The Life Plan Review: A No-BS Way to Finally Follow Through

Ditch the excuses, track real progress, and start making things happen—one step at a time.

 

Ever feel like there’s a gap between the life you want and the one you’re actually living? You’re not alone. Maybe you want to get in shape, start a side hustle, finally write that article, or switch careers—but somehow, life keeps getting in the way. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and before you know it, you’re stuck in the same old routine.

 

I believe we all live two lives: the one we dream about and the one that actually fills our days. Most people accept that divide as just the way things are. But I don’t buy that—you can close the gap. You can have your cake and eat it too. The key is turning those dreams into real, consistent action.

 

Step 1: Know Yourself

Before you can make real changes, you need to understand what actually matters to you. In a world full of distractions, it’s easy to lose sight of your real goals and just go through the motions. Take a step back and ask yourself: What do I really want? What habits or patterns are holding me back?

 

If you’re not sure where to start, check out my Culture of One blog and podcast—I dive into how self-awareness is the foundation of any real progress. Because at the end of the day, success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what actually moves you forward.

 

Step 2: Bridge the Gap Between Plans and Action

Having big dreams is great, but without action, they stay just that—dreams. That’s why I created the Life Plan Review program, a simple but powerful system to help you actually follow through over the course of two months. 

 

Each week, program participants answer two key questions:
1) Am I doing anything to move toward my goals?
2️) Did I make progress this week?

 

Participants also rate themselves on eight key areas, from goal setting to relationships, using a simple 1–10 scale. But this isn’t about tracking numbers just for the sake of it—it’s about getting honest with yourself. What’s working? What’s not? What small shifts can you make to start seeing real momentum?

 

Because at the end of the day, progress doesn’t come from perfect plans—it comes from taking action, one step at a time.

 

The Eight Key Questions:

1. Did I do my best to set clear goals?
2. Did I make progress toward my goals?
3. Am I finding meaning in my work?
4. Am I happy and grateful for what I do?
5. Am I maintaining and building strong relationships?
6. Am I fully engaged in my work?
7. Did I contribute value in my interactions with others?
8. Did I leave others better off in some way?

Each question helps you get honest with yourself—are you making progress, feeling good about it, and showing up the way you want to?

 

The Power of Accountability

Let’s be honest—it’s easy to let things slide when no one’s keeping tabs. That’s why checking in with a group works. It’s not about guilt trips or excuses; it’s about celebrating wins, learning from the stumbles, and actually making progress instead of just thinking about it. Accountability turns good intentions into real, tangible change.

 

Why The Life Plan Review Program Works

• Community: You’re not in this alone. We all hit roadblocks, but sharing your journey with others can bring fresh ideas, new perspectives, and the motivation to keep going.
• Action-Oriented: This isn’t about making perfect plans—it’s about actually doing the things that move you forward. Progress happens when you take action, not just think about it.
• Self-Reflection: It’s not just about checking things off a list. Are you actually happy with the direction you’re headed? Most people never stop to ask, but it makes all the difference.
• Adding Value to Others: Want to change your life? Start by making someone else’s day better. Give, help, say thank you—small actions create a ripple effect that comes back in ways you’d never expect.

Ready to Take Control of Your Life?

Imagine waking up knowing you’re actually making progress on the things that matter to you—not just thinking about them, but doing them. No more feeling stuck, no more weeks blurring together on autopilot. Just real momentum toward the life you want.

 

If you’re tired of setting goals that never seem to stick and want a simple, no-BS way to stay accountable, check out the Outside Insights 10-week, guided Life Plan Review program. No pressure, no perfection, no cost—just a group of people committed to making things happen. Fill out this quick form to let me know you’re interested in learning more and I’ll be in touch!

 

The life you want is closer than you think—you just have to take the first step.

 

Until next time, friends.

Chris

 

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Our book is now available as a paperback, hardback, and Kindle on Amazon. We hope you will check it out here!

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If you enjoyed this article, I recommend reading these past Outside Insights posts:

When You Think You’re Done, Try For “One More”

Was 2024 The Year You Wanted It To Be?

More Than Words: How Your Values Keep Life In Check

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