

PLAN GOAL PLAN | Goals, Transformation for Women, Mindful Time Management, Balance, Working Moms
Danielle McGeough, PhD | Burnout Recovery Strategist
** Top 1.5% Globally Ranked Podcast **
You know that feeling—when life looks full of achievement, but something inside still feels... off-script?
Welcome to the Plan Goal Plan Podcast, where we turn planning and goal setting into a ritual of self-revelation and intentional living.
I’m Danielle McGeough—professor, mom, recovering overachiever, and ritual nerd. After years of chasing big goals and crossing off endless to-do lists, I hit a milestone—and felt completely unmoored. That’s when I stopped planning to prove myself, and started planning to be myself.
Each episode offers tools, insights, and rituals to help you:
Set meaningful goals that reflect who you truly are
Create intentional routines that support joy and purpose
Turn everyday planning into a powerful personal growth practice
Feel focused and fulfilled—without the burnout
Whether you’re leading a team, managing a household, or navigating change, this podcast will help you reclaim your time, reimagine your goals, and build a life that feels lived-in—not just productive.
Let’s plan a life that feels like yours—on purpose, with heart, and one gentle step at a time.
Learn more: https://www.plangoalplan.com/
Email: support@plangoalplan.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mcgeough-phd-b673334
You know that feeling—when life looks full of achievement, but something inside still feels... off-script?
Welcome to the Plan Goal Plan Podcast, where we turn planning and goal setting into a ritual of self-revelation and intentional living.
I’m Danielle McGeough—professor, mom, recovering overachiever, and ritual nerd. After years of chasing big goals and crossing off endless to-do lists, I hit a milestone—and felt completely unmoored. That’s when I stopped planning to prove myself, and started planning to be myself.
Each episode offers tools, insights, and rituals to help you:
Set meaningful goals that reflect who you truly are
Create intentional routines that support joy and purpose
Turn everyday planning into a powerful personal growth practice
Feel focused and fulfilled—without the burnout
Whether you’re leading a team, managing a household, or navigating change, this podcast will help you reclaim your time, reimagine your goals, and build a life that feels lived-in—not just productive.
Let’s plan a life that feels like yours—on purpose, with heart, and one gentle step at a time.
Learn more: https://www.plangoalplan.com/
Email: support@plangoalplan.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mcgeough-phd-b673334
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 16, 2024 • 13min
For Growth-Minded Women Struggling With Work-Life Balance | Ep. 125
Free From Busy Masterclass (Open Now!)
Are you a high achiever who's feeling a little flat lately? Do you struggle to find the right work-life balance? Listen to this episode of Plan Goal Plan podcast for insights on escaping the common trap of overcommitment that many successful professionals fall into. Host Danielle McGeough explores the struggle of being overwhelmed with daily tasks, feeling guilty about personal time, and the constant stress of unmet goals.
Discover the pitfalls of overcommitting yourself, failing to delegate, and sacrificing personal time in the pursuit of what seems like perfection. Learn how these strategies are actually counterproductive as they add to your stress rather than alleviate it. Dive into a discussion on the "Superwoman Syndrome"—the misguided belief that maximum personal and professional achievement requires an unbalanced, all-in effort.
However, it's not all doom and gloom! Danielle suggests a solution and guides you towards a new approach: a women-centered method to planning and goal setting that respects both your professional ambition and personal life. Find out how focusing on well-being, rather than success can help you achieve a better work-life balance.
This episode provides tools and strategies to help you deal with the challenges that come with being a high achiever and outlines a path leading to decreased stress and increased joy.
If you’re ready to move from overwhelmed to overjoyed, listen now to start your journey towards a more balanced, purposeful life.
Connect with Danielle:
Break Free From Busy Masterclass (Open Now!)
FREE Coaching Call: Schedule here!
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/

