Making an Action Plan    

        An action plan is a step by step approach to achieving a goal.  A  goal is the end result of a plan.

        The path to achieving a goal can be likened to a journey. First, you need a destination then a map, a budget, a direction, a schedule – and you need to know when you have arrived at your destination.

        You can change your life by choosing a worthwhile goal and pursuing it, tenaciously.

        Try setting a goal higher than you think you can reach – then reach it!

         Your goal should be three things – clearly defined, realistic and measurable.       

A handful of tips to help you make an action plan to achieve a goal

* First set your goal

        Try to set clear simple goals for both work and life.

        Write your goal down into one sentence.  What do you really want to achieve?

        If you write it down simply and look at it often you are more likely to achieve it.

* List actions needed

        Brainstorm a list of possible actions needed.

        Start by listing ‘who’ does ‘what’ by ‘when’.

        Select the best recommendations.

        Now set them out in a logical order, step by step.

* Make your plans dynamic

        Try to identify possible problems. Prepare some backup plans. just in case they are needed.

* Prepare a timeline

        What is to be done, by when?

* Set out your plan and start

        Plan logically, step by step. 

        What needs to be done by when?

        How will I know when it is done?

        If you don’t plan it, you can never achieve it

        -Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“Knowledge is power but the action gets things done.”

 Source: “Revitalise YOUR Business. Guidelines for new leader-managers”,  First published in New Zealand and later by the Singapore Institute of Management. As “Business Secrets” and as “Secrets for New Managers” by Cengage Learning Asia and McGraw-Hill, Australia. Also available as an e-book from Amazon.com and VitalSource Bookshelf.