Write it down.

Alice Ranker
1 day ago
3 min read

Earlier this week I had lunch with a friend. My friend was sharing some things about their life that just weren't working for them anymore. Mostly regarding their routines and schedules. She said, "that's it, no phone scrolling, no late-night laundry marathons—just lights out, head on the pillow, 10 p.m.".

At first, I laughed. “Must be nice,” I said, thinking of my own nighttime routine, which usually includes one too many episodes or reading until I fall asleep, sitting up, my glasses still on. (Side note: I’m a problem solver by nature. I have had to train myself not to offer suggestions unless I’m asked for them. I have also had to learn when to put on my coaching hat and when to just be a friend. And there are certainly times that those lines become blurry.)

Later that afternoon, I continued to think about our conversation. I thought back to the workshops that I used to facilitate. A big part of that was setting and achieving goals. For example using the SMART goal method. And also how much more effective your goals are when you write them down. According to a study at the Dominican University in California, you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down. in that conversation she said something that stuck with me: “It’s not about sleep. It’s about showing up for the version of me I want to become.”

Mic drop.

It got me thinking. How many of our goals feel big and overwhelming because we’ve convinced ourselves they require huge life changes, when in reality, it starts with one small shift?

So I sat down, pulled out my favorite pen (yes, the teal blue one), and wrote: "I want to start going to bed by 10 p.m. too."

Then I turned it into a SMART goal. If you’ve never used the SMART method before, it’s a simple way to make your goals:

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound

Here’s how I broke mine down:

The thing is, this isn’t just about bedtime.

It’s about the stories we tell ourselves—like “I don’t have time,” or “I’ll start next month,” or “It’s not that big of a deal.” But those small decisions shape our days, and our days shape our lives.

As a coach, I’ve seen this over and over: change doesn’t happen all at once. It starts when we get honest with ourselves and take that first brave step. Maybe for you, it’s not sleep. Maybe it’s saying no to something that drains you, or carving out time for something that lights you up.

Whatever it is, it deserves your attention.

Want help turning your own goal into something doable?

If you’re sitting there with a goal swirling in your head but unsure how to take the first step—I’d love to help.

As a life coach, I help women (and couples) turn vague hopes into practical action plans—with a little grace and a lot of encouragement. You don’t have to figure it out on your own.

👉 Click below to schedule a free 15-minute discovery call. Let’s chat about what’s been holding you back and what’s possible moving forward.

Or just hit reply and tell me your SMART goal. I’d love to hear it—and cheer you on.

Much love,