Apr 9, 2024 • 16min
Exploring Empowered Habits and Their Role in Personal Growth | Ep. 124
Are you seeking to adopt consistent habits? Despite consuming several habit-formation resources like Charles Duhigg's Power of Habits, James Clear's Atomic Habits, or Tiny Habits by B.J. Fogg, consistency may still feel elusive. If this resonates with you, this episode discusses a concept called "empowered habits."
Empowered habits is an innovative approach designed to redefine habit formation that fosters personal growth, deep connections, and authenticity. This method challenges the conventional understanding of habits, offering a more tailored approach that's grounded in individual values and emotional well-being.
This episode also explores the difference between habits, practices, routines, and rituals, and illuminates how empowered habits bridge the gap between conventional habit formation and a more intuitive and authentic approach. Through a blend of research and practical exercises, the episode proposes ways to create habits that align with our intrinsic values, build community, and strengthen emotional resilience.
Beyond that, it provides an overview of how empowering habit loops encourage creativity, account for our natural energy cycles, and respect the need for flexibility. Catered specifically for high-achieving women, the episode unpacks how these empowered habits can foster meaningful growth and a fulfilling lifestyle.
Whether you're a professional, a planning enthusiast, or someone seeking personal growth and balance, this episode delivers unique insights and actionable steps to help transform your life. Get ready to feel energized, enlightened, and equipped to tackle your goals in an entirely new and empowering way.
Connect with Danielle:
Break Free From Busy Masterclass (Open Now!)
FREE Coaching Call: Schedule here!
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/

Apr 2, 2024 • 16min
Are Your Goals Dull? Celebrating Mundane Goals and the Creativity They Foster | Ep. 123
In this episode of Plan Goal Plan, we explore the idea of dull goals—that's right, the mundane and ordinary tasks that often form our daily routines. Have you ever looked at your to-do list and wondered if you're doing something wrong? Perhaps you feel societal pressure to be more exciting or adventurous. But what if we told you that there's beauty and immense value in these seemingly dull tasks?
We celebrate anyone who feels they've become "dull" and provide techniques to embrace this state and see the creativity it fosters. Planning and goal setting need not add pressure to your life but can instead serve as a means to clarify purpose, reclaim time, and achieve goals playfully and lightly.
In this episode, we break down all the ways dull goals can work to our advantage. They can be a form of mindfulness, a spur for personal growth, or even a foundation for more exciting pursuits. What's more, we explore how creativity can transform dull tasks into engaging projects, introducing an element of fun into the mundane, and how gamifying certain activities can also add an element of excitement and challenge to seemingly dull tasks.
Join us, as we revel in the dull, and discover how it can lead to a life that's anything but. We'll also delve into how to distinguish between constructive dull goals and those that might be a sign you're doing something you don't want to do. Finally, we extend an invitation to embrace dullness, to rid yourself of societal pressures, and to find joy in the simplicity of daily life.
So whether you are a planner addict, a professional, a mom, or a recovering overachiever, tune in to tap into the potential of the dull. Let's explore together how to make memories, do meaningful work, and live a life of balance and delight. Come and find value in simplicity and watch how it can transform your life.
Connect with Danielle:
Free VISION Goal Setting Workshop: Register here!
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/

