Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

The process of planning an effective action always begins with a clear purpose, goal and vision. The plan will guide you from your current position straight to the goals you set. With a well-designed plan, you can achieve almost any goal you want.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Planning

1. 

   Record every detail. During the process of planning your action, you'll need to make note of every detail. It is helpful to use a folder with multiple labels to categorize it into different sections of your plan. Some of the items that can be mentioned are:
   • Miscellaneous ideas / notes
   • Daily schedule
   • Monthly schedule
   • Milestones
   • Research process
   • The next job
   • The individuals involved / contact information

2. 

   
   
   Know what you want to do. The less you know what you want to do, the less effective your plan will be. Try to be specific about what you want to achieve as soon as possible - preferably before starting the project.
   • Example: You are trying to complete a master's thesis - it's basically a very long essay, requiring about 40,000 words. This essay will include an introduction, a literature review (in which you critically discuss other research papers that you refer to and discuss your methodology), and chapters of the essay. text, in which you interpret your ideas with concrete facts, and finally concludes. You have one year to write your essay.

3. 

   
   
   Think specifically and realistically when planning. Clear goal setting is just the beginning: you need to be specific and realistic in every aspect of your project - clearly setting out schedules, milestones and end results, for example and Feasibility.
   • Thinking specifically and realistically when planning a large project is a positive way to reduce stress - which often comes with projects that aren't well planned - such as failing to get it done in time. last and long hours of work to exhaustion.
   • For example, to finish your thesis on time, you need to write about 5,000 words per month, so you will have a few months left to sharpen your ideas. Realistic estimation means not setting expectations to write more than 5,000 words per month.
   • If you are working as a teaching assistant for 3 months, you will have to consider not completing 15,000 words in this time frame, so you will need to spread the amount of work evenly over the rest of the months.

4. 

   
   
   Set reasonable milestones. Milestones mark important stages in the journey towards the end goal. You can easily set milestones by starting with the results (goal fulfillment) and going backwards to current times and circumstances.
   • Setting milestones can help you (and if applicable, it also helps the team) stay motivated by dividing the workload into smaller chunks and clearer goals, thanks You don't have to wait until the whole project is completed to feel like you have achieved some results.
   • The timing of milestones should not be too long or too short - each phase lasting about 2 weeks is considered most effective.
   • For example, when writing an essay, you shouldn't set milestones based on your goal of completing chapters, as this can take months. Instead, break it up into shorter periods (possibly based on the number of words written) over a 2-week period and reward yourself for completion.

5. 

   Divide large tasks into smaller and easier parts. Some missions and milestones may be harder to achieve than others.
   • If you feel exhausted about a large task, you can reduce stress and make the task more feasible by breaking it into smaller, easier-to-do chunks.
   • Example: Literature review is often the most difficult chapter, as it forms the foundation of the essay. To complete a literature review, you need to research and analyze a large volume of documents before you start writing.
   • You can divide this task into three smaller parts: research, analysis, and writing. You can even break it down even further by choosing which specific articles and books to read, setting a time limit for analysis and writing.

6. 

   Scheduling. Write a list of tasks that need to be completed to reach milestones. But just listing things to do won't work - you have to put this list on your schedule related to concrete and real actions.
   • For example: By breaking down a document overview, you'll know exactly what to do and be able to find a specific timeframe for those tasks. Maybe every day or two you'll have to read, analyze, and write about an important issue.

7. 

   Schedule all jobs. Without specific timeframes and deadlines, your work will probably exceed the time allowed, and some tasks may never be completed.
   • Regardless of the tasks you choose for any phase in the action plan, it is essential to include a timeframe in all of those activities.
   • Example: Knowing that it takes about 1 hour to read 2,000 words, and that you will need to read a 10,000-word document, then you need to give yourself at least 5 hours to read the document.
   • You will also need to take into account at least two meals during that time, and take breaks every 1-2 hours when your brain starts to tire. In addition, you also need to add at least 1 hour to the final number in case of unexpected disruptions.

8. 

   Create visual symbols. Once you've made a list of specific action items and schedules, the next step is to create a visual icon for your plan. You can use a flow chart, chart, spreadsheet, or some other office tool to do this.
   • Place the icon in plain view - even on the wall in the office or classroom if possible.

9. 

   Check out the completed items. Crossing out the tasks that you have achieved not only gives you a sense of satisfaction, but also helps you keep track of your work so you don't forget what you've done.
   • This is especially important when working in groups. If you work with others, consider using internet-shared documents so that everyone can check wherever they are.

10. 

    Don't stop walking until the final goal is reached. Once your plan has been set up and shared in the group (if applicable), and your milestones have been scheduled, the next step is pretty simple: Get started. daily to achieve the goal.

11. 

    Change the time if necessary, but never give up on your goal. Occasionally, circumstances or events that you do not foresee can emerge and prevent you from completing a task on time and reaching your goal.
    • If this happens, don't be discouraged either - review your plan and keep working to reach your goals and move forward.
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Part 2 of 4: Time management

1. 

   Choose an effective schedule. Whether using an application software or a handbook, you'll need a schedule that can be planned hourly, day by day or week by week. The timetable should be easy to read and use; otherwise, you will not be able to take advantage of it.
   • Studies have shown that putting pen on paper to write down things to do increases the chance you will do them. So it's probably best to use a handwritten schedule to plan time for work.

2. 

   Avoid using to-do lists. So you have a long to-do list, but when will you actually get it done? To-do lists aren't as effective as scheduling tasks. Once you have a schedule in place, you are more likely to spend time doing it.
   • When you set specific times to work (many daily schedules have time cells), you will also find that you are less likely to procrastinate, because you only have one time. time to complete the task before moving on to the next task on the schedule.

3. 

   Learn how to divide your time. Breaking up your time will help you know how much time is left for the day. Let's start with the tasks that need most priority, then the less important ones.
   • Make a schedule for the whole week. As you look further into the coming days, you can tailor your schedule to be most effective.
   • Some experts also recommend that you should at least have a general idea of ​​how to plan for the whole month.
   • Some people also recommend starting at the end of the day and going back - so if you're planning to finish homework by 5 p.m., schedule it to start from that point and schedule it. reverse until the beginning of the day, such as 7 a.m.

4. 

   Include breaks and breaks on your schedule. Studies have shown that scheduling rest time can also help you feel more satisfied in your life. In fact, too long working hours (over 50 hours per week) will reduce productivity.
   • Lack of sleep destroys work efficiency. Make sure you get 7 hours of sleep per night if you are an adult, or 8.5 hours per night if you are a teenager.
   • Studies show that dedicating daily time to "strategic recovery" therapies (such as exercise, napping, meditation, stretching) improves performance and overall well-being.

5. 

   Take time to plan a week. Many experts recommend that it is time to book a schedule from the beginning of the week. Consider how you can best utilize each day to achieve your goals.
   • Review your workload and social responsibility; If you find your schedule is dense, you can remove some less important plans.
   • This doesn't mean, however, that you have to forgo social activities. Socializing with good friends and cultivating good relationships is a must. You need a support network.

6. 

   Visualize a typical day in your schedule. Going back to the thesis writing example, your typical day might be:
   • 7 am: Wake up
   • 7:15 am: Exercise
   • 8:30 am: Shower and get dressed
   • 9:15 am: Prepare breakfast and breakfast
   • 10:00 am: Essay work - writing (plus 15 minutes break)
   • 12:15 pm: Lunch
   • 1:15 pm: Check email
   • 2pm: Document research and analysis (including 20-30 minutes break / snack)
   • 5:00 PM: Clean up, check email, set primary goals for tomorrow
   • 5:45 pm: Leave the desk, go buy food
   • 7:00 pm: Prepare dinner, dinner
   • 9:00 pm: Rest - listen to music
   • 10:00 pm: Prepare bed, read in bed (30 minutes), sleep

7. 

   Know that it doesn't have to be the same every day. You can spend only 1 or 2 days a week at work - sometimes even taking a break from work can be helpful because you can return to a fresh perspective.
   • Example: You just need to write and research on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; Thursday you can replace it with music lessons.

8. 

   Plan more time for problems. Add a bit of time to each scheduled deadline, in case there are unforeseen slow or interrupted work days. Give yourself twice the amount of time you plan to get the job done - especially in the early stages.
   • When you are comfortable with your job or if you can predict how much time a task will take, you can reduce the amount of time you plan, but dedicating extra time to each task is always a good idea. Thought wise.

9. 

   Be flexible and comfortable with yourself. Be willing to adjust your schedule along the way, especially when you are just getting started. This is also part of learning. You may find it beneficial to use a pencil to create a schedule as well.
   • It's also helpful to set aside a week or two to schedule the things you do each day in the process. This will help you see how you spend your time and how much time each task takes up.

10. 

    Disconnect. Limit the time you check email or social media. Be tight on yourself, as this can take hours if you check here and there every few minutes.
    • This step involves turning off your phone, if possible - at least during times when you really want to focus.

11. 

    Reduce workload. This involves disconnection. You need to think about the most important things of the day - the things that will help you reach your goals - and focus on them. Don't waste time on less important things that interrupt your time of day like emails, junk papers, etc.
    • One expert advises not to check email at least within the first 1-2 hours of the day; This way, you can focus on important tasks without being distracted by the content of the emails.
    • If you know that there are a lot of small tasks to do (such as responding to emails, viewing documents, cleaning up your workspace), combine them all at once instead of letting them break the time of the day or work. interrupting more important jobs that require more concentration.
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Part 3 of 4: Staying motivated

1. 

   Keep a positive attitude. A positive attitude is fundamental to goal accomplishment. Believe in yourself and in those around you. Fight off any negative monologues with positive affirmations.
   • In addition to being optimistic, it is also beneficial to be around positive people. Research has shown that people are more receptive to the habits of those around them; So choose your friends wisely.

2. 

   
   
   Self-awarded. This is essential every time you reach a milestone. Treat yourself to something specific - a good meal at a favorite restaurant when you hit your first two weeks, or a massage when you hit the two-month mark.
   • An expert advises that you should ask a friend to keep the money and that they will only give it back if you complete a task before a specific deadline. If you don't complete a mission, your friend will keep the money.

3. 

   
   
   Find a support network. Having friends and family around is essential; Equally important is connecting with people with similar goals to yours so that everyone can check on each other.

4. 

   Keep track of your own progress. Research has shown that progress is the biggest driver on the journey to the finish line. You can keep track of your progress just by crossing out scheduled tasks along the way.

5. 

   
   
   Go to bed early and get up early. When you look at the high performers' schedules, you'll find that most of them start their day very early.They also have a morning routine - usually something that motivates them before starting work.
   • The positive activities to start in the morning include exercise (from gentle stretches and yoga to an hour of gym workouts), eat a healthy breakfast and spend 20-30 minutes. write diary.

6. 

   Give yourself some time to rest. Taking breaks is a must if you want to stay motivated. Non-stop working hours will make you tired. Taking breaks is an active way to prevent burnout and loss of valuable time.
   • Example: Stay away from your computer, turn off your phone, just sit somewhere quiet and do nothing. If you have an idea that flashes in your mind, write it down in your notebook; otherwise, enjoy your leisure time.
   • Example: Meditation. Turn off the phone ringing, turn off the message alert and set the time to 30 minutes or until the right time. Sit quietly and try to clear your mind. When thoughts come to mind, take note and let go. For example, if you think it's about work, whisper "Work" in your head and let it go, and keep going as thoughts come.

7. 

   Imagine. Take time to think about your goal from time to time and how it feels to be achieving it. This will help you through difficult times that may occur on the way to your destination.

8. 

   Know that this won't be easy. Valuable things are often not easy to obtain. You may have to solve many problems or have to overcome many obstacles while moving towards your goal. Accept the fact when it happens.
   • Many experts in the present-life mindset recommend that one should accept failure as if it were part of the plan. Instead of fighting or getting angry, accept failure, learn from your lessons, and figure out how to accomplish your goals when the circumstances change.
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Part 4 of 4: Defining your goals

1. 

   Write down what you want. You can write in a journal or in a computer. This is especially helpful if you are not completely sure what you want to do and only feel vague.
   • Journaling regularly is a great way to connect with yourself and keep up with your feelings. Many people assert that journaling can help them understand what they feel and want.

2. 

   Research research. Once you know what you want, do the research. Researching the goals will help you narrow the scope of finding the optimal plan to reach your destination.
   • Online forums like Reddit are a great place to discuss almost any topic - especially when you want to consult insiders about certain careers.
   • For example: When writing an essay, you may initially wonder what the outcome will be. See how others wrote at the same level as the essay you are pursuing. This can even help you get your dissertation public or create other opportunities that will benefit your future career.

3. 

   Consider the options and choose the one that is most appropriate. After careful consideration, you will imagine what results each option will lead to. This will help you choose the best path that will serve the accomplishment of your goals.

4. 

   Be mindful of goals that may affect you. These include difficulties that can hinder you from getting to your destination - in the essay writing example, it could be mental fatigue, lack of research or job responsibilities. unexpected.

5. 

   Be flexible. Your goals may change along the way towards your destination. Give yourself the opportunity to adjust and refine your goals. However, do not give up when facing difficulties. Losing interest and losing hope are two different things! advertisement

Advice

• You can apply the same approach to planning and goal setting for larger, longer-term goals like choosing a career.
• If you think that scheduling is monotonous, think this: A daily, weekly, or even monthly schedule will often help you decide what you are about to do. Your mind is free to create and focus on the things that matter.

Warning

• Rest cannot be taken lightly. Don't overwork; As a result, your productivity and creativity will decrease.