I’m passionate about functional planning and, as the title suggests, simple goal setting. If you’re looking for effective simple goal setting strategies, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’m walking you through how I use my Cultivate What Matters PowerSheets to map out my tending list for February, focusing on keeping my goals manageable and achievable. This approach to simple goal setting can be adapted to any planner or system.

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Setting the Stage for Success: Monthly Spread & Materials for Simple Goal Setting
Before we dive into simple goal setting specifics, let’s talk setup. I’ve prepped my February monthly spread with some gorgeous stickers from PlannerKate (use my 20% off PlannerKate coupon code KK20!). They weren’t specifically designed for PowerSheets, but they fit surprisingly well, demonstrating how flexible these tools can be for simple goal setting. I opted for my own black and white date dots, but the kit actually includes colorful numbered dots if that’s more your style. Choosing supplies you enjoy is a small thing that can make a big difference in sticking to your planning routine and achieving your simple goal setting aims. Shop planner stickers for PowerSheets here. (Note: these stickers say they’re for Makselife but they fit PowerSheets!)

I’ve been experimenting with different ways to keep my Tending List readily accessible. Last month, I pulled it out of my PowerSheets and put it in my disc-bound planner, but I didn’t find myself referencing it much. This month, I’m keeping it within the PowerSheets system. Finding what works best for you is key to simple goal setting success.
Simple Goal Setting Starts with Reflection
A crucial part of simple goal setting is reflection. Let’s start with the new Month in Review sheet on the back of the January Tending List. I love the little checklist: “This month I:”
- cultivated what matters
- pivoted like a pro
- didn’t give up
It’s a great way to acknowledge progress, even if it’s not exactly what you initially planned. Life happens, and the PowerSheets provide space for that. This flexibility is essential for simple goal setting so you don’t get caught up in perfection. I definitely cultivated what matters. I didn’t exactly pivot like a pro, but I didn’t give up when I got sick and had to shift my focus. I’m definitely moving on to a new month and feeling optimistic about my simple goal setting journey.

Celebrating Small Wins in Simple Goal Setting
One of my favorite memories from January was connecting with my son over some surprisingly similar dreams. As for action steps I’m proud of, I focused on my faith goal (cultivating my faith and knowing God through Bible study, prayer, and worship) while I was sick. I also made a deposit on a cruise for my husband and I, which was a big financial goal! Celebrating these small wins keeps motivation high when practicing simple goal setting.
Finding Joy in the Journey of Simple Goal Setting
I’m grateful for a job that allows me to rest when I need it. My faith goal is growing beautifully, and I feel closer to God than I did last year. I’m also happy with my financial progress because I’ve been sticking to my budget. I also included some positive feedback I received at work, which definitely boosted my confidence. What didn’t work so well? My home projects and fitness goals, simply because I was sick. Acknowledging what didn’t work is just as important as celebrating what did in simple goal setting.
Mindful Moments in Simple Goal Setting
I’m currently reading The Lifegiving Home and The Leftovers. I’m not super into either of them, but I’ll finish them. I haven’t been listening to much music lately, so no song on repeat this month. Even these small details can contribute to a sense of balance, which supports effective simple goal setting.

Planning for February: Tending List & Goals
Now, let’s dive into the February Tending List. I used the Cultivated Life Evaluation Check-in to guide my focus. This tool helps me assess different areas of my life and identify where I want to prioritize my energy. It’s all about intentionality in simple goal setting.

Evaluating My Life Areas
After completing the workbook and calculating my scores, I saw improvements in family, finances, health and wellness, home and spaces, spiritual and personal growth, and work and learning. Community and hobbies/self-care stayed the the same. I was thrilled to see that I hadn’t gone backwards in any area! This reinforces the importance of tracking your progress when practicing simple goal setting.
Prioritizing My Focus: Less is More for Simple Goal Setting
Looking at my life evaluation, I want to focus on health and wellness and home and spaces this month, as they both have a score of six. While my community score is a four, I’m already committed to those activities, so they’ll get done regardless. Hobbies are also a four, but I’m not quite ready to make them a major focus yet. I have a snowman quilt project I can work on if I feel inspired, but it won’t be my top priority. Choosing just a few key areas prevents overwhelm, a crucial element of simple goal setting.
Simple Goal Setting includes Breaking it Down
My main priority for February is home projects. I’ll be starring this in my PowerSheets to make it extra clear. Fitness is also a goal, but I’m easing back into it. My weekly action item is cleaning on Saturdays (cleaning day!). I also want to continue “Unplugged Sundays” as part of my 1,000-hour goal. My monthly action item is, for now, “Home Project.” Once I talk to my husband and decide on a specific project, I’ll update it here. Breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps is essential for simple goal setting.

Other important tasks for February include attending the Daily Grace Conference and working on PTO-related activities (snack day, Valentine’s grams, and Open House). I’ll break down the specific steps for each of these in the “Break It Down” section. I also want to choose and book excursions for our upcoming cruise.
In terms of personal goals, I want to do “The Lord’s Prayer” Bible study, which ties into my faith goal. To go with it, I’ll use my prayer-themed scripture journal as my journal in the evenings. For finances, I need to set up a separate fund for faith-related expenses in my budget app and find some books about investing. For hobbies, I want to set up my Formula 1 notebook in preparation for the season starting in March.

Recurring Tasks and Daily Habits
My weekly recurring tasks include meal prep, scheduling PTO social media, content creation for work, and a planning/brain dump session. Daily tasks include reviewing my plan, Bible time, tracking unplugged hours, and a 10-minute tidy. These routines create a foundation for success in simple goal setting.
Finding Inspiration for Simple Goal Setting
Next month, I’ll write in a scripture to memorize for the month and use it as my encouraging word, just like I did in January with Philippians 3:14. I use the Dwell Differently method, which uses the initials of each word to help with memorization. Inspiration is key to staying motivated with simple goal setting.
Looking Ahead: Embracing Simple Goal Setting
That’s it for my February Tending List! Check out my video to watch the process. Thanks for watching, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more planning videos focused on simple goal setting!