5 Simple Ways to Actually Stick to Your Plan

Article

Apr 30

In an earlier blog, we explained how to make a plan that works for you. However, a plan has no value unless you actually put it into practice. In other words: in order to reach your goals, you need to work on the plan! And that is often where the challenge lies. Life is in motion all the time, which makes sticking to the plan not always easy. In this blog, we describe 5 Simple Ways to Actually Stick to Your Plan.

In our everchanging lives, we need a flexible system that helps us to reach our goals while at the same time leaves room for unexpected events. Since we all deal with changes, adversities and disruptions in our own unique ways, there is no one size fits all system. Below you will find a list of the 5 practices that have been most impactful for our clients as they work their plans.

1. Post A Motivating Visual Reminder.

There are a few ways to do this. You could make your plan your screen saver. Make your values the backdrop of your phone, or create a visual collage of your priorities for your office.

2. Create A Daily Or Weekly System Of Inspired Actions.

At a pace that works for you, review your plan. Make sure you connect with each element. Then, make your next set of more specific inspired actions that will keep you moving.

3. Progress Towards Multiple Goals With One Action Item, Managing Your Return On Energy.

We can use the female brain’s capacity for cross-connections beautifully. Have your kids ride bikes beside you as you run. You are exercising, connecting, having fun, and teaching great life skills in one 20-minute window.

4. Focus On The Task At Hand, Trusting Your Plan.

Once you have created and chosen your next task, focus on that completely. Practicing cross-connections too frequently can lead to over-processing and unproductive multitasking. Becoming mindful of what you’ve chosen to do next provides the moment-to-moment peace of mind that we crave.

5. Notice Accomplishments Daily.

If we never feel like we’re getting anything done, we become overwhelmed and exhausted. We must notice what we are accomplishing each day, letting it be enough. Yes, there will always be more to do. You will never get it all done, and you didn’t do it perfectly today. Yet you accomplished what you accomplished, and it was enough.

We hope that these 5 Simple Ways to Actually Stick to Your Plan are helpful for you to actually work your plan, while also allowing you to enjoy life. As we already pointed out: there is no one practice that works for everyone. From the 5 practices listed above, pick the ones that resonate with your way of working.

One bonus practice that can help you to stick to your plan is to organize a supportive, trusting community in your life. These are people who you can ask for a helping hand, a listening ear, or pep talk when motivation feels low.

About the Author

Dr. Alison Miller creates collaborative coaching relationships with her clients and helps them identify important life goals. She promotes the personal growth of all her clients by helping them change beliefs and attitudes, take action, engage in new behaviors and live their lives according to their own values.