We were never taught goal setting in school. It involves deciding on something you want to achieve or improve within yourself. I didn’t understand how powerful it really was until I became a Muslimah—actually, not even then. It wasn’t until I reached nearly 30 years old and found myself four years into motherhood that it truly clicked.
Life was good, Alhamdulillah, but chaotic. I felt directionless, unsure of my purpose beyond motherhood. I was constantly trying to juggle everything—feeling the pressure to stay active, build a business, or be someone more, while forgetting that what I already was—a Muslimah, a mother, a wife—is everything.
We’re not taught how sacred and purposeful those roles are. No one explained to me how to run a home with ihsan, or how heavy and honoured the title of “mother” is in the eyes of Allah. It’s a position no one can take from us—unless we neglect it, and even then, Allah knows best.
I’m getting carried away with the history—but that’s part of why this post matters.
This is the first of a 3-part series on how to use the Her Purposeful Self Action Board.
Featured on the right: Her Purposeful Self: Action Board.
(From The Deen Diaries)
Over the course of my early 30s, I started learning to live with more intention. One of my biggest struggles was focus in salah and not having a consistent accountability system. I’ve always relied on myself, and the support I offered others didn’t always come back—and that’s okay. It was a reminder from Allah that I must always trust His plan.
That trust eventually led me to create tools that are now so dear to my heart—ones that help us stay accountable to ourselves and connected to Allah. That’s how The Deen Diaries began to unfold: slowly but beautifully, connecting women in Australia and across the world. What once lived only in my vision now exists by the mercy and will of Allah.
It started with a faith-focused journal. Then I created a personal vision board I used at home for my deen, homeschool, and self-goals. After a year of refining and testing it, I knew it was time to share it.
(Soft launch coming soon, insha’Allah—still working behind the scenes!)
Setting goals, when done with intention, is an act of worship. But if you’re in the thick of motherhood, like I was, it’s hard to even begin. The days feel never-ending—feeding, changing, teaching, cleaning, trying to keep yourself afloat. Something always falls behind… or multiple things. SubhanAllah.
So where do we even begin? How do we stay consistent? And how do we connect our goals to our faith so we stay firm upon them?
That’s where the Her Purposeful Self Action Board comes in.
It’s not just a productivity planner or another wall chart. It’s a visual tool designed to help Muslim women align their day-to-day actions with the ultimate goal: pleasing Allah and becoming the version of ourselves that He is most pleased with.
This board isn’t about hustle culture. It’s about barakah culture if you wish. Focusing on the blessing of slowing down, this in turn invites you to reflect deeply on five essential life areas:
- Faith
- Self
- Family
- Intellect
- Prosperity
Each area nurtures your dunya and your akhirah.
And did you know? Studies show that writing down your goals makes you over 40% more likely to achieve them. Now imagine coupling that with du’a, a clear structure, gentle routine, and the power of sisterhood—that’s purposeful living.
So why does faith-rooted goal setting matter?
- Because your intentions shape your actions.
- Because your du’as, your tahajjud, your effort—can shift your entire path.
- Because being intentional in your ibadah, your home, your habits—is an achievement in itself.
In the next parts of this series, we’ll explore how to use the board practically week by week, integrate spiritual habits, and stay inspired with support from others walking the same journey.
But for now, I’ll leave you with this:
What would your days look like if they were designed around a vision board and an action board—both curated just for you, with Allah at the centre?
Written with love and purpose,
Zainab x