Day 5: Creating an Action Plan to Achieve Your Goals
Setting a goal is a great start, but reaching it is another matter. To make sure you get to your desired outcome, it’s important to make a Plan of Action. This plan should be detailed and guide you toward your goal.
50 years ago our team in the Financial Services Industry would spend 4 days in a secluded Mountain Cabin reviewing the previous year’s results and then create our Individual Plans of Action to achieve the coming year’s individual goals. Amazingly, those who followed the plan enjoyed personal success in the coming year through the attainment of their self-directed GOAL.
Now, let’s explore ten steps to create a solid action plan to achieve your Goals. There are examples included along with the steps to help you follow along with your own goals.
Step 1: Identify Your Goal
Establishing a plan for success starts with understanding your goals. First, get clear about what you want and why it matters.
An Example Goal: To run a marathon within the next year
Step 2: Break Your Goal into Smaller Parts
Break your goal into smaller, more manageable parts. This step will make your goal less intimidating and more achievable.
Remember the ancient adage: “Mile by mile, it’s a trial; yard by yard, it’s hard; but inch by inch, it’s a cinch.”— Gabrielle Giffords
Example
- Start with shorter runs: Run 1-2 miles three times a week for the first month.
- Increase distance gradually: Increase weekly mileage by no more than 10% each week after the first month.
- Join a running group: Find a local running group or a running partner to help keep me motivated and accountable.
- Incorporate strength training: Add core, hip, and leg strengthening exercises twice a week to help prevent injury.
- Find a training plan: Research and select a beginner-friendly training plan appropriate for the next year.
- Participate in shorter races: Participate in at least one 5K or 10K race before the marathon.
Step 3: Identify the Obstacles
Identify the potential obstacles that may hinder you from achieving your goal. It’s important to anticipate your challenges to plan to overcome them.
Example list of obstacles:
- Lack of fitness and stamina
- Limited time for training due to work and family commitments
- Risk of injury due to overtraining
Step 4: Create a Plan of Action
Once you’ve identified the obstacles, create a Plan of Action. Outline the steps you must take to achieve each milestone and overcome the obstacles.
Example plan of action to overcome obstacles:
- Develop a training schedule that includes running 3-4 times a week.
- Gradually increase the distance and intensity of the training over time
- Incorporate strength training and cross-training activities to avoid injury and increase stamina.
- Seek the advice of a coach or experienced runner to provide guidance and support.
- Use a running app to track progress and monitor performance.
Step 5: Set a Deadline
A realistic deadline will keep you focused and motivated to work towards your objectives.
Example of setting realistic deadlines for achieving each milestone:
- Start with shorter runs: Run 1-2 miles three times a week for the first month.
Example Deadline: By the end of the first month, increase the distance of one run to 3 miles.
- Increase distance gradually: Increase weekly mileage by no more than 10% each week after the first month.
Example deadline: By the end of the third month, be able to run 10 miles without stopping.
- Join a running group: Find a local running group or a running partner to help keep you motivated and accountable.
Example deadline: Research and join a local running group within the first two weeks or find a running partner.
- Incorporate strength training: Add core, hip, and leg strengthening exercises to my routine twice a week.
Example deadline: By the end of the first month, develop and commit to a twice-weekly strength training routine.
- Find a training plan: Research and select a beginner-friendly training plan appropriate for the next year.
Example deadline: By the end of the second month, research and select a suitable training plan that will last for the next year.
- Participate in shorter races: Participate in at least one 5K or 10K race before the marathon.
Example deadline: By the end of the ninth month, register for a 5K or 10K race to participate in before the marathon.
- Keep track of progress: Use a running app or journal to record all runs, distances, and times to track progress and adjust the training plan as needed.
Example deadline: By the end of each week, update the running app or journal with the progress made throughout the week.
Setting deadlines for these smaller milestones keeps you on track and ensures you progress toward running a marathon within the next year.
Step 6: Determine the Resources You Need
Determine the resources you need to achieve your goal. This step includes identifying the people, tools, and equipment necessary for each milestone.
Example of determining the resources needed to achieve each milestone:
- Running shoes and appropriate clothing
- A running app or GPS watch to track progress and performance.
- A gym membership or access to outdoor running trails
- A coach or experienced runner to provide guidance and support.
Step 7: Monitor Your Progress
Monitor your progress regularly to ensure you’re on track. Use a journal, planner, or mobile app to track your progress.
Example of how to monitor progress:
- Use a Running App — Use a running app to track the distance, pace, and duration of each run.
- Keep a Training Journal — Keep a training journal to track your workouts, including the distance, time, and how you felt during the run.
- Monitor Heart Rate – Get a heart rate monitor and use it to track your heart rate during workouts.
- Track Body Composition — Track your body composition regularly using a body fat scale or other measurement tool.
- Get Feedback from Others — Ask a coach or experienced runner to provide feedback on your progress or join a running club for support and motivation.
Step 8: Adjust Your Plan When Necessary
It’s important to remain flexible and adapt your plan as you progress.
Here are some examples:
- Adjust Training Schedule — If you’re not progressing as quickly as you’d like, you may need to adjust your training schedule. This could include adding an extra day of running or reducing the distance of your runs to prevent injury or burnout.
- Adjust Milestones — If you’re struggling to reach a particular milestone, you may need to adjust the milestone to make it more achievable. For example, if you’re finding it challenging to run a 10k within four months, you could adapt the milestone to running a 5k without stopping within the same timeframe.
- Adjust Diet — If you’re not seeing the weight loss results you want, you may need to adjust your diet. This could include reducing your calorie intake or altering your macronutrient ratios to support your training goals.
- Adjust Cross-Training Activities — If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort during your runs, you may need to adjust your cross-training activities. This could include incorporating more yoga or Pilates into your routine to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
- Adjust Rest and Recovery — If you’re worn out and need a break, it might be a good idea to switch up your plan a bit. Maybe take a few days off from training or be kinder to yourself when you exercise so your body gets the rest it needs.
Remember, adjustments to your plan should be made based on your personal goals, abilities, and limitations. It’s essential to remain flexible and open to changing your plan to achieve your goal. When you take time to adjust your plan as necessary, it’ll keep you on track to ensure you continue to make progress.
Step 9: Celebrate Your Successes
Celebrate your successes by recognizing your achievements and rewarding yourself for each milestone you reach.
Here are some examples:
- Treat Yourself to a Massage — After a particularly challenging workout or milestone, treat yourself to a tension-reducing, stress-relieving, and relaxing massage.
- Enjoy a Healthy Meal — Celebrate your progress by enjoying a healthy meal that aligns with your fitness goals. Choose a meal high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats to support muscle recovery and boost energy levels.
- Take a Fitness Class — Treat yourself to a fitness class or workout you’ve wanted to do. Staying engaged in your fitness routine while celebrating your progress will feel great.
- Buy New Workout Gear — Investing in new workout gear boosts your confidence and motivation. Choose functional and comfortable gear, such as a new pair of running shoes or compression leggings.
- Plan a Fun Fitness Activity — Plan a fun fitness activity with friends or family, such as hiking, biking, or rock climbing, helping you celebrate your progress while enjoying time with loved ones.
Step 10: Review and Evaluate Your Plan
Review and evaluate your plan regularly. Identify areas of improvement and adjust your plan as necessary.
Here are some examples:
- Review Progress — Review your progress towards your goal by looking at your training journal, running app data, and other measurements. Take note of areas where you’ve made progress and where you may need to adjust.
- Evaluate Obstacles — Evaluate any obstacles you encountered during the process and think about how you’ll overcome them in the future. This could include adjusting your training schedule, seeking additional support, or reevaluating your goals and motivations.
- Identify Strengths and Weaknesses — Identify your strengths and weaknesses when working towards your goal, helping you focus on areas where you need more work or are already doing well.
- Reassess Your Goals — Reassess your overall goal and consider whether it’s still relevant and meaningful to you. If not, consider adjusting your goal or setting a new one that better aligns with your values and aspirations.
- Adjust Your Plan — Based on your evaluation, adjust your plan to continue progressing towards your goal. This could include adjusting your training schedule, seeking additional support, or setting new milestones to keep yourself motivated and engaged.
Creating a solid Plan of Action to achieve your goals is essential for success. Follow these ten steps to create a specific and clear plan to accomplish each objective you plan to achieve in your life. Remember to be flexible, monitor your progress, and celebrate your successes.
Day 5 Finding Clarity Exercise: Create a Clear Action Plan
Start by looking over the list of ideas and goals you’ve generated so far in this challenge. Then choose ONE personal or professional goal you’d like to achieve within the next six months to a year.
- Follow the steps — Use the ten steps outlined above to create a personalized action plan for achieving your goal. Make your plan specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound, and broken down into smaller, more manageable tasks.
- Submit your plan — Submit your personalized action plan to your accountability partner or mentor for review and feedback. Include specific milestones and metrics that you’ll use to track your progress and any potential obstacles or challenges you may encounter along the way.
- Evaluate your progress — For the next few weeks or months, evaluate your progress toward your goal and make any necessary adjustments to your plan.
