As we step into 2026, I'm excited to share my approach to planning your year with calm and ease. In this episode, I walk you through the exact planning methods I've used for over a decade to stay focused on what truly matters while maintaining peace and presence. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the fast pace of life or simply want to create a roadmap for your goals, this episode will help you slow down mindfully so you can move forward with intention and joy throughout the year.

Get the full episode notes on my website.

I'm sharing two powerful planning tools that have transformed how I approach my goals: the "Ten in Three" exercise I created a decade ago, and a brand new seven-week planning cycle that I started using at the end of 2025 that has kept me focused on what matters in an easy and clam way. The best part? This is not acomplicated "system" that requires a specific planner, stickers, or a lot of time. It's just an easy way to remain connected to what brings you joy while making real progress on your dreams. Download the free printable worksheets at jumpstartyourjoy.com to follow along and start planning your year with calm and ease.

In this episode, we cover:

• A mindfulness exercise to help you get centered before planning (the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique)
• The "10 in 3" planning method: how to identify and schedule 10 meaningful goals across the next three years
• My new seven-week planning cycle that helps you balance day-to-day life while working toward bigger goals
• How to identify your "fantasy self" versus your real self when setting goals (and why this matters)
• The concept of "well planned and loosely held" and how to stay committed to your vision while remaining flexible enough to pivot when needed
• Why writing down how you want to feel during each planning period is just as important as what you want to accomplish
• Practical tips for creating plans you'll actually follow (not ones that sit unused in a new planner)

Resources:

• Download the free Planning Your Year with Calm and Ease (2026) worksheets
• Paula's Centering Prayer guided meditation on Insight Timer (free)
• Elsie Escobar's Eleague podcasting course
• Connect with Paula on Instagram
• Email Paula: jumpstartyourjoy @ gmail.com