Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

You’ve probably heard the phrase “begin with the end in mind.”

Stephen Covey made it famous. But in practice? It’s easy to forget. Especially when life gets busy, summer’s calling, and you’re trying to juggle family, work, your health, and your dreams.

But what if applying this one principle could help you build the business you want and the life that actually feels like yours?

Let’s talk about how.

How It Shows Up in Real Life...

We use “begin with the end in mind” all the time:

• Plug a destination into your GPS? That’s the end.

• Plan a trip or block time on your calendar? That’s the end.

• Schedule a playdate, meal prep, or appointment? Again, that’s starting with the end in mind.
   

But when it comes to our health, our routines, and our businesses? Sometimes we just… drift.

We hope it’ll all work out. We try things. We keep going.

Until one day we realize we don’t love how things look. We’re tired. Or uninspired. Or stuck in someone else’s version of “success.”

What Beginning With the End Actually Looks Like

Here’s what I’ve been doing lately:

I asked myself, “What do I want my business—and my life—to look like six months from now?”

For me, that includes more travel, more time with friends and family, more pickleball, and more cooking with my kiddo. It includes ease and joy. And yes, it includes a healthy, thriving business too.

So I’m not checking out for the summer. But I am making intentional decisions:

• I’m limiting how many hours I work each week.

• I’ve planned just enough marketing to stay visible without burning out.

• I’ve offloaded tech, email, and social content to my team so I can stay focused on what I do best.

• I’ve simplified systems and cut out the backend tools I no longer need.
   

And most importantly? I’m being realistic about what I want and what it’ll take to get there.

A Reality Check for the Planners (and the Dreamers)

If you want to build something better—whether it’s a business, a body, or a more balanced life—there’s one thing you have to get clear on: your capacity.

What level of effort are you willing and able to give?

If your goals feel realistic, great—stay the course. If they feel overwhelming or impossible, that’s not failure. That’s information.

Adjust the timeline. Adjust the input. Just don’t keep going aimlessly.

Want Help Planning What’s Next?

I've opened up a few single-session strategy sessions this summer for people who want to take control of their schedule and goals without burnout.

So if you want to head into your next season of work (after Labor Day!) with confidence, energy, and clarity, let’s talk.

Together, we’ll map out where you’re going and make sure your daily steps are actually taking you there.

As always, what I hope for you is that you live a life you love—without giving up the things that bring you joy.