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Plan. Reset. Repeat.

1/29/2025

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​Why a 3-Month Planner Works Better Than a Yearly One
If you’ve ever cracked open a brand new yearly planner with high hopes, only to abandon it by March… you’re not alone. I’ve been there too.
That’s one of the reasons I created the 3-Month Productivity Planner—a simple, focused way to plan your life in more manageable chunks. Here’s why I think three months is the sweet spot:

It’s Long Enough to Make Progress
Three months gives you just the right amount of time to set a meaningful goal and actually make headway. Whether you’re working on a creative project, building a new habit, or organizing your life, 90 days is enough time to see results—without feeling like you’re committing to something forever.

It’s Short Enough to Stay Motivated
A full year can feel overwhelming. Life changes. Priorities shift. A 3-month window keeps things flexible and realistic. It allows you to pivot if something isn’t working, and it gives you that satisfying “fresh start” feeling more often.

It Fits the Rhythm of Real Life
Let’s face it—our energy ebbs and flows with the seasons, the school calendar, and just… life. A quarterly planner naturally aligns with those rhythms. You can plan around holidays, vacations, or busy work seasons without losing momentum.

It’s a Confidence Builder
When you finish a 3-month planner, you feel it. You see the pages filled, the habits tracked, the goals in motion. It’s a reminder that yes, you can do hard things—and that feeling fuels the next round.

Visit the Planner Page to see the full collection. 
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Plan. Focus. Achieve.

1/22/2025

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I’m excited to share my latest product with you—the 3-Month Productivity Planner! This isn’t just another planner. It’s a simple but super-effective tool to help you stay organized, crush your goals, and build habits that actually stick—all while keeping life’s daily chaos in check.

Why Pen and Paper?
In a world full of apps and screens, there’s something magical about putting pen to paper. Writing things down isn’t just nostalgic—it’s a proven way to stay focused, retain information, and actually get things done. And let’s be honest, nothing beats the satisfaction of physically checking off your to-dos.

With this planner, it’s just you, your thoughts, and a clean page to set your intentions for the day. No notifications. No distractions. Just clarity.

What Makes This Planner Different?
The 3-Month Productivity Planner was designed to make your life easier—no overwhelm, just results. Each day has its own full page to help you stay on track:
  • Top Priorities: Zero in on what matters most each day.
  • Daily Schedule: Plan your time from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Calls and Emails: Stay on top of communication.
  • Budget: Track your spending or plan your finances.
  • Tasks/Notes: Organize your to-dos, jot down ideas, or write reminders.
But it doesn’t stop there. The planner also includes:
  • Monthly Goal Setting: Map out four SMART goals every month.
  • Project Planner: Break big ideas into actionable steps.
  • Habit Tracker: Build consistency with the habits that support your growth.
  • Extra Notes Pages: A space for brainstorming, sketching, or anything else.

And here’s the best part: if you have unique needs, I can customize the interior pages just for you.

This planner was thoughtfully designed to help you stay organized, prioritize your time, and actually make progress toward your goals.

Designs for Everyone
​Let’s be real—your planner is something you’re going to look at every day, so it should feel like you. That’s why I’ve created a variety of designs to match different styles and personalities. The first 10 designs are live now, with several more on the way! For a sneak peek at the upcoming designs, check out the Planners Page on my website.

And don’t forget—I can create custom designs just for you, making your planner truly one-of-a-kind.
  • Retro Vibes: Roller skates and funky colours for a playful, throwback feel.
  • For Dog Lovers: Inspired by my love for Frenchies (and my boys, Kiwi and Diesel!), this cover is perfect for anyone who adores pups.
  • Vibrant and Nature-Inspired Designs: Soft, beautiful options for those who love nature.
  • Sunsets & Adventure: Whether you’re into serene sunsets or rugged mountain vibes, there’s a cover for you.
  • Urban-Inspired Portraits: Bold, expressive designs with dynamic characters in colourful cityscapes.
  • Custom Covers: Want something completely unique? I’ve got you covered—literally!

Why 3 Months?
A quarterly planner keeps things simple and focused. You’re not locked into a year-long commitment, so it’s easier to reflect, pivot when needed, and stay motivated. Three months is the perfect amount of time to tackle meaningful goals and build momentum. Because let’s be honest, 12 months can feel overwhelming, but three months? Totally doable.

Ready to Get Started?
The 3-Month Productivity Planner is here to help you take control of your time, set intentional goals, and take charge of your days. Whether you’re a pen-and-paper enthusiast or just ready for a fresh way to get organized, there’s a design here waiting for you.

​I’m so grateful for your support as I bring this project to life—it means the world to me. Thank you for being part of this journey!
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Which cover is your favourite? Let me know in the comments or message me for custom requests—I’d love to hear what you think!
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From SMART to 10X: How I’m Transforming My Goals in 2025

1/16/2025

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Here I was, 14 days into the new year, crushing my goals and feeling pretty good about it. Then someone tells me about The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone. This book has been out since 2011, so why it’s just landing on my radar now is beyond me—but here we are.
The core idea? To achieve extraordinary success, you need to set goals and take actions that are 10 times bigger than you think is necessary.
At first, I was skeptical. I’ve been a SMART goal enthusiast for years—those Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals have kept me on track and delivered results. But as I started reading, I realized this approach could take my goal setting to a whole new level.
So, I decided to try it. I took my already ambitious SMART goals and 10X-ed them. The results? In just two days, I’ve seen stellar progress—and more importantly, I feel ten times the motivation.
Let’s dive into what sets SMART goals and 10X goals apart and how they can work together.

