This weekend I watched as several of my friends made posts about their New Year's intentions. Seeing all of their lofty goals got me wondering about HOW they would accomplish them. I began to ponder the saying that "A goal without a plan is simply a wish." In order to achieve big goals, we've got to have a plan to get there!
A tool that I have found quite valuable for achieving goals is a form called a 411. The premise is simple: 4 weeks of activities lead to 1 month of accomplishments that lead to your 1 year goal. Basically, we're eating the elephant one bite at a time.
Step 1: Set a series of goals, including business, financial, and personal for your year
Step 2: Take each of your big goals and determine what you must do THIS month to move you toward that goal
Step 3: Write down the weekly action items needed to be completed this week to meet the goal for this month. Revisit this weekly, noting what should be completed each week. These items become your MUST DO list for the week.
For example: One of my goals for 2010 is to become a national trainer for my company. In order to do this, there is a certification process that must be completed. Part of the certification process entails sending in video of you instructing. I've already had the raw video footage shot at a class I taught in November. Now it needs to be edited, which is a project that I will have my son help me with.
My step 1 yearly goal: Become a National Trainer
My step 2 monthly goal: Have the application completed and sent off to the appropriate person by January 30
My step 3 weekly action item for the FIRST week of the month:
To sort thru the video, identify the parts that I choose to have included, and hand it off to my son for editing
My step 3 weekly action item for the SECOND week of the month:
To complete the application
My step 3 weekly action item for the THIRD week of the month:
Mail the application
My step 3 weekly action item for the FOURTH week of the month:
Follow up to verify that it was received
By taking a BIG goal and breaking it down into smaller goals, and then identifying the action steps needed to achieve the smaller goals, we move forward toward our final destination. Hitting those milestones gives us a sense of achievement and keeps us moving forward. It's not about being busy...It's about doing the things that matter.
You can download a copy of the 411 form by visting www.ProductivityWarriors.com
Wishing you a prosperous 2010!
Beth
Comments(3)