Episode 21 | 4 Planning Prompts That Help When Creating a Holistic Plan
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Welcome to The Eleshia Lifestyle Podcast
As entrepreneurs, we are often juggling business commitments, family life and personal responsibilities. It can be easy to focus on the tasks we need to complete while forgetting to check in with ourselves.
In this episode of The Eleshia Show, Eleshia Harris shares practical planning prompts from her E-Lifestyle Implementation Summer School. The session helped female business owners create dedicated time to work on their businesses while still making space for family, health and wellbeing.
This conversation is a reminder that a useful plan should consider more than business targets. It should also reflect how you are feeling, what you have achieved and what you need to move forward sustainably.
In This Episode
How to review the previous month across business, lifestyle and wellbeing.
Why recording your achievements matters.
How to identify challenges that could affect your plans.
Why sleep, nutrition, hydration and self-care belong in your planning process.
How to work backwards from a goal to identify the next steps.
The value of dedicated work time, accountability and supportive community.
Quote of the Episode
“Sometimes we forget to celebrate how much we’ve actually achieved.”
Episode Summary
Planning is not simply about creating a longer to-do list. It is about understanding where you are, deciding what matters and giving yourself the time and support to take action.
In this episode, Eleshia reflects on the first E-Lifestyle Implementation Summer School, which gave participants dedicated time to work on their businesses during the summer holidays without losing sight of family commitments.
She explains why reviewing your progress should include your whole life, rather than focusing solely on business performance. Your health, energy, family responsibilities and personal circumstances can all affect what you can realistically achieve.
Eleshia also encourages listeners to write down their achievements, acknowledge challenges and think carefully about the practical steps needed to move projects forward. Using planning tools, calendar reminders and structured work sessions can help turn intentions into action.
The key message is to create a plan that supports the life you want to lead, not one that leaves you constantly trying to catch up.
⭐ Put It Into Practice: Four Planning Prompts
Set aside some quiet time to reflect honestly on the questions below. Write down your answers rather than relying on memory.
1. How did last month go overall?
Look beyond your business results. Consider your lifestyle, health, wellbeing, relationships and personal commitments.
Ask yourself:
What went well?
How did I feel physically and emotionally?
Did I make enough time for rest and the people who matter to me?
What would I like to change next month?
2. What have I achieved?
Record your achievements, both big and small. It is easy to move straight on to the next task without recognising the progress you have already made.
Consider:
What have I completed?
What progress have I made towards my goals?
What am I proud of?
What deserves to be acknowledged or celebrated?
Writing your achievements down gives you a clearer picture of how far you have come and helps you approach the next month with greater perspective.
3. What challenges need my attention?
Identify the obstacles that could affect your plans. Think about business, family responsibilities, health, self-care and the practical demands on your time.
Ask yourself:
What has been difficult?
What might prevent me from achieving my priorities?
Am I getting enough sleep, nutrition and hydration?
Do I need to ask for help, adjust a deadline or change my approach?
The aim is not to criticise yourself. It is to understand what is happening so you can make a realistic plan.
4. What is my plan of action?
Turn your priorities into manageable steps. Work backwards from the outcome you want and identify what needs to happen first.
Ask yourself:
What are my most important priorities?
What can I realistically complete this week?
What time do I need to set aside to focus?
What reminders, resources or support would help?
How will I review my progress and stay accountable?
Use your calendar or planning document to make the next steps visible. If a task feels too large, break it down into smaller actions that you can work through.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Review your whole life: Business progress is only one part of the picture.
Celebrate your achievements: Make time to recognise what you have already accomplished.
Identify challenges early: Consider the personal and practical factors that may affect your goals.
Include wellbeing in your plan: Sleep, nutrition, hydration and self-care matter.
Make your next steps clear: Break goals into manageable actions and schedule time to work on them.
Use accountability: Supportive people and dedicated work sessions can help you maintain momentum.
Leave room for real life: A useful plan should support your family commitments and personal priorities as well as your business.
🌿 Eleshia's Reflection
For Eleshia, planning is about bringing business and life together rather than treating them as separate priorities. She wants to build her business while making time for herself and her family.
Her experience of running the Summer School also highlights the value of creating a supportive environment where business owners can focus, share progress and receive encouragement without feeling judged.
You do not have to do everything at once. Start by being honest about where you are, recognise what you have achieved and decide what needs your attention next.
💬 Conversation Starters
Use these questions for your own journalling or discuss them with a trusted friend, coach or accountability partner.
What has gone well for me over the past month?
Which achievement have I not given myself enough credit for?
What has been taking the most time or energy?
What do I need to change to support my wellbeing?
What are my three most important priorities for the coming month?
What support or accountability would help me follow through?
🔗 Helpful Resources & Related Episodes
Continue your listening:
Episode 20: How I Conquer Burnout — explore practical ways to protect your wellbeing and recognise when you need to change your approach.
Episode 15: 8 Things to Consider When Life Gets Overwhelming — revisit practical ideas for managing competing demands and making space for what matters.
Explore more with Eleshia Lifestyle:
Visit the Eleshia Lifestyle website to discover more conversations and support for building your business while navigating real life.
Continue the Conversation: Mindful Parenting
Continue the Conversation: The Magic Is You
Eleshia recommends revisiting her conversations with Michelle Rohr:
In these episodes, Michelle shares her journey of changing her mindset and behaviour so she could step forward and make an impact. They complement this episode's message about listening to yourself, recognising your potential and making changes that support the life you want to create.
Explore More Wellbeing Conversations
If this episode resonated with you, explore Latest Conversations on The Eleshia Lifestyle website for more discussions about self-care, mindset, women's health and managing the demands of everyday life.
You may also enjoy:
Episode 15: 8 Things to Consider When Life Gets Overwhelming — practical ideas for creating more space, setting boundaries and managing competing responsibilities.
Episode 16: The Things You Need to Know About Perimenopausal Belly Fat with Pamela Windle — a conversation about perimenopause and women's wellbeing.
Continue Listening
If this episode has encouraged you to review your plans, choose another conversation from The Eleshia Show and keep building a business and lifestyle that work together.
Join the Eleshia Lifestyle community for regular insights on business growth, wellbeing and navigating real life.
Visit Eleshia Lifestyle to explore the latest conversations and sign up for lifestyle and business insights.
Until next time, take care of yourself.
Eleshia Harris
The Eleshia Lifestyle Podcast
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