Key Differences Between SMART Goals and 10X Goals
1. Goal Size and Ambition
  • SMART Goals: These focus on what’s realistic and attainable. They help you aim for progress you know you can achieve.
  • 10X Goals: These challenge you to think much, much bigger. They’re about dreaming boldly and setting goals that feel almost out of reach—because even if you fall short, you’ll accomplish more than you thought possible.
2. Effort and Action
  • SMART Goals: They encourage steady, manageable effort—actions that align with your capacity and resources.
  • 10X Goals: They demand massive action. It’s not about working harder for the sake of it; it’s about pushing past your perceived limits and taking consistent, bold steps toward your vision.
3. Mindset
  • SMART Goals: Practical and grounded, these goals keep you focused on incremental progress.
  • 10X Goals: They cultivate a mindset of abundance, urging you to embrace the idea that extraordinary success is possible with the right level of belief and commitment.

How SMART and 10X Goals Work Together
Here’s the beauty of these two approaches: they don’t have to compete. In fact, they complement each other:
  1. Specific and Measurable: Both methods rely on clarity. Whether your goal is to earn an extra $2,000 in monthly income or $1 million in book sales, writing it down and tracking progress is key.
  2. Achievable and Realistic: SMART goals help you stay grounded, but 10X goals challenge you to dream bigger. Combining these approaches lets you stretch your limits while staying focused.
  3. Time-Bound: Deadlines create urgency, whether your goal is short-term or part of a much larger vision.

How My Goals Have Changed
This year, I’ve given myself permission to dream. I’m no longer limiting myself to what feels realistic—I’m writing down what I really want. Why not aim for $1 million in book sales? Sure, it might feel far-fetched, but it’s what I want, so why not put it out there?
The shift from SMART to 10X goals has been a game-changer. As a dreamer by nature, this approach feels like a better fit for me. It encourages me to push harder, think bigger, and take more action. Even if I don’t hit every target, I know I’ll go further than I ever would with smaller, safer goals.
If you’re ready to dream bigger, take massive action, and start building the life you’ve always wanted, now’s the time to start—because next week, I’m launching a daily planner designed to help you do exactly that.

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​We’re Back! Crushing Resolutions and Building Real Connections

1/8/2025

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Eight days into the new year, and I don’t know about you, but I’m kinda killing it with my resolutions so far. Anyone else still hanging in there? I wonder though… are people even doing resolutions anymore? Stats say most resolutions don’t stick, so maybe we’re shifting from “New Year, New Me” to something more sustainable—like setting meaningful goals.

I also recently heard about something new: choosing a word of the year. Instead of a list of resolutions, you pick one word to guide your actions and mindset for the year. I gave it some thought, and my word for 2025 is sovereign. In terms of personal growth, it’s about standing in my own power, making choices that align with my values, and living free from other people’s expectations or past limitations. It’s about being free and true to myself at the same time.
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My main 2025 resolution is all about deeper connections. Not just the “Hey, how are you?” kind, but genuine, real connections—with people already in my life and those I cross paths with. Last year, I joined a book club, and spoiler alert: I loved it. I’m sticking with it again this year because there’s something magical about gathering with people, expanding your world, and talking about great books (and occasionally terrible ones, too).
But this year, I’m taking things up a notch. I joined an online group called the Human Connection Group, led by the super-talented Stuart Knight. And wow, it’s going to be a whole new level of connection. Every month, we’ll be given a task—a question we need to ask people. Not just any question, though. Stuart’s been refining this process for years, so you know these are going to be some amazing conversation starters. Maybe even a little uncomfortable. (Fun, right?)
We had our first meeting this week, and I have to be real with you—I left feeling… nervous. Excited, yes, but also a bit anxious. We got our first question, and while I initially hesitated, unsure how people might react—would they be caught off guard? Triggered?—I decided to go for it today. And wow, it turned into a fascinating 20-minute conversation where I learned so much about someone who’s been in my life for the past year. It reminded me that sometimes the fear of how things might go can hold us back from moments of real connection.
If you’re curious about the Human Connection Group, you can check out their website here. And if you’re dying to know what this month’s question is… well, you’ll have to reach out. Let’s grab a virtual coffee and I’ll tell you all about it. Who knows? Maybe we’ll even have one of those deep, life-changing conversations Stuart keeps talking about.
Here’s to a year of real connections—resolutions optional.

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    Author

    Creator of gratitude journals, children’s books, and tools that celebrate the power of reflection. At A Red Lava, I blend mindfulness and storytelling to spark joy, inspire growth, and empower meaningful moments—one page at a time.

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    • Notebooks/Journals >
      • 120 Pages 7.5 x 9.25
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