In previous articles we discussed reviewing our accomplishments for last year and then planning to set smart goals. Now it’s time to make an action plan for reaching your goal. It is time for you to take action to reach your goals!
Some people prove more likely to accomplish goals than others. The successful people use goal setting, goal review and action plans to keep them on track and move them forward just accomplish more.
To be successful, action plans need only a few clearly defined steps. Action plans can take a variety of forms, but all plans should be prepared using the six-step process outlined below.
6 Steps to Your Action Plan
Step 1
Make a list of everything you imagine you will have to do to achieve your goal. By taking the time to put together a list of all the actions you need to take, you will be laying out a path to follow. Just like when taking a trip, you might know where you want to end up, but if you don’t plan the route you might get lost or at the very least not be as efficient as you could have been.
Step 2
Prioritize and sequence your list and put the actions in order to make a plan. Priority is what is most important down to least important. Sequence is what you have to accomplish before you do something else, and in what order.
Step 3
Set milestones or mini-goals to celebrate wins (with rewards) to keep you motivated. Start from the end goal and work backward as you set milestones. I’ve found it best to set milestones closer together at the beginning and a further apart toward the end.
Step 4
Identify resources you can utilize if you need them along the way. Someone who has been successful in the area of your goal, someone to bounce ideas off of, someone to motivate you and keep you going if you hit a tough spot. Perhaps you need to refer to a book; keep it handy. Maybe you have a website bookmarked that provides helpful advice on goal attainment. You know how you work best and what you might need.
Step 5
Prepare a visualization of your action. The point of this step is to create something that you can place in a spot you can see or access readily. (We describe some different options for visualization later in this article.) Your visualization should clearly communicate your action plan so you can follow it.
Step 6
Begin to take action to reach your goals. And please, take time as you progress to evaluate and update. It works well to do this when you hit a milestone, or if you are having trouble hitting the next milestone. Reread your SMART goal. Are you on the right track? Has something changed? Do you need to reach out for help? Road trips have detours, flat tires, changed itineraries and traffic jams. Your journey to accomplish your goal will not always remain smooth either. Stay diligent about evaluating your progress. Keep moving forward. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
5 Ways to Record Your Action Plan
A template or worksheet
Many people use a template. You can find a variety on line that are easily adaptable. List your goal at the top, action steps down the side and mini-goals or dates across the top. You can do this by hand in hard copy or digitally. Search pinterest for personal action plans or google personal action plans.
A vision board
Many people roll their eyes when they hear about vision boards. Actually, they can be very effective and fun to put together. Vision boards give you a clear direction for where you want to go in one or more areas of your life. Vision boards serve as a constant reminder of what your priorities are. Search vision boards or go to yourpersonalskillslifecoach.com/design-your-powerful-vision-board/ to find a printable sheet and a gallery of ideas with steps on how to put together your vision board.
Maps or flow charts
These are simple and easy ways to list and follow your priorities and milestones. They are great for listing priorities with fewer steps. Find examples at creately.com
Digital Forms
Keeping track of your goals and priorities on line has advantages. They are easy to find and track, you can edit them easily, you can keep them with you on your phone and you can print them to put in a planner to carry with you.
Journaling
Start by making a list of your goals and action steps you want to take. Having your goals written down and planned out in steps will give you a reason and a way to stay motivated and committed throughout the project. Then record your progress, including changes you make to your plans. You can begin writing or journaling easily and you can do it in any way you choose.
Ready to Take Action to Reach your Goals?
No matter how you prepare the visualization of your action plan, the more detailed and manageable your list, the more motivated you will become, the more intense will be your desire, and the more you will believe it is possible. You will be prepared to take action to reach your goals.
“The 80/20 Rule says that 80% of your results will come from 20% of your activities. The 20/80 Rule says that the first 20% of the time that you spend planning your goal and organizing your plan will be worth 80% of the time and effort required to achieve the goal.” – www.briantracy.com
Related Articles:
Review and Celebrate Last Year
Prepare to Set Goals for the New Year
Design Your Powerful Vision Board
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