago, which was great, but have forgotten EVERYTHING :D Thank you for the reminder! Going to sort these microactions now :) THANK YOU.

[@chrissasandlin8344]

Love the idea of planning for the "planner person" within. My planner person is really happy with brandnew charts & blank paper...then she goes away until it's time for another plan. :) What I need is "writer person" to show up (or, more accurately, "revision person"). Also relate very much to imagining the result rather than imagining the work, then the result.

[@HeartBreathings]

This is such a good way to describe it!

[@AuthorJenniferNAdams]

Thank you so much for this! Sometimes we need to hear the words or a pep talk. I have struggled the last few years in my author career due to health-related issues. I have been able to get back into it these past few months. It's the small steps that lead to victory, but sometimes it's hard to see.

[@christinaayala5993]

Great video and right on time for me! Thank you so much for putting this out there! It gave me so much clarity. I was able to pause, take a breathe, write out my “to do list” and really look if it’s achievable. I still have some kinks to work out but I think I’m back on track!

[@candicefelice8380]

I just came across this video and omg did I feel this. There is a song that I love and part of it goes “I’m way too young to lie here here forever. I’m way too old to try.” And it really speaks to the part of us that feels like we are running out of time in our lives. We feel so much pressure. I really appreciate this to help me think differently and not feel so bad and not feel like a failure.

[@michellem7225]

Thank you! So much of this is so relatable! I finally finished my rough draft of book1 of a series at the end of April. I’m so excited and I want it published so badly, but the reality is I’m in completely unfamiliar territory and I’ve got to learn some things if I want to do this right. I am very much a step by step kind of person and I know if I try and learn and do too much all at the same time, I will get so overwhelmed I won’t be able to function. I’ve got to go slow, even if I don’t want to. When impatience tries to kick in, I tell myself just finishing the rough draft is a huge accomplishment. HB90 has been such a huge help in keeping me from trying to do too much. I still over plan, but I am getting better!

[@gstra9577]

Saving this video and definitely watching it again on hard days! Thank you! You have thought me how to give myself some grace without being toxic positive, but actually believing the good,little things I can do or have accomplished and for that I am incredibly thankful! That's the best motivation for me to start again or make changes to move closer to my goals ❤

[@woodlandlady7011]

Such fantastic advice, Sarra. It's like you can read my life! Thank you ❤

[@Ravenknight1945]

I do this all the time. I have difficulty in choosing which story ideas or manuscripts to work on. Self-doubt is a big issue that gives me anxieties.

[@luvdaroc]

OMG I feel like you've opened up my brain and are reading my thoughts aloud! Thank you so much, Sarah!

[@HeartBreathings]

I am so glad this meant something to you! I hope it's helpful!

[@PolkadotSparrow]

The first- I appreciate the advice on making plans for who and where you are currently. Light bulb moment! I love your P&T course, and hope to join HB90 soon🤞 Thank you for the helpful info!

[@legalgirl1313]

Lol…you have a crystal ball into my mind! So excited for your course this Sunday! 💓💓💓

[@HeartBreathings]

Can't wait!

[@EvilGrapefruit]

I did the ‘Big Five’ personality test (Jordan Petersons version of it) and in the analysis it said I have really high ‘openness to experience’ which is all about creativity and ideas and very low ‘industriousness’ , so put together it means you have loads of plans but don’t always follow through! Since I have seen that I have recognised it in myself and am trying to limit ideas and hobbies but it is hard, my brain just fires off all over the place all the time

[@tomaria100]

You are tremendously helpful. Wish I could do bootcamp. Maybe in the future.

[@nildam.bonilla5849]

You are so right with spiraling and momentum, today I woke up restless and figured out I was feeling anxious because my toddler had my living room upside-down filled with toys, plus my 3 kid's desks look like a tornado passed and left a mess, but I felt overwhelmed with it all. Decided to start cleaning small (doing dishes and putting a load of laundry) next thing you know I've done 2 loads, washed dishes twice, cleaned both bathrooms, cleaned the cat area, and now I'm half way of dealing with the living room 🙃 I know I won't finish all of it (desks can be done tomorrow)but I already feel so much better because I know I just need to put all the toys where they belong to be done and now I am feeling that my reward will be sitting later for at least an hour of writing without the guilt as I've accomplished a lot today in the "home department"😅 hugs

[@HeartBreathings]

Great job turning that around! That's a huge win!

[@elizabethlandis6050]

Sometimes I think I can do more than I can. I am neurodivergent and have a full time job and some days I don't have the energy to write. Sometimes I don't plan for the low energy days.

[@HeartBreathings]

It can be really hard to know how many of those low energy days to plan for when it's uncertain. If it's possible to track a month and see how many days "on average" you felt like working and how many you had low energy, then also make a list of low energy tasks you can still get done, that might help, but I know for some people even the task of tracking a full month can be challenging.

[@elizabethlandis6050]

@@HeartBreathings Thanks for the suggestion.

[@ImmortalMomentsArt]

I find that when I plan for "where I am", I find I'm down to 1 hour a week to do business, and that seems so useless an amount of time (by the time you have the computer up, timer set, etc, you only have 1/2 hr) and then it's a waste of time to start anything. This is a self defeating attitude, I know. So, currently working on the negative attitudes, by watching abundance videos, motivation correction and affirmations. So that is helping my self-talk, even if it isn't helping the business right now, it will help in the future.

[@HeartBreathings]

I completely understand this, and I think it's a big challenge when you want to see big progress and your "ideal" isn't going to happen, just simply because of time constraints. But.. here's the thing. You actually CAN get things done in an hour. Make it a priority to systematize your setup so you can get as much of that hour as possible, and then pick one single project to work on, instead of multiple. Measure your progress and get as focused as possible. Celebrate even the small wins. And I'm so glad you're filling your mind with positive affirmations and abundance. It definitely will help long term.

[@stephanienielsen3769]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video. I'm doing my own edits now with a rough draft and it definitely feels like an uphill process. Very easy to get overwhelmed. This was just what I needed! Love this channel 💗

[@AmberAlmon]

I do all of these things smh. Thank you for making this video! ❤

[@whimsylore]

Just wanted to say I really needed this perspective, thank you, I really appreciate it.

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

I love your chats Sarra 🥰 I always want to like them twice, cos I like them at the beginning of the video and then you’ll say something else that I really connect with and I go to like it and realise I already did 😅

[@user-Jamie123]

You are such an inspiration. I love your videos. I plan to sign up for HB90 at the next opening in Sept.

[@kokoro_flow]

All of the reasons resonate with me 😅

[@tracy238]

This is so motivating to me. I have attempted HB90 a couple of times, however I haven't done it properly and actually worked out my time and what I can do. I see so much free time and think I have to fill it.

[@theentertainer8467]

Love these videos they really help me with my goals I'm trying to pass my driving test Iv been learning for 2 years and failed twice and I keep being really negative xx

[@leilaakerlund]

Thank you. I need this at this time of my life.

[@bethanyseabolt9387]

This is such a helpful and inspiring video, thank you!

[@thedivinefemme5285]

This was really helpful; thank you! Gave me a lot to think about.

[@lashaunkinard1118]

This was super helpful. It always helps me to work with the things I actually have available and not what I wish I had. Thank you for sharing!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thanks for watching. I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@nadineduerksen6556]

Wow this is helpful.

[@shelbyhecox]

Thank you! This has been my life!

[@pamdwriter]

Yup, this is me.

[@anne-mareegray8762]

I needed to hear this today♥

[@maliacortez]

This resonates so much!

[@HeartBreathings]

So glad to hear it!

[@michellemciver409]

Brilliant insights. Thank you!

[@melinaknox5680]

This is so relatable. OMG. 😂

[@FaithTheFallen]

This is not the point of the video but can I just say how much I adore your earrings, those are fabulous!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you!! They are from my local farmers market and I’ll probably slowly buy everything she sells lol

[@OfficialJBLAKETV]

Wow!! This is spot on!!!

[@RavagesOfHonor]

Your example about ping-ponging around from project to project is right on. The thing is, how do you know how long something you've never done will take so you can plan for it? When I re-did my website all the "fast and easy" hype led me to expect it might take a few hours tops. After all, that's what everyone promises. I tracked the project and it took over sixty hours spread out over the better part of a month (because of the back and forth with support and watching tutorials for this or that). There was no way I could have anticipated that or scheduled for it. Now I know better should I decide to ever do it again, but I guess what I'm basically asking is about handling or anticipating unknown unknowns. Thanks.

[@JimmieHammel]

This was a really great video, Sarra. I wish I had viral video magic, because I think every human being on the planet could benefit from this info.

[@susanbuckminster282]

Thank you!

[@hindenburg2006]

10:58 I don’t appreciate being attacked like this!🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@HeartBreathings]

😅 I only know because I've been there!!

[@jessicaladd85]

Oh the social media rabbit hole!!!!

[@janellesearles9011]

I am so guilty of this. I have planners beyond planners and plan it all out. I'm thinking I'm just going to get up early, not just sit and watch a movie or read a book. It's hard to realize that I don't feel great all the time. I don't want to do something sometimes. I just get so depressed or anxious that I can't do anything at all. Then I spiral.

[@HeartBreathings]

I understand how you feel. It's tough to have sometimes when we feel like we can do it, get pumped up for it, but then reality hits and we just can't work up the energy to stick to it. Any system, even HB90 isn't going to be a perfect "fix" for that, because I think it takes a lot of personal growth and acceptance too, but even if we can find a way to harness the good days, plan for the off ones, and love ourselves through the ups and downs, maybe we can eliminate some of the spiral. And that can be a huge win in itself. Cheering for you.

[@janellesearles9011]

When will the next (the one after this) hb90 boot camp be? I may need to just take a vacation week 😂 I have to ask off months in advance. I wish I was kidding. 😅

[@HeartBreathings]

The next one will be the week of September 10th! I hope you can join us!

[@christinaayala5993]

11:19 😂😂😂😂have you been following me around this week? I feel attacked bahahaha

[@HeartBreathings]

😂 It's so easy to do!! I basically have to write down my exact task I want to get done and start a timer. These days, i'm also having to put my phone in a different room! The struggle is real but we keep searching for solutions and we'll be okay!

[@christinaayala5993]

@@HeartBreathings I have to do the same with tasks (write them down and set a timer). I put my phone in focus mode and hide in the room I’m in so I can’t see it 😂. And yes! We’ll get it done as long as we focus and proceed!

[@Blue_Moon_33]

Thank you for mentioning ADHD. Do you have it or not? Because I believe I have 8 symptoms out of 10, I still did not take the required medication, but I'm trying to find ways to finish my projects.

[@lyzzybelle]

So so guilty!!!!

[@josieann4390]

💜💜

[@pinkskiestoday]

First!

[@sovereign_soul_2024]

💜🧡💜🧡💜

[@ChristieOdendaal-mz5ng]

I only here stop adding so much on your plate, focus on what you can do. Here I thought trying to have 3 KZbin channels was to much. Maybe I did not focus on the right area

[@kayisaac7621]

9:38 All this....Sounds like ADHD to me.

[@HeartBreathings]

It might be ADHD for some people who struggle in this way, but it might also be a sign of stress, being overwhelmed, or just struggling to focus (which isn't always because of ADHD, which goes into many more combination of symptoms for some). But totally possible if you're struggling in this way that it could be ADHD related! If this is the case, I highly recommend seeking support from your doctor as part of your care.

[@cassandraschmidt5759]

Guilt of Rabbit Hole 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@portiawebb533]

This is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo HELPFUL!!! Thank you❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 *Realistic \ Tailored goals for our OWN energy levels; -NOT some else’s!!!!! 👀🏆