

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

Nov 19, 2024 • 12min
Navigating Holiday Stress: Cognitive Overload, Setting Boundaries, and Embracing Imperfection | Ep. 185
Join the waitlist for Plan Goal Plan Your Year!
In today’s episode, I delve into why so many of us—especially women—experience heightened stress during the holiday season. I talk about cognitive overload, the mental strain that occurs when we’re overwhelmed by tasks, decisions, and responsibilities, which often leads to fatigue and burnout. We cover the power of boundaries, how setting non-negotiables and releasing nonessential commitments can protect our mental energy. I also encourage you to try pre-planning responses to common requests and practice “micro-boundaries,” like finding quiet moments in gatherings to recharge. Finally, I emphasize the importance of self-compassion; the holidays don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. Instead, focus on moments of joy, and allow space for imperfections. With a bit of planning, boundaries, and self-compassion, you can reduce stress, stay present, and truly enjoy what matters most this holiday season. Here’s to a magical, balanced, and less overwhelming holiday.
Join the waitlist for Plan Goal Plan Your Year!
Connect with Danielle:
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Join the Plan Goal Plan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/
Be bold, be balanced, and most of all, be well. See you next time!

Nov 14, 2024 • 43min
The Power of Reframing: How Positive Psychology and Gratitude Practices Can Improve Your Life with Marc Fussell | Ep 184
In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Marc Fussell, founder of the nonprofit Take Two Minutes, to explore how positive psychology and gratitude practices can enhance mental wellness. Marc shares the inspiring story behind his platform, created to support people of all ages through practical tools like meditations, gratitude journaling, and anxiety relief exercises. We discuss the science of positive psychology, including how practices like “Three Good Things” and gratitude journaling can rewire the brain to improve overall happiness and reduce stress. Marc offers insights into creating meaningful, lasting changes in mindset—without falling into the trap of toxic positivity. He also highlights the power of small, consistent habits to bring calm, resilience, and positivity into daily life. If you’re ready to make positivity a core part of your journey, this conversation provides actionable steps and inspiration to get started.
Connect with Marc:
Website: http://www.take2minutes.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcfussell/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/take2min/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/take2min/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@take2min
Connect with Danielle:
Join the waitlist for Plan Goal Plan Your Year!
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Join the Plan Goal Plan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/
Be bold, be balanced, and most of all, be well. See you next time!

Nov 12, 2024 • 23min
How Can You Live Your Values Daily to Achieve Your Goals in Work and Life? | Ep. 183
Join the waitlist for Plan Goal Plan Your Year!
In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most powerful practices I do each year: reconnecting with my core values to see where I'm truly living them—and where there may be gaps. I’m sharing my personal process of aligning values with daily practices, from how I run my business and engage with clients to how I communicate on social media. Values like growth, curiosity, transparency, empowerment, research, and play guide everything I do with Plan Goal Plan, and I’ll walk you through how each of these values shapes my work. This episode is all about practical steps for checking in with your own values, finding any misalignment, and bridging that gap in a compassionate way. By the end, I hope you’ll feel empowered to infuse your values into your daily life, making every action a step toward your most meaningful goals.
Join the waitlist for Plan Goal Plan Your Year!
Connect with Danielle:
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Join the Plan Goal Plan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/
Be bold, be balanced, and most of all, be well. See you next time!

Nov 7, 2024 • 27min
Finding Purpose and Thriving at Work: Goal-Setting Across Life Domains with Jacob Karnes | Ep. 182
Join the waitlist for Plan Goal Plan Your Year!
In this episode, we dive deep into the idea of life domains—those different areas of life we each want to nurture for a balanced, fulfilled existence. I’m thrilled to welcome Jacob Karnes, founder of Wave Business Coaching, who brings a fresh perspective on creating a healthy relationship with work and why that matters so much for achieving balance in other areas.
Jacob shares his journey from his early years at Chick-fil-A to his current role as a coach and author of Master Your First Job. He’s all about making work a place where you can truly thrive, and he has such smart, actionable insights on bringing curiosity, setting meaningful goals, and building a sense of purpose into your career. We also explore Donald Miller’s "Hero on a Mission" framework, helping you see yourself as the hero in your own story.
If you’re ready to rethink your approach to work and life in 2025, this conversation is packed with inspiration. Let’s do this!
Connect with Jacob:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkarnes/
MasterYourFirstJob.com
WavesBusinessCoaching.com
Check out my mini course, Hit Reset: Journaling Your Way to Clarity & Connection !
Connect with Danielle:
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Join the Plan Goal Plan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/
Be bold, be balanced, and most of all, be well. See you next time!

Nov 5, 2024 • 11min
44% of Women Feel Holiday Stress—Here’s How to Enjoy the Season with Less Pressure | Ep. 181
Join the waitlist for Plan Goal Plan Your Year!
In this episode, we're tackling the holiday season head-on. Did you know that 44% of women report feeling more stress during the holidays? We’re here to change that. Join me as I walk you through my VISION framework for setting intentional holiday goals, managing busy schedules, and savoring the season. We’ll start by identifying what truly matters to you and your family, so your holiday plans are rooted in joy and simplicity.
Together, we’ll explore ways to create meaningful holiday magic through mindfulness and savoring small moments—think cozy cocoa, twinkling lights, and time together. We'll also learn how to release pressures for perfection, embracing more presence and connection with loved ones. And if mom guilt creeps in? We’ll look at ways to understand it, let it go, and focus on what really counts. Let’s create a holiday season filled with joy, not stress. Let’s do this!
Connect with Danielle:
Freebie: https://boldbalancedwomen.com/
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Join the Plan Goal Plan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/
Be bold, be balanced, and most of all, be well. See you next time!

Oct 31, 2024 • 28min
Mastering Digital Organization: How to Automate, Simplify, and Declutter Your Digital Life with Shawn Lemon | Ep. 180
If digital clutter has you overwhelmed, you’re not alone! In this episode, I sit down with Shawn Lemon, founder of The Digital Organizer, who’s been helping people transform their digital lives for over 17 years. Shawn shares his expertise on simplifying email, managing files, and automating workflows—all to help you reclaim your time and mental energy.
From using the snooze function to organizing files and managing tasks, Shawn reveals practical, actionable tips for a decluttered digital life. He also discusses why creativity and intentionality are essential to digital organization and how automation can free up time for what matters most. Whether you’re a busy professional or just looking to simplify, this episode is packed with strategies to help you get organized and find peace in a digital world. Tune in and discover how to turn digital organization into a powerful tool for a more focused, fulfilling life!
Connect with Sean:
Get a freebie here: https://thedigitalorganizer.com/lp/plangoalplan
https://thedigitalorganizer.com/
info@thedigitalorganizer.com
facebook.com/thedigitalorganizer
linkedin.com/company/the-digital-organizer
linkedin.com/in/shawnlemon
instagram.com/thedigitalorganizer
Connect with Danielle:
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Join the Plan Goal Plan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/
Be bold, be balanced, and most of all, be well. See you next time!

Oct 29, 2024 • 12min
Beyond the Goal: How to Spot Progress and Fuel Motivation in Life and Work | Ep. 179
Do you ever wonder if the work you’re putting into your goals is actually paying off? In this episode, I explore the powerful practice of spotting evidence of progress, both in our personal lives and careers. I share my journey of learning to recognize subtle signs of success—whether through small wins, positive changes in energy, or even just feeling more balanced. You’ll hear tips on how to track your goals using both concrete data and subjective feelings, why celebrating progress is essential for staying motivated, and how to identify red flags before they throw you off course. We also dive into the importance of feedback loops and check-ins, and how reflecting on success can help you replicate it. If you want to fuel your motivation and feel confident about your progress, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you see—and celebrate—your wins!
Check out my mini course, Hit Reset: Journaling Your Way to Clarity & Connection !
Connect with Danielle:
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Join the Plan Goal Plan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/
Be bold, be balanced, and most of all, be well. See you next time!

Oct 24, 2024 • 12min
Perfectionism, Priorities, and Pivotal Moments: Key Takeaways from a Transformative Event | Ep. 178
In this episode, I reflect on a conference I recently attended and the profound insights I took away. Immersed in a room of growth-minded speakers, authors, and coaches, I felt the contagious energy of shared purpose and encouragement. Three major takeaways resonated deeply. First, I was challenged to identify whose opinions truly matter to me and focus on being irreplaceable to those key people—a lens to help prioritize amidst life's chaos. Next, I heard an unexpected perspective: perfectionists aren’t always pristine but are often "pile people," gathering unfinished projects in neat stacks out of a desire to get everything just right. Lastly, a concept called "life gate moments" stuck with me—those pivotal events that redefine our paths and values. These shifts are irreversible and often lead to growth and clarity. As we navigate life’s transitions, I encourage you to reflect on who you are irreplaceable to, tackle those perfectionist piles, and honor your life gate moments.
Check out my mini course, Hit Reset: Journaling Your Way to Clarity & Connection !
Connect with Danielle:
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Join the Plan Goal Plan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/
Be bold, be balanced, and most of all, be well. See you next time!

Oct 22, 2024 • 23min
Breaking Free from Overwhelm: 5 Thought Patterns Hindering Your Planning | Ep. 177
In this podcast episode, I share how the chaos of juggling multiple roles, ambitions, and obligations can leave us overwhelmed and disconnected from what matters most. Despite having a knack for planning, I struggled to maintain momentum after becoming a parent. My foggy, sleep-deprived mind forced me to rethink how I organized my life. I dive into five limiting thought patterns that kept me from effective planning, such as waiting for the "right time," striving for perfection, doubting my skills, fearing uncertainty, and struggling to ask for help. Through personal stories, I explore how shifting these patterns allowed me to reclaim control and find joy in planning. It’s not about rigid schedules but creating space for meaningful reflection, connection, and action. I encourage listeners to challenge their own limiting beliefs and take small steps to embrace intentional planning, promising more clarity and purpose, if not complete ease, on this journey.
Check out my mini course, Hit Reset: Journaling Your Way to Clarity & Connection !
Connect with Danielle:
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Join the Plan Goal Plan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/
Be bold, be balanced, and most of all, be well. See you next time!

Oct 17, 2024 • 18min
Unlock Your Creativity: The Surprising Power of Boredom for Goal Setting and Growth | Ep. 176
When was the last time you allowed yourself to get truly bored—and could boredom be the secret key to unlocking your creativity and achieving your goals?
In this episode, we’re diving into the power of boredom and how it can actually fuel creativity, clarity, and even help you achieve your 2025 goals. Inspired by the book Bored and Brilliant by Manoush Zomorodi, I’ll break down why boredom isn’t something to avoid—it’s an opportunity for deep thinking and creativity.
With our constant connection to phones and technology, we rarely give our minds the space to wander, and that’s where the magic happens. I’ll also share the Bored and Brilliant Challenge, a series of small, intentional steps to minimize distractions and reclaim your creative spark.
From letting yourself get bored in line to embracing tech-free walks, this episode is all about reframing boredom as a tool for growth. Let’s talk about how boredom can spark new ideas, fuel your well-being, and bring more creativity into your life. You might just find it’s the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed!
Check out my mini course, Hit Reset: Journaling Your Way to Clarity & Connection !
Connect with Danielle:
Email: danielle@plangoalplan.com
Join the Plan Goal Plan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727411369068279
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/
Be bold, be balanced, and most of all, be well. See you next time!