How to
create an effective action plan
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reating a
powerful action plan always begins with having a clear purpose, vision or goal
in mind. It is designed to take you from wherever you are right now directly to
the accomplishment of your stated goal. With a well-designed plan, you can
achieve virtually any goal you set out to accomplish.
1. Keep a record of everything. As you
work through your action plan, keep notes of everything. You may find it
helpful to have a binder with different tabs in it to section off different
aspects of your planning process.
2. Know what you want to do. The less
clear you are about what you want to do, the less effective your plan will be.
Try to specifically define what you want to achieve as early as possible – preferably
before starting your project.
3. Be specific and realistic in your
planning.
Having a
specific goal is just the beginning: you need to be specific and realistic in
every aspect of your project – for example, by stating specific and achievable
schedules, milestones, and final outcomes. Being specific and realistic while
planning a long project is all about pro-actively reducing stress that can
accompany poorly planned projects such as missed deadlines and exhausted long
hours.
4.
Set measurable milestones. Milestones mark significant stages along
the road to achieving your end goal. Create milestones easily by starting at
the end (the accomplishment of the goal) and working your way backwards to your
present day and circumstances. Having milestones can help you – and if
applicable, your team – stay motivated by breaking the work into smaller chunks
and tangible goals so that you don’t need to wait until the project is
completely finished to feel as though you’ve accomplished something. Don’t leave
too much time or two little time between milestones – spacing them two weeks
apart has been found to be effective.
5. Break
large tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Some tasks or milestones
may seem more daunting to achieve than others. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by
a large task, you can help ease your anxiety and make it feel more doable by
breaking it down into smaller, more manageable chunks.
6. Make schedule list. Make a list of task
that you need to complete in order to hit your milestones. A list on its own
will not be effective-you must write this into a timeline associated with
specific, realistic actions.
7. Put
timelines on everything. Without specific time frames and deadlines, work
will definitely expand to fill the time allotted, and some task may never get
completed.
No matter
what action items you choose for which phase of your action plan, it is
essential that a time frame be attached to absolutely everything.
8. Create a visual representation. Once
you’ve listed your action items and set a specific timeline, the next step of
visual representation of your plan. You might use a flow chart, a Gantt chart,
a spreadsheet, or some other type of business tool to accomplish this. Keep
this visual representation in an easy accessible place – even on a wall in your
office or study room, if possible.
9.
Mark things off as you go. Marking
things off as you go will not only feel satisfying, it will help you keep on
track lest you forget what you’ve already done.
This is particularly important it you’re
working with other people, you might consider using a shared online document so
that everyone can check in no matter where they are.
10. Don’t
stop until you’ve reached your final goal. Once your plan is established
and shared with the team (if applicable), and your milestones are scheduled,
the next step is simple: take daily actions to achieve your goal.
11. Change
the date if you must, but never give up on your goal. Occasionally, circumstances or unforeseen events
can arise that throw a wrench in your ability to meet deadlines, complete tasks
and achieve your goal. If this happens, do not get
discouraged-revise your plan and continue
working to meet targets and move forward. see you soon....
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