Mar 28, 2024 • 25min
Let's Talk About Aging: Balancing Professional Life with Caring for Aging Parents with Janice Goldmintz | Ep. 122
In this insightful episode, we delve into the complexities of caring for aging parents while maintaining personal and professional responsibilities. Our esteemed guest, Janice Goldmintz, a renowned figure in the field of gerontology and the founder of "Talk About Aging", enlightens us with her invaluable insights on managing these delicate transitions in life.
From sharing her personal journey that commenced with her grandmother's nursing home experience to discussing how to turn caregiving challenges into opportunities for connection, Janice offers practical solutions based on her vast knowledge and expertise. Emphasizing the need for proactive measures-like financial planning, fostering relationships with healthcare professionals, and generating intergenerational dialogues-she guides listeners towards enriching the lives of both the caregivers and the elderly individuals.
Driving home the importance of quality life for seniors, Janice navigates the stigmas and complexities surrounding aging, money, and health. She accentuates the need for early conversations and collective care leading to aging with dignity and joy. Not only does she shed light on caregiving roles but also handles the well-being of the caregivers through a balance between caregiving responsibilities and personal life.
With the guidance of personal experiences, Janice unfolds insightful strategies for managing multiple responsibilities while emphasizing the critical role of planning. The episode discusses the positive implications of being prepared, both for expected and unforeseen situations. It stresses the necessity of accessing available support from specialized organizations and the tangible benefits such resources can offer.
This introspective episode concludes with Janice offering practical tips on rallying support from family members, friends, and paid help, underscoring that you don't have to carry the caregiving burden alone. Aimed at offering a fresh perspective on aging and caregiving, this conversation will equip listeners with practical advice, professional insights, and empathetic understanding.
Connect with Janice:
janice@talkaboutaging.com
talkaboutaging.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086971317389 Aging Parents site
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiMBLKYog88
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMozjxZ_HAk
Connect with Danielle:
FREE Coaching Call: Schedule here!
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/

Mar 27, 2024 • 23min
Beyond the To-Do List: The Mental Load of Motherhood with Valerie Recore | Ep. 121
In this enlightening episode, we delve into the rarely addressed, yet crucial topic of the Mental Load of Motherhood. Joined by our special guest, Productivity Specialist and Certified Fair Play Method Facilitator - Valerie Recore, we bring to light the invisible weight carried by mothers across the globe. Every day, moms juggle multiple responsibilities in both their personal and professional lives, leading to a significant mental load - a compounding of unseen everyday tasks essential for families.
We explore why this burden seldom falls on men, uncover the cultural and historical roots behind this pattern, and kickstart a conversation on how these trends can be shifted. Valerie shares her actionable advice on aligning family values, setting realistic household standards, and the importance of prioritizing self-care and communication. This episode is an empowering resource for working moms, and those seeking to advocate for them.
Feeling overwhelmed by chaotic life schedules? We guide you to effective goal-setting strategies that are enjoyable, manageable, and yield real results. And more, we delve deep into a vital discussion about the mental load of motherhood with Valerie. Discover mothers' experiences with this unseen burden, its impact on relationships, and the importance of acknowledgment and resolution.
We examine societal structures that lead to this mammoth 'mental load', primarily experienced by mothers, and delve into the importance of clear communication, evaluation of personal and family values, and the unsustainable practice of societal acceptance through a brave front. With candid discussions on balancing tasks, busting stereotypes, and recognizing values, we bring you practical advice on overcoming parental overwhelm, addressing cultural norms and prioritizing self-care amidst chaos.
Join the conversation evaluating societal conditioning, breaking norms for happiness's sake, and dare to ask the hard questions. Are societal expectations driving you? Or are actions stemming from pure love and enjoyment? Understand what your actions reveal about your values. Tune in as we explore the challenging waters of parental overwhelm, shedding light on this largely silenced issue and discussing solutions that can make a positive impact. Be part of the change society urgently calls for.
Connect with Valerie:
Private podcast: https://strideproductivity.com/schoolpickup/
https://strideproductivity.com/
https://www.facebook.com/StrideProductivity
https://www.instagram.com/strideproductivity/
Connect with Danielle:
FREE Coaching Call: Schedule here!
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/

Mar 26, 2024 • 17min
Unstoppable Leadership: Victoria Pelletier on Empowering Women, Whole Human Leadership, and Resilient Goal Setting | Ep. 120
Dive into this special episode of Plan Goal Plan as we welcome inspiring corporate leader, Victoria Pelletier. Known for her relentless drive and knack for pushing boundaries, Victoria reveals how to foster an environment that allows everyone to excel. As a successful author and prominent figure in the corporate leadership world, her journey from adversity to breaking down barriers is truly inspiring. Join us in this powerful narrative of a young executive, mother, and proud member of the LGBT community, who has redefined leadership.
This episode delves into Victoria's unique philosophy of whole human leadership. This approach champions authenticity, vulnerability, and absolute faith in every individual's potential for a meaningful contribution. She elaborates on her unique approach to goal setting, highlighting the need for resilience, clarity, and radical candor. Listen in as Victoria's inspiring story motivates you to challenge your limitations, dream big, and pave the way for an environment fostering growth and productivity.
Additionally, this episode casts light on Victoria's concept of "unstoppable" leadership and the intricate connection it shares with setting goals. She emphasizes the significance of personal philosophy and enduring resolve in overcoming obstacles and adversities. Victoria also explains her process of setting high-performing objectives for her team, underlining the critical role of clear expectations in building the foundation for organizational success.
Further into the conversation, Victoria shed light on the relevance of resilience in navigating the constant changes in contemporary business environments. Amid shifting trends like hybrid work environments and tech innovations, adaptability and resilience have become increasingly valuable for maintaining focus, delivering with intention, and achieving success.
The session rounds off with a crucial message for the audience, particularly for women who may limit their aspirations due to self-doubt or disheartening circumstances. Victoria urges everyone to set ambitious goals fearlessly and pursue them relentlessly. Join us in this revelatory episode, and redefine your vision of what's possible!
Connect with Victoria:
Website: https://victoria-pelletier.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriapelletier/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PelletierV29
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoria_pelletier_unstoppable/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Victoria.Pelletier.Speaker
Medium: https://medium.com/@victoriapelletier
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/VictoriaPelletierNoExcuses
YouTube Speaker Reel: https://youtu.be/na8LwVeWsmE
Podcast Guests Profile: https://podcastguests.com/expert/victoriapelletier/
Influence Unleashed Book - Amazon: https://a.co/d/6Ru2NKY
Connect with Danielle:
FREE Coaching Call: Schedule here!
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/

Mar 19, 2024 • 13min
Love and Logistics: How to Collaboratively Plan and Set Goals with Your Partner | Ep.119
In this episode, we dive into the world of planning and goal setting within a relationship. A well-known dilemma for many is how to get their partner to actively participate in the family's planning and goal setting. It can be a challenge, ensuring that the processes do not feel pressurized or critical, but rather collaborative. It's apparent that such shared planning is a key element in fostering connection in a shared life, thus making this discussion an important one.
In this journey to establishing stronger partnerships, there will be a focus on effective strategies for joint planning. The objective here is to not only realize individual goals but collective aspirations as well. The episode poses a solution for those who may feel overwhelmed with the complexity of goal setting.
We further delve into the need for the implementation of effective communication and mutual respect in ensuring that the planning process strengthen partnerships. An emphasis is given on how shared goals can help align individual wants, thus paving the way for a more fulfilling future.
A commonly overlooked aspect of love and logistics is the effect of resentment on the well-being of both the individual and the relationship. We address the trepidation that women often have regarding the unequal distribution of household responsibilities, which often goes unnoticed leading to feelings of resentment. The episode stresses the need for clear communication, setting shared goals, and engaging in regular planning sessions as a team to overcome such issues.
We wrap up with a look at how these strategies don't just help with life's logistics but also serve as tools for improving and strengthening relationships, creating opportunities for effective communication and ensuring a united approach towards a common future. This episode leaves you with strategies to seamlessly incorporate goal setting in your life, fostering an environment that encourages growth, learning, and joint achievement.
Connect with Danielle:
FREE Coaching Call: Schedule here!
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/
Episode Transcript

Mar 12, 2024 • 14min
Embracing Vulnerability, Overcoming Doubt, and Building a Constructive Feedback System for Personal Growth | Ep. 118
Join Danielle McGeough in the latest episode of the Plan Goal Plan podcast titled: "Embracing Vulnerability, Overcoming Doubt, and Building a Constructive Feedback System for Personal Growth." Danielle addresses the vulnerability of plunging into new ventures and handling the accompanying internal unrest and doubt. As a professor, mom, and recovering over-achiever, Danielle shares from her wealth of experience how to infuse ease into life by adopting a streamlined and playful approach to goal-setting and planning.
In this episode, Danielle explores the concept of feedback during these moments of tenderness. Discover the psychological impacts of feedback and how your mindset shapes your response and absorption of feedback. She delves into the realms of constructive and destructive feedback and provides insights into managing solicited and unsolicited feedback, especially when battling vulnerability. She reflects on instances when she experienced both solicited and unsolicited advice and revisits how they influenced her journey. Draw invaluable lessons from her experience submitting an article to a journal and the thoughtful, motivating feedback she received in the wake of a seeming rejection.
In a world where life runs at a fast pace, cultivating a sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence is key. Danielle illuminates the importance of these virtues while receiving feedback. Learn effective strategies to actively seek feedback that revs up your growth rather than stifle your enthusiasm. Understand how to filter feedback, sift through those that propel your growth and let go of the negatives. In moments of vulnerability, take pause, reflect, and strike a balance between feedback and your personal intuition, values, and goals.
Tune in to learn how to approach giving and receiving feedback and use it as a powerful tool for personal and professional development. Navigate the interplay of fear, doubt, hope, and resilience as they usher in new opportunities for growth and discovery. Don't miss this profound exploration where Danielle gently guides you on a path to determination over doubt, boldly and brilliantly reaching your goals.
Connect with Danielle:
FREE Coaching Call: Schedule here!
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/

Mar 5, 2024 • 18min
Break Free from the Urgency Trap: Prioritizing for Success and Well-being | Ep. 117
Do you ever find yourself swamped with tasks, feeling productive yet unfulfilled at the end of the day? In this episode, I dive deep into the urgency trap - that compelling drive to tackle tasks demanding immediate attention, often at the expense of more significant, impactful goals.
This episode is not just about identifying the problem; it's about offering solutions. I explore why we fall into prioritizing urgent tasks over important ones and the long-term impacts of this habit. Through personal anecdotes, feedback from our community, and insights from experts, I unravel the complexities of task prioritization.
I also share actionable strategies to escape this trap. From the enlightening story of the lumberjack and the blunt saw to practical tools like the Eisenhower Matrix and time blocking, I provide a roadmap to align your daily efforts with your core values and long-term objectives.
Remember, it's not always about doing more; it's about doing what's meaningful. Let's embark on this journey together, towards a more productive, balanced, and fulfilling life. Let's do this, together!
Connect with Danielle:
FREE Coaching Call: Schedule here!
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/

Feb 27, 2024 • 15min
Claiming Visibility: Empowering High-Achieving Moms to Be Seen | Ep. 116
In this empowering episode, I delve into the often overlooked struggle of invisibility experienced by high achievers, particularly women. Despite their accomplishments, many find themselves fading into the background, their efforts unnoticed and their voices unheard.
We explore the underlying dynamics of this phenomenon, shedding light on the challenges faced by women striving for recognition and value, both in the workplace and at home. Drawing from Dr. Claire Zammit's insightful work, we identify invisibility as a significant barrier, especially poignant for women of color and those in marginalized positions.
But amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for growth and empowerment. Through introspection and intentional action, we can reclaim our visibility and worth. By nurturing self-awareness, expressing our needs confidently, and prioritizing self-care, we can break free from the shadows and emerge as beacons of inspiration.
The journey to embracing visibility starts with recognizing our intrinsic value and acknowledging our worthiness independent of external validation. It's about advocating for ourselves, setting boundaries, and unapologetically pursuing our aspirations. Together, we can create a supportive community where every high-achieving woman feels seen, heard, and celebrated.
Join us in this transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Together, let's illuminate the path to a future where all women confidently shine and thrive. Embrace your visibility, embrace your worth, and embrace the greatness within you.
Connect with Danielle:
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/