How to Make a Plan That Works

Article

Apr 29

Do you have different plans and schedules crammed into one To-Do List? Perhaps you rewrite it every night getting lost in the details and becoming overwhelmed. If so you may not have a plan that works for you.

At Lead True, we believe that the best recipe for a plan that works has two ingredients. First, it allows you to achieve your goals while also enjoying your life. Second, it is created for a certain period of time.

In the past 10+ years, we have helped many of our clients with making their own unique integrated plans. While every plan is unique to every individual, they all include the following 5 elements:

1. Inner Inspiration

This can be referred to as your vision, purpose, or mission. On your plan, you want to include a simple reference to what inspires you to lead your life powerfully.

2. Values

Your values capture what human qualities and characteristics you want your choices and actions to demonstrate. They are unique to you, make you feel good, and give you a sense of direction during decision-making.

3. Strengths

Include what you do well and what you want to do more of in your work, community, family, friendships, and other areas of life. Your strengths feel easy and fun for you to contribute.

4. Priority Outcomes (Reflecting All Areas Of Life)

Once you reconnect with your Inner Inspiration, your Values, and your Strengths, you then want to do a life scan (we use a Life Energy Bagua Map in our workshops) to brainstorm what is currently important to you in each area of life. After you brainstorm, choose the ones you would most love to have occur next.

5. Timeframe

Now give yourself a timeframe to work on this plan. The timeframe will not include re-thinking, re-strategizing, or re-prioritizing. Depending on your pace, you might choose 90-days, 6-months, or 1-year.

Take time to reflect on the 5 elements described above. You can reflect in any way that works for you. Perhaps you could use the 5 elements as journal prompts using your answers as a source of inspiration or as part of a vision board. Alternatively, you can discuss the 5 elements with someone in your community.

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.