Creating an Action Plan

So you've bought into the idea that you need to live life on purpose. You have an intention; you have goals. You know what you want life to be like five or ten years from now. But taking that first step to make it happen is daunting. Try this.

Look at the big picture and then break it apart like a jigsaw puzzle. Some things you want may be already in place--a loving spouse, a beautiful home, a promising career. Set those aside in a "maintenance" area. Then separate the rest of the puzzle into action steps that you can take, like stepping stones, to fill in the missing pieces and reach the result you desire. You want the "yet to be accomplished" items in small pieces that you can see are doable. Even if you don't know everything that needs to be done, start now.

List everything you can think of that will have to be done to bring each piece of the puzzle into fruition--to make it real. This will help you decide which ones to work on first. For instance, one of the pieces might be: "Get a degree." Some things in your action plan might be:

1. Talk with someone in Human Resources where you work to see if the company will pay for any courses.

2. Get college catalogs.

3. Talk with a counselor to set up a program. What are the required courses and when are they offered? Can any work experience count for college credit to shorten the classroom time?

4. Get family support. Talk with your spouse, if any, about this new outside activity to gain support. What will it take in class and study time? What will you and the family gain from this activity? What if there is resistance? You need a contingency plan. Drill down. If your spouse refuses to cooperate, what are the alternatives?

Classes during work hours

Correspondence courses

Courses on the Internet for credit

Delay start of courses

You have choices. Sort out your alternatives. Know your options. As you show that you are determined and will not neglect your family responsibilities, chances are that the spouse's attitude will soften. While they may still withhold full support, they may make some concessions.

At this point, you are trying to better define what needs to be done and when. If there are any shortcuts, now is the time to uncover them. You won't know everything that will need to be done. That's okay. Your list will change and grow as you learn more. Just find the first step and take it.

Jo Condrill is an acclaimed author, speaker and consultant. She is the author of "Take Charge of Your Life: Dare to Pursue Your Dreams," "101 Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills Instantly," and "From Book Signing to Best Seller." As a civilian supervisor at the Pentagon, she received the highest civilian award one can achieve, the US Army Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service. Jo shares her unique experiences in seminars and speeches on leadership, team building, personal development, and success strategies. http://www.goalminds.com

---

Mindfulness and Conversation: Mastering The Art of Small Talk

How's the weather there?We use small talk to connect with... Read More

10 Tips for Sensible Living

Here are a few suggestions that I try to put... Read More

Success Lessons From Cricket That Can Improve Your Life

This summer (2005) huge crowds in England and Australia have... Read More

More Effective Communication - Weight Loss For Your Mouth

Language constitutes our belief system. What we believe is true... Read More

How the Subconscious Mind can Accelerate Self Improvement and Success

Just how powerful is the Subconscious Mind and how can... Read More

How To Create What You Want...And Want What You Create

Something For You To Consider?How To Create What You Want... Read More

Ten, Humourous, Power Attitudes

The ability to achieve our enormous untapped potential is directly... Read More

The 7 Ultimate Laws Of Success

There are certain laws that when obeyed will bring great... Read More

7 Things You Can Do To Reach The Success You Truly Desire

Ever have those days where no matter what you try... Read More

The #1 Success Secret of All Time

From time to time I receive correspondence from individuals with... Read More

It?s Sure to Succeed

There are "How to" seminars on virtually every business topic.... Read More

Check Your Comfort Zone At The Door

No matter what goals and dreams you desire, there's a... Read More

Are You Afraid of Success?

You may not realise it yet but you may have... Read More

5 Key Ingredients of Business Success

What do you need to have for a successful business?... Read More

The Fastest Way to Success

Your mind is the only tool that can create success... Read More

Sentenced to Success

I once heard a speaker use the statement, "I have... Read More

Make The Second Half The Best Half

Something happens when you come to the intersection... Read More

Changing Your Luck

In this week's New Age Notebook, I am going to... Read More

How to Make Success a Habit

Want to make success a habit in your life? If... Read More

7.9 Things I Learned About Success From Darth Vader

Unless you have been living in a cave, you have... Read More

Work Life Balance: Work Life a Balancing Act

Australians are loosing their laidback, carefree reputation, as we continue... Read More

Failures: 2 Types 7 Reasons

We experience failure directly or indirectly. Here we will come... Read More

Education Leads To A Healthier And Happier Life

Do you feel you lead a healthy and happy life?... Read More

Reach Your Goals - The Fine Art Of The End Run

Perfect the fine art of the end run From time... Read More

Don?t Throw the Baby Out with the Bath Water

Whenever we have a bad experience or we own up... Read More

How to Make Your Wildest Dreams a Reality

According to Bill Gates there are 3 keys to success... Read More

Reach Your Goals - Using Eastern Wisdom

Take a page from Eastern wisdom Meditation, martial arts that... Read More

Accelerated Learning is Profitable

Accelerated learning is not only practical, it is profitable. Acquiring... Read More

Perseverance is the Ability ...

"Perseverance allows you to get back on track when you... Read More

10 Critical Success Clues

I don't need to be a gypsy fortune teller to... Read More

Success Tips From Boxing

Ray Winstone, the London East End barrow boy, who became... Read More

Success -- A Secret and A Formula

Are you looking for the secret or magical formula for... Read More

The Communication of Your Biology & Beliefs

Not only do we communicate with ourselves, but our cells... Read More