We live in a world obsessed with big goals and bold declarations – six-figure launches, five-year plans, and “new year, new me” declarations that die by February. But the real magic? It lives on a 3×3 Post-it note. One day, one goal, one non-negotiable commitment at a time.
In March, in honor of International Women’s Day, I stood on a stage and gave my SPARK Talk about goal setting that spanned over 30 years of my life, from a third-grade classroom in 1990 to that moment in March 2025. In eight minutes, I talked about how I wrote three big goals on a piece of paper that, in many ways, shaped my life’s direction. And the part that people always come back to – the line that gets quoted back to me the most – is this:
Your goals are not a contract. They are a compass.
That’s the heart of the Post-It Principle. And it’s also the ‘why’ behind my Friday Five™️ ritual – five Post-it notes, five daily commitments, written each weekday with intention and clarity. It is goal setting boiled down to something deceptively simple and profoundly effective.
The Myth of Motivation vs. the Power of Momentum
Motivation is not a muscle. It’s not something you “find” or “unlock.” It’s not a downloadable app or a pill you can pop. Motivation is built – and it’s built through action.
Consistent, bite-sized action sparks curiosity and momentum. It makes you wonder: “If I could do that today, what might be possible tomorrow?” One small win builds the next. And that’s the secret nobody tells you: motivation doesn’t precede action. Action precedes motivation.
But here’s the thing: simplicity is the key. If your to-do list has 17 unchecked boxes and your brain feels like it’s melting, you’re not going to take action. You’re going to shut down.
And the studies back it up: 92% of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions. Most give up by the end of January. Why? Because we’re trying to live our lives while also accomplishing monumental things every day.
You don’t need a list.
You need a Post-it.
Your Brain Loves a Win
Neurologically, your brain is wired to chase success – but not just the big, flashy kind. Even completing a small task triggers a dopamine response. It’s a reward loop. And it teaches your brain: “When I take action, I feel good.”
That’s why the Post-it works so well. It focuses your energy. It quiets the noise. It reminds your brain: “This is what we’re doing today. Just this.” When we give our brain the gift of simplicity, it repays us with clarity and momentum.
This is also why, in my workshops, I teach people to set just one personal, one professional, and one play/fun goal at a time. Because that’s what our brains can handle. That’s how we stay in the game. One focused action. One clear win.
Small Tasks, Big Vision
A Post-it note isn’t just a sticky square. It’s a symbol. A promise. A declaration that you will show up for yourself today.
We hold other people accountable for showing up. But how often do we not show up for ourselves?
These tiny tasks are tethered to something deeper. Yes, sometimes the goal is “pitch the proposal.” But other times it’s “move the laundry from the washer to the dryer—and fold it.” Or “take the thing out of the box and make it.” These aren’t random. These are the real life things – the quiet follow-throughs – that build self-trust. And when the big dream shows up? You’ll be ready, because you’ve built a habit of honoring your word to yourself.
Progress Over Perfection
One of the most common reasons people give up on their goals is that life happens. Your kid gets sick. Your work project expands. You miss a workout, and suddenly you’re spiraling into “Why bother?” mode.
This is where perfection kills momentum.
And where consistency saves it.
We weren’t meant to be “on” all the time. Our minds and bodies are wired for rhythm – push and pause, action and reflection. The Post-it Principle honors that. It says, “What can I reasonably commit to today?” Not someday. Not when life calms down. Today.
Five Days, Five Wins
By Friday, I’ve got five Post-its – five micro-moments of follow-through. I look at them. I reflect. And I anchor each week with a quote that ties it all together. Sometimes the quote is a mirror. Sometimes it’s a challenge. But it always reminds me of who I’m becoming.
Because this isn’t just about productivity. It’s about becoming the kind of woman who follows through. Not just on tasks, but on purpose.
So Try It Tomorrow…
You don’t need a color-coded planner or a 10-step goal-setting framework to begin. (Though if you do love a good habit tracker or find joy in mapping things out…same, friend. Me too.)
You also don’t need it to be more overwhelming.
You just need a Post-it note.
A pen.
And a single, honest commitment to yourself.
So tomorrow morning, ask:
What’s one small thing I can do today that aligns with the life I’m trying to build?
Write it down.
Do it.
Repeat.
And if it helps, remember this:
You don’t have to do everything.
You just have to do something.
Consistently. Intentionally. One Post-it at a time.
