Goal Planning and Action Plan

What we want to do next is to give you a form for goal planning
and setting up your plan of action. There are a few areas we want
to visit again just to be certain you know what to do in certain
situations.


Be absolutely certain that your goal has the characteristics we
spoke about earlier: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realisitc and
Tangible. If your goal does not have all of these, either revise your
goal or get another one. To further define Specific ask yourself:
Who is involved?
What do I want to accomplish?
Where? Identify a location.
When? Establish a time period.
Which? Identify parameters and components.
Why? The reason, purpose and benefits of reaching this goal.


Benefits from achieving your goal may be increased income or items
you will possess. Also remember to include intangible benefits such as
better relationships, greater respect from your peers or a sense of
accomplishment.


The goal form also includes a space for identifying Possible Obstacles
and Possible Solutions. This is very important! Being able to identify
these prior to beginning your goal planning is huge. When you know
what to expect it makes overcoming an obstacle much easier.


On the Action Plan list the daily tasks you must take to bring your goal
into focus. Most goals depend on the completion of a series of action
steps that must be completed in order . . .one after the other. Some
of these steps might even be broken down into small, more detailed
action plans. Be sure to set target dates for each action step and
record the date you reviewed each step. Also enter the date you
complete each item. This will give you a built in check list of your
progress.


Once you have completed your list of specific action steps for
achieving this goal you should be able to predict how long it will
take you to complete the entire task. Write this date on the form
under Final Target Date.


Finally, you need to develop a method of tracking your progress so
you stay motivated during the goal completion process. Now that
you know what is required in terms of time, money and effort you
should ask yourself if it is worth the time, money and effort you
will expend to accomplilsh this goal. If the answer is YES then go
right ahead and dive into your goal. If the answer is NO then you
should either revise your goal or discard it. Sometimes you may
find that your goal is still worthy but at a different time. If this is
true just simply change the date and begin it later.


When you have finished your goal put the date you completed it
under Date Achieved. Then move the goal to its proper folder either
Personal Accomplishment or Business Accomplishment. Now, be
sure to celebrate the completion in a proper manner and enjoy the
benefits!




                  Goal Planning Sheet


Business ___ Personal ___  Today's Date _______ Final Date_______ Date Achieved_____


Goal (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Tangible)
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________


Benefits From Acieving This Goal
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________


Possible Obstacles Possible Solutions
___________________________ _____________________________
___________________________ _____________________________
___________________________ _____________________________
___________________________ _____________________________
___________________________ _____________________________
___________________________ _____________________________


       Action Plan to Achieve This Goal
                   
Steps Necessary to Achieve My Goal                            Target Date    Date Reviewed    Completed


1. ________________________________________
    ________________________________________


2. ________________________________________
    ________________________________________


3. ________________________________________
    ________________________________________


4. ________________________________________
    ________________________________________


5. ________________________________________
    ________________________________________


6. ________________________________________
    ________________________________________


Method to Track Progress
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________


Is it worth the time, money and effort to attain this goal?


Yes_____  No_____ Yes, Later_____