Did you know that action planning serves a dual purpose in our lives? In addition to being ESSENTIAL to achieving our goals, it also helps us to build confidence! You see, any good action plan gives us a clear path forward. For many of us, this helps us to overcome the uncertainty of the inner voice that says “You don’t know what you’re doing” or “This is too overwhelming.” You see, by breaking it down into concrete, clear, manageable steps, we create a situation where we DO know what to do, how to do it, and what comes next. Best of all, we don’t get overwhelmed because the path has been clearly laid out for us!
Interestingly, the OTHER thing that a great action plan allows you to do is expect the unexpected. By planning for potential obstacles, you can not only help ensure success, but you can develop your confidence even further! You see, by learning how to navigate challenges, whether they ever arise or not, you begin to see your own ability to overcome difficulty. This in turn builds confidence in who you are and what you are capable of. And THAT is a benefit that is truly beyond measure!
Most people agree that having a solid action plan can make all the difference when working to achieve your goals. What they may disagree on is what parts an effective action plan must include. Not sure either? Here are a few basic ideas to get you started:
A step-by-step process to get you from where you are now to where you want to end up
A timeline for your plan
A list of the ways you will measure progress
A list of the resources you will need to be successful
A plan for any obstacles you anticipate
But what happens if we have an action plan that’s not working? For many people, the instant answer is “Change the plan!” And yes, sometimes a change of plan is needed….but often there are other things at play that are getting in the way. So before you jump on the bandwagon of abandoning your well-crafted plan, ask yourself these questions:
Are all the necessary elements of an effective plan in place? If not, what did I miss?
Am I implementing the action plan as it was created? If not, what needs to change for that to happen?
Am I showing up to execute my plan fully and with fidelity? If not, what do I need to change to make that possible?
Are my timelines for progress realistic? If not, what might a more realistic version look like?
Only AFTER reviewing your plan and evaluating your execution of it should you begin thinking about making any changes😊
Wondering how to apply all of this to a certain area of your life? Message me, I’d love to chat!
