With the New Year upon us we are all setting our new goals for the year, but as the famous saying says, “A goal without a plan is just a wish,” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
The key to being successful while goal setting is to create an action plan. An action plan gives you a clear direction and lays out exactly what steps need to be taken…and when. It will help you to track your progress toward your goal and identify when you need to change gears in order to make your goals a reality.
Planning helps you prepare for the obstacles ahead and keeps you focused on the end result. With an effective action plan, you will find yourself more motivated and see more success in achieving your goals!
So how do you go about creating a good action plan?
Step One: Define your goal
Start by defining where you are and where you want to be, and then create your goal using the SMART method.
Specific – well-defined and clear
Measurable – include measurable indicators to track progress
Attainable – realistic and achievable within the resources, time, money, experience, etc. you have
Relevant – align with your other goals
Timely – has a finishing date
Step Two: List your steps
Make sure that each task is clearly defined and attainable. If you have larger tasks, break them down into smaller ones that are easier to execute and manage.
Step Three: Prioritize tasks and set deadlines
Order and prioritize each step and give a specific date for completion. Make sure this date of completion is realistic! Also, take note of who is completing these tasks. Can you delegate some things to help you see more success?
Step Four: Set mini goals
Set small goals along the way to measure progress, but also to give yourself something to look forward to. You will find that setting smaller goals also works wonders on keeping you motivated!?
Step Five: Identify and acquire resources needed
Go over each step and make a list of items that you may need and acquire them. You may need the assistance of a marketing professional or some raw materials to create a new product. Make sure you have a list so there are no surprises or barriers to completing a goal.
Step Six: Evaluate and update
Set aside 20 minutes each week to check your progress, make changes and update items that aren’t working.
There you have it! Six easy steps to creating an action plan to make your goals a reality in 2021. Try out this strategy and let me know how it works for you over the next few weeks. Happy goal achieving!
