GNT #103: I Like Big Plans and I Cannot Lie

read time: 3.5 minutes

I like big plans and I cannot lie
You other planners can't deny
When an idea walks in with a rock-solid base
And a bold goal in your face, you get ####

🫣 I like big plans, it's true. (And I can't resist a great Sir Mix a Lot reference.)

My natural tendency is to Go. Big. All. The. Way. 

But, going big and complicated with plans isn't always great.

Back in 2018, when I started my mom blog, I was overflowing with content ideas, printable templates, intricate mind maps, even dreams of future events and an online community.

I quietly flipped the website live because I was too scared to tell anyone. And no surprise...crickets.

It wasn't that the idea was bad. The problem was that I overcomplicated it to the point of exhaustion. By the time it went live, I was too burned out to market it well, and the plan itself was too much to sustain.

Sound familiar?

This isn't just a content problem. Overcomplicated plans can sneak into our businesses, personal goals, and even daily to-dos. The more moving pieces, the more chances for things to fall apart.

In today's newsletter, let's break the cycle. We'll cover:

• Why simple plans are sometimes smarter (and where they shine)
• My favorite one-page plan examples
• How to build your one-page plan to get to action faster.

Let's dig in.

Why Simple Plans are (sometimes) Smarter

Complex plans just feel productive, don't they? They give us a sense of control, as if we’ve thought of everything. But complexity doesn’t guarantee success. Sometimes, it’s just a sophisticated way to procrastinate.

Simple plans, especially one-pagers, eliminate the noise and help us focus on what really matters. They work because:

• Clarity Wins: With less space, you’re forced to prioritize.
• They’re Adaptable: When things change, simple plans are easier to tweak.
• They Reduce Overwhelm: A straightforward plan builds momentum, while a 10-tab spreadsheet can stall it.
• They’re Shareable: Teams can quickly understand and align around a one-pager.

However, not everything benefits from a one-page plan. Long-term projects or complex strategies may require more depth...but when clarity and quick action are the goal, simplicity almost always wins.
 

My Favorite One Page Plan Examples

Sometimes, the best way to simplify is to borrow from what already works. Here are some of my favorite simple planning frameworks that do the job.

1. The Goal Pyramid

This framework, developed by Dr. Edwin Locke, breaks goals into four parts: SMART goals, strategy, execution, and resources. It’s perfect for turning lofty ideas into achievable action.

Try it: Goal Pyramid Overview

2. The EOS Vision/Traction Organizer (VTO)

From the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), the VTO is a one-page framework designed to align your vision with actionable goals. It helps you articulate your core values, define long-term targets, and break them down into quarterly “Rocks” that keep teams on track.

Try it: Download the template here.

3. The Lean Canvas

Great for startups or getting things going quickly, this one-page business plan highlights your unique value proposition, customer segments, and revenue streams.

Try it: Lean Canvas Overview

4. OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)

Not a one-page plan per se, but the OKR framework outlined by John Doerr in the book Measure What Matters does an incredible job connecting big-picture objectives with measurable results in a simple, actionable format.

Try it: Read Measure What Matters

How to Build a Great One-Page Plan

A one-page plan works for almost anything. Business goals, personal projects, or even life changes.

Here’s how to create one that’s clear, actionable, and adaptable:

1. Define Your Goal
What do you want to achieve, and why? Make your goal specific and measurable so you know when you’ve succeeded.

Example: “Run a 10k race in three months” or “Launch a podcast by June 1st.”

2. Identify Key Focus Areas
Break the goal into 2–4 main priorities. These are the broad categories that will drive progress.

Example:

• Training for the race: endurance, speed, and nutrition
• Preparing for the podcast: content planning, equipment setup, and audience building

3. Outline Strategies
Within each focus area, identify your approach. What’s the plan for making progress in that area?

Example for “Podcast preparation”:

• Strategy 1: Research and select podcasting equipment
• Strategy 2: Develop an editorial calendar for the first 10 episodes

4. Break Strategies into Actions
For each strategy, list 3–5 actionable steps that you can start immediately.

Example for “Develop an editorial calendar”:

• Brainstorm episode topics (Week 1)
• Research and invite guest speakers (Week 2)
• Schedule recording sessions (Week 3)

5. Assign Metrics and Deadlines
How will you measure success, and when do you want to complete each step? Metrics keep you on track and motivated.

Example:

• Complete 10 training runs within a month.
• Record three podcast episodes by June 1.

6. Keep It Visual and Simple
Summarize everything into a one-page layout that’s easy to reference. Use headings for your focus areas, and include only essential details. 

You could draw it out on a piece of paper, use a Canva template, go freestyle in PPT, or search Pinterest for some layout ideas.

Keep your plan visible and review it daily in your morning ramp-up meeting.

Takeaway

Need help simplifying your plan? I’ll help you map out your one-pager.

And don't worry, we can still like big plans. 

Because whether it's big or small, a plan that works is the best kind of plan.

See you next week, friends!

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