An idea is just an idea without action. Action is just action without a plan. We are all striving for something beyond ourselves, for different reasons, but it all comes down to a desire to do better and be better. Not everyone needs a plan or even wants one, but a plan can never do too wrong.
We’ve compiled a list of highly valuable pointers that can clear our readers’ minds up and help them get to the action. They’re simple but very effective tips on getting the ball to roll. Whether it’s chasing dreams, crushing goals, building a new hobby. Anyone can use these tips, and it sure has helped us.
On that note, we completely understand how overworked most of our readers probably are. For example, those who are working, studying, and trying to achieve their goals all at once, can probably use some extra help. Well, if you need help finishing a paper right now then use essay writing help by Essaypro and get your paper done for a fair price. It’s worth looking into. Don’t get burnt out trying to do everything by yourself.
Moving on, here are some golden tips on planning that anyone can follow:
1. Write It Down
For most people, writing down what they have to do or want to do enables ideas to be a tangible thing. Sure, some people might have the best memory on the planet, and there are even individuals who don’t need to write things down. Some people only need a mental note. Unfortunately, having only mental notes of huge responsibilities/ dreams will only hinder most of us.
To get better at planning, it’s best to start off by writing down goals, plans, and most things that need to be dealt with in a methodological manner. Even endeavors that are less pragmatic should be somehow written down or noted.
Humans are better at dealing with their ideas if they can visualize them. That’s why so many forms of media like the Internet, television, even books hold the creators’ ideas through their own form of medium.
So, get a piece of paper and a pen, or a digital tablet, or download a planner on your phone. Get used to writing down your plans. It’s the only way someone can get better at planning. Simple, really.
The initial notes don’t have to be organized right away, we will go through what anyone can do to solidify and organize them. The purpose is to optimize the ideas and create structure. That’s the beginning of a plan. Firstly, it’s an idea. However, we can give you some categorization ideas:
- What matters (Primary): These are goals that are very personal to an individual; a dream or a passion. However, they’re usually only achievable in the long term, and they require a high level of commitment and consistency. Usually, people would need to put effort day in and day out for their primary goals. That is if they want to achieve them as quickly as possible.
- What’s urgent (Secondary): These are usually obligations or things that need attention more immediately, but they’re not necessarily passion-driven goals.
- Everything else (Tertiary): These are the less important tasks, or simply even leisure time ideas.
2. Prioritize
There’s a saying that goes in the lines of, “If you have more than three priorities, then you don’t have any priorities.”
Unfortunately, not all of us are the best at focusing on one task and devoting all of our time to it. Fundamentally, human beings are actually generalists. They tend to do better at many things than striving for one specific thing over a long period of time.
However, if you don’t get your priorities straight and choose the ones that are the most important, you will stretch yourself out thin and eventually burn out. There’s also a high possibility that all of your goals will not be met.
This is why it’s completely crucial to prioritize and choose which goals you will devote your time and energy to. When anyone does this, they give themselves the chance to complete their goals. Evidently, with visions and dreams comes sacrifice.
3. Break It Down
On a piece of paper, or a computer, or a phone, break down why each of the chosen priorities matters. It’s possible to break them down in the way that you like; however, here are some ideas on how to do it:
- What: What is it in particular? Specify.
- Why: Why do you want to reach the goal?
- How: How do you want to reach it?
Breaking it down will help clarify the motivations that are driving it, and also strengthen the resolve on wanting to accomplish it. Not to mention, thinking about how to achieve the goal will help solidify the final plan. Don’t just grasp on straws, make a blueprint and conquer.
4. Strategize And Plan
There is no single proper way to strategize and plan, so we recommend that our readers choose a format and manner that feels the easiest and efficient to them. There is no need to overcomplicate things.
Our readers can use the information that they have so far from the steps above, and use it to come up with a solid strategy/strategies that will basically be the foundations of the whole plan.
- Strategy: organized tactics.
- Plan: long term strategies.
Depending on what you want to accomplish, and the time period in which you want to accomplish it, the plan can be strategically drawn out over a period of months or even years, just remember that it might deviate because life tends to happen (and plans always need to adapt to changes).
We do, however, recommend planning one day at a time, for most people. This is much less stressful and overwhelming and will feel much more doable. Again, it all depends on the context and situation of an individual.
5. Make It Visual
Use Powerpoint, an excel sheet, a visual mood board, or draw a blueprint on paper. Do anything to visualize the plan. This will help reinforce it in the brain every time it sees it, and it will be hard to forget it. Of course, it’s best to choose a format that suits you best. Journal Or Maintenance, Every day if possible, journal the progress. Ask these questions:
- How much did I accomplish?
- Where did I have difficulty?
- What can I do to improve?
Of course, we’re not saying it’s going to be easy to maintain this habit, but it is possible if the individual is serious. However, as an alternative, our readers can journal or keep maintenance of their progress every two or three days, or a set number of times in a week.
Final Thoughts
For people who are spontaneous and prefer to live life at the moment, planning can be hard. But with this easy-to-follow guide, anyone can start getting better at planning. Whether you like it or not, planning helps in success and following through. And even if it can be a pain to some, it is an inevitable part of life that everyone has to face.
Growth only comes from confronting the things outside of your comfort zone, after all. We hope our readers can make good use of this article and our guide to planning, and we hope that our readers are seizing their day, and making the most out of it. No matter if they’re crushing their goals, or relaxing and recovering.
Related Articles:
