The importance of creating a plan part II: How to Actually Get What You Want

Last time, we talked about why having a plan is important. Now, let’s get into how to actually make one. I’ll break down exactly what I do to set myself up for success.

I am launching a new podcast soon and it will be all about growth. My guests will share their takes on going from 0 to 100M so I’m inviting you to subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay up to date with the release.

I saw a post on X the other day—can’t remember who wrote it—but it said something along the lines of:

"People like to say that everyone is just winging it. That no one really knows what they’re doing. But that’s a lie. Some people know exactly what they want, and they’re doing everything they can to make it happen."

That hit me. Hard.

Because the more I’ve met successful people, the more I realize they aren’t winging it. They know where they’re going, and they have a plan to get there. Sure, they don’t have every detail figured out, but they have clarity on the direction. And that’s what keeps them moving.

So let’s talk about how you can do the same.

Step 1: Get Crystal Clear on What You Want

Why? Most people fail because their goals are too vague. Clarity is power.

How to do it:

• Write down specific goals in key areas of your life.

• Use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).

• Write them in present tense, as if they’re already happening.

Action Step: Write down one goal in each of these categories(adjust categories in terms of your likes/needs):

• Health & Fitness – (e.g., “I work out 3x per week and eat clean 80% of the time.”)

• Career & Finances – (e.g., “I make $X per month by December 31.”)

• Relationships & Social Life – (e.g., “I spend quality time with my loved ones every week.”)

• Personal Growth & Learning – (e.g., “I read one book per month.”)

• Lifestyle & Fun – (e.g., “I travel to three new countries this year.”)

Step 2: Break Big Goals into Daily Systems

Why? Big goals can feel overwhelming. Systems make them doable.

How to do it:

• Reverse-engineer your goal: What needs to happen quarterly, monthly, weekly?

• Focus on actions, not just outcomes.

• Set daily habits that move you forward.

Example:

• Big Goal: Make $100K from your business this year.

• Quarterly Goal: Generate $25K per quarter.

• Monthly Goal: Make $8,333 per month.

• Weekly Actions: Reach out to 20 new potential clients per week.

• Daily Habit: Spend 1 hour on sales calls daily.

Action Step: Pick one goal and break it down into:
✔️ Quarterly actions
✔️ Monthly tasks
✔️ Weekly priorities
✔️ Daily habits

Step 3: Remove Distractions & Stay Focused

Why? Lack of focus is the #1 reason people don’t follow through.

How to do it:

• Identify your top 3 distractions (e.g., social media, Netflix, over-planning).

• Use focus strategies:

  • Time blocking – Set specific hours for deep work.

  • 80/20 rule – Focus on the tasks that drive real results.

  • Pomodoro technique – 25-minute work sprints, 5-minute breaks.

Action Step: Pick ONE distraction to eliminate this week. Replace it with a productive habit.

Step 4: Track Progress & Adjust

Why? If you don’t track your progress, you won’t know what’s working.

How to do it:

• Set a weekly review (every Sunday, reflect on wins and challenges).

• Use a simple tracker (Google Sheets, Notion, or a journal).

• If something isn’t working, pivot—don’t quit.

Action Step: Schedule a 15-30 minute weekly review session.

Step 5: Get Around the Right People

Why? Your environment shapes your success.

How to do it:

• Find an accountability partner or mentor.

• Join a community (a mastermind, coaching group, or even a supportive friend circle).

• Distance yourself from people who drain your energy.

Action Step: Reach out to one person this week who can support your goals.

Step 6: Build Discipline, Not Just Motivation

Why? Motivation fades. Discipline keeps you going.

How to do it:

• Show up even when you don’t feel like it.

• Set rules for yourself (e.g., “I don’t skip workouts no matter what”).

• Use visualization & affirmations to reinforce your mindset.

Action Step: Pick one non-negotiable daily habit and commit to it.

Now, Take Action 🚀

Pick ONE thing from this list and start today.

If you made it this far, you’re already ahead of most people. If you actually wrote these steps down, message me—I’d love to hear about it.

And if you feel stuck? Reply and tell me what’s holding you back.

This is a framework, not a rulebook. The key is to make it work for you. This is how I design my life, my career, and my startup. Now it’s your turn.

A few words about me

I’m Irina Constantin—entrepreneur, educator, and avid reader with over a decade of experience in the tech industry. I’m the CEO and co-founder of VAUNT, a bootstrapped, profitable pro-tech startup transforming how residential developers sell properties worldwide.

I started my entrepreneurial journey at 21, founding a software development agency focused on B2B and B2C products. Today, I’m building VAUNT into the operating system of the residential industry. In 2024, over 73 developers actively use our platform to manage more than $1 billion worth of properties.

I’m passionate about leveraging technology to solve real estate challenges and committed to building solutions that create lasting impact. My work has earned me recognition, including being named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2022.

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