Strategic Planning for Solopreneurs: Turning My Closet into a Whiteboard
This week, I transformed my closet doors into a whiteboard using 15 x 18 mini easel pads. Why? Because I was in full strategic planning mode! Whiteboard sessions are my jam—I love letting ideas flow, seeing patterns emerge, and building something meaningful.✨
This is what it looked like. In my head, though, I'm right in the Pepe Silvia scene in It's Always Sunny (you know the one). This bland-looking wall was where my ideas took form, and it looked closer to this:
But why take the time to map out a three-year strategy for my business?
The 5 Reasons Strategic Planning Matters
Direction – A Clear Roadmap Keeps Me Focused
Without a strategic plan, it’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day grind. A roadmap ensures that every decision I make moves me closer to my long-term vision. Instead of reacting to challenges as they come, I can proactively navigate my business growth, knowing exactly where I want to go and how to get there.
Accountability – Goals Without Structure Are Just Wishes
A dream without a plan is just a wish. Strategic planning turns my aspirations into tangible goals, complete with steps and metrics to track progress. It keeps me accountable to myself, my mission, and the people I want to serve. By setting clear milestones, I create a structure that ensures I follow through—especially on the days when doubt creeps in.
Alignment – Every Action Should Tie Back to the Bigger Vision
As a solopreneur, it’s easy to get pulled in multiple directions. There are endless opportunities, distractions, and shiny objects vying for attention. Strategic planning keeps me aligned with my core mission and values, ensuring that every move I make supports the bigger picture. It helps me say yes to the right things and confidently say no to what doesn’t serve my long-term goals.
Purpose – Thriving Human Exists for a Reason, and I Need to Honor That
Thriving Human is more than a business; it’s a space built on leadership, liberation, and empowerment. Having a strategic plan ensures that I stay rooted in my purpose and don’t lose sight of why I started this journey. It reminds me that every step I take is in service of something greater—helping individuals and organizations thrive.
It’s Fun! – Yes, I Actually Love This Process
For me, strategic planning isn’t a chore—it’s an exciting, creative process. I love whiteboard sessions, mapping out ideas, and seeing how everything connects. It’s a chance to dream big, challenge myself, and bring my vision to life in a structured way. The excitement of possibility fuels my motivation, making the hard work feel deeply fulfilling.
The Result? A Three-Year Strategic Plan🚀
In just three days—through five-hour deep-dive sessions—I created a strategic plan that will guide Thriving Human, LLC. for the next three years. Oh my goodness!
I feel elated, aligned, and ready to take action —because this plan isn’t just about business growth; it’s about helping people elevate their lives and work experiences.
Breaking Down the Planning Process
Here’s what I focused on:
✅ Vision & Mission – The core of why Thriving Human exists.
✅ Core Values – What we stand for and how we show up.
✅ Methodology & Theory of Change – The framework guiding our impact.
✅ Strategic Priorities – The key areas of focus for the next three years.
✅ KPIs & Metrics – Measurable ways to track our progress.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Big Goals
I’ll be honest—this process was overwhelming. I didn’t hold back in my vision, and that meant setting big, bold, ambitious goals. At times, the enormity of it all made me doubt myself.
“How am I supposed to achieve all of this?”
The imposter syndrome kicked in hard. But here’s what strategic planning taught me: breaking a big goal into smaller, actionable steps makes it feel possible. With a clear roadmap, I now see the path forward—including building a team to bring this vision to life. How exciting!
Fear & Excitement Can Coexist
I’m still fearful, don't get me wrong, but I’m also determined. Growth requires stepping into the unknown. And so, I remind myself:
💃🏽 I can. I will. Watch me.
What’s Next? Join the Journey!
Soon, I’ll be sharing the full strategic plan on our website, and I’d love your feedback. This work is for you—the incredible humans I want to connect with, support, and empower.
Until then, I hope you find joy in the small moments—even during these tumultuous times.
Let me know—how do you approach big-picture planning? Would you like to read more about strategic planning for solopreneurs? Let’s talk in the comments!
Let's grow —together,
Miriam🌿
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