Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 4: Make a plan
• Part 2 of 4: Plan Your Time
• Part 3 of 4: Stay Motivated
• Part 4 of 4: Define Your Goals
• Tips
• Warnings

An effective action plan always starts with a clear goal, purpose, or intent. Such a plan is designed to transfer a person from the current moment directly to the implementation of the stated goal. A properly drawn up action plan allows you to solve almost any problem.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Make a plan

1. 1 Write down all the details. As you work out your action plan, start writing down every detail. You may find it useful to use a delimited pad to keep track of various aspects of the process. Here are some examples of sections:
   • Ideas / miscellaneous notes
   • Daily charts
   • Monthly charts
   • Stages
   • Research
   • Continuation
   • Participants / contacts
2. 2 Outline the task. The more vague the task, the less effective the action plan will be. Try to define the desired goal as early as possible (preferably before starting the project).
   • Example: You need to write a master's thesis (large study) of about 40,000 words. This work consists of an introduction, a literature review (with a critical analysis of other research and consideration of your own methodology), a practical demonstration of your ideas with specific examples and a conclusion. The term of the work is 1 year.
3. 3 The plan must be specific and realistic. A clear goal is just the beginning: every aspect of the plan must be precise and doable. For example, plan specific and achievable schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
   • Accurate and realistic points of the plan for a long-term project will help reduce the stress of poorly planned implementation with overtime and tedious overtime work in advance.
   • Example: You need to write about 5,000 words a month to finish your dissertation on time and leave a couple more months for ideas at the end. From a feasibility point of view, you shouldn't aim to write more than 5,000 words every month.
   • If you work as an assistant teacher for three months of the entire term, it may be that you will not have time to write 15,000 words during this time, as a result of which you will have to distribute this volume over the remaining months.
4. 4 Intermediate stages. Milestones are significant milestones on the way to a goal. Start planning the stages from the end (reaching the goal) and work backwards to the present time and circumstances.
   • Breaking down into milestones will help you (and your team) stay motivated by dividing the scope of work into small volumes and tangible goals, so a sense of completion will begin to emerge even before the entire plan of action is fully implemented.
   • Do not separate steps by too long or too short time intervals. Thus, two weeks are considered to be a very effective period.
   • Example: When working on a dissertation, try not to relate stages to sections of work, as this can take months. Instead, keep the milestones small for up to two weeks (you can use word counts) and reward yourself for doing well.
5. 5 Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable volumes. Some tasks or work steps can be daunting.
   • If a large task confuses you, then divide it into convenient small subtasks to reduce anxiety and increase your self-confidence.
   • Example: Literature review often becomes the most difficult section, a kind of foundation for future work. To complete this section, a large amount of information is required to study and analyze.
   • Divide the task into sub-tasks: research, analysis, presentation. You can narrow down the subclauses even further and select specific articles and books to read, and set a deadline for the completion of the analysis and the written presentation of the results.
6. 6 Use task lists. Make a list of tasks to be completed in each step. The to-do list itself is ineffective, so indicate the exact amount and real time.
   • Example: Divide your literature review into small tasks so you know exactly what needs to be done and to estimate a realistic time frame. For example, every one to two days you will need to read, analyze and describe one source.
7. 7 Define a time frame for all activities. In the absence of a clear time frame, work can drag on for an infinitely long time, and some tasks will remain unfinished.
   • The order of items in the plan is not critical, which cannot be said about the time frame for each aspect.
   • Example: If you know that you can read about 2000 words in one hour, and an article has 10,000 words to read, then you need to set aside at least five hours of time for the article.
   • You should also take into account the time for at least two snacks and short breaks every 1-2 hours as you get tired. In addition, add at least another hour to the final time for possible unplanned delays.
8. 8 Create a visual representation. After completing the action lists and setting the time frames, move on to creating some kind of visual display of the plan. You can use a flowchart, Gantt chart, dynamic table, or another convenient option.
   • Keep a visual plan in an accessible place - for example, you can hang it on the wall of an office or classroom.
9. 9 Cross out completed tasks. This way you will not only feel satisfied, but also be able to make sure that nothing is overlooked.
   • This approach is especially useful for teamwork. As you work with others, you can create a shared document that is available anywhere in the world.
10. 10 Do not stop. Once you've drawn up a plan, presented tasks to colleagues (when working together), and specified milestones, move on to the next step: get down to daily work to achieve your goal.
11. 11 You can shift the dates, but you can't stop halfway. From time to time, unforeseen circumstances arise that prevent you from meeting deadlines, completing tasks and achieving goals.
    • Cheer up. Review your plan, and then keep working and moving towards your goal.

Part 2 of 4: Plan Your Time

1. 1 Choose a good planner. Use an application or notebook that will allow you to conveniently plan every hour of your time. A scheduler is only effective if it allows you to conveniently enter and read entries.
   • Research has shown that physically writing tasks (in pen on paper) increases the likelihood of getting things done, so it's better to plan your work in a traditional notebook.
2. 2 Don't use to-do lists. So, you've got a long to-do list, but when will you do them? A to-do list is not as efficient as a task schedule. In the schedule, each task will be assigned a due date.
   • Clear time blocks (the pages of many diaries are divided into hourly blocks in the most literal sense of the word) will not allow you to hesitate, because after the expiration of the time you need to move on to the next scheduled task.
3. 3 Learn to identify time blocks. This approach will allow you to clearly understand how much time can be allocated for each case. Start with priority tasks and work your way to less important tasks.
   • Plan your entire week ahead. With a detailed plan for the coming days, you will be able to make the most of your available time.
   • A number of experts recommend having at least a general idea of ​​the plans for the whole month.
   • Some people advise starting at the end of the day and working backwards. If your work day lasts until 5:00 pm, then plan from now until the beginning of the day (for example, until 7:00 am).
4. 4 Set aside time for breaks and leisure activities. Researchers argue that by including free time in their plans, a person is able to get more satisfaction from life. It has also been proven that working too long (more than 50 hours per week) reduces labor efficiency.
   • Lack of sleep can have a disastrous effect on productivity. An adult needs at least 7 hours of sleep every night, and for teens this figure rises to 8.5 hours.
   • Researchers argue: plan for “strategic recuperation” (exercise, nap, meditation, warm-up) throughout the day to increase productivity and improve overall health.
5. 5 Take the time to come up with a plan for the week. Some experts recommend making a plan a week in advance. Determine how best to use each day to achieve your goals.
   • Remember to consider all current tasks and commitments. If the schedule turns out to be too tight, then you can cross out some insignificant points from it.
   • Don't sacrifice social interactions. Make time with close friends and family. They will always provide you with the support you need.
6. 6 Create a daily routine. In the example of a master's thesis, a typical day might look like this:
   • 7:00 am: Wake up
   • 7:15 am: Do exercises
   • 8:30 am: Shower and get dressed
   • 9:15 am: Prepare breakfast and eat
   • 10:00 am: Dissertation work - writing assignments (plus 15 minutes breaks)
   • 12:15 pm: Lunch
   • 13:15: Working with email
   • 14:00: Research and analysis of the reading (including 20-30 minutes breaks / snacks)
   • 17:00: Completion of work, check letters, plan of affairs for tomorrow
   • 17:45: Clear on the table, go to the store
   • 19:00: Prepare dinner and eat
   • 21:00: Rest (playing guitar)
   • 10:00 pm: Spread the bed, read in bed (30 minutes), go to bed
7. 7 You don't have to plan all your days the same way. You can devote to work 1-2 days a week. Sometimes it's even helpful to take breaks to get back to work with fresh thoughts.
   • Example: You can write a dissertation and analyze sources on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and learn to play an instrument on Thursdays.
8. 8 Unforeseen problems. Set aside extra time in each block for less productive work hours or unforeseen problems. At the outset, it is recommended that you set aside twice as much time as you think is necessary for each task.
   • In the process, you will start to work more efficiently or be able to more accurately determine the required time, which will allow you to adjust the original schedule, but always leave at least a small gap.
9. 9 Be flexible and understanding. When you get started, get ready to adjust your schedule on the go. This is part of the learning process, so it is best to plan time blocks with a pencil rather than a pen.
   • You can also spend a couple of weeks keeping track of all the things you did during the day in your diary. Thanks to this, you will learn how to correctly estimate the time frame of each task and use time efficiently.
10. 10 Turn off the internet. Decide when to check your email and social media. Be strict with this, as it's easy to waste hours of time just scrolling through the news feed.
    • You can also turn off your phone (at least for the time when you need to focus).
11. 11 Do less. This is due to the time limit on the Internet. Identify and focus on the most important tasks for the day that will help you reach your goal. You should not waste energy on less important matters that only take up time: correspondence, thoughtless work with documents.
    • One expert recommends not checking email for at least the first couple of hours of the day. So you will focus on important matters and will not be distracted by extraneous moments from letters.
    • If you have a lot of small tasks (such as emails, paperwork, cleaning), then it is better to group them into one time block, rather than spreading them throughout the day, thereby reducing focus on important tasks.

Part 3 of 4: Stay Motivated

1. 1 Positive attitude. A positive outlook is extremely important for achieving goals. You need to believe in yourself and the people around you. Fight back negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
   • In addition to your own attitude, you should surround yourself with positive people. Research has shown that over time, we adopt the habits of those with whom we spend the most time, so choose your surroundings wisely.
2. 2 Rewards. The reward is especially important after completing each stage. Come up with tangible rewards for yourself. You can afford lunch at your favorite restaurant as a reward for a two-week stage or a massage for a two-month job.
   • One expert offers to transfer a certain amount of money to a friend and ask him to return it to you only if the work is completed at the specified time. If you fail, the friend keeps the money for himself.
3. 3 Get support. It is always important to have the support of friends and family, as well as to meet people who have similar goals. Thanks to this, you can be equal to others.
4. 4 Track your progress. Research has shown that moving forward successfully is the best motivation. To track progress, you just need to cross out completed tasks on your schedule.
5. 5 Go to bed and get up early. Researching the daily routines of successful and productive people will tell you the truth - most of them start their day early. They also usually have a morning routine, which often motivates them to further accomplishments.
   • Try starting your morning with exercise (light warm-up and yoga or a workout at the gym), a healthy breakfast, and a half-hour diary.
6. 6 Take breaks. Taking breaks is essential to stay motivated. If you always work, then you will accumulate fatigue. Taking breaks helps to avoid overwork and optimizes working hours.
   • Example: Get up from the computer, put your phone down and sit quietly in silence. If thoughts come to your mind, write them down in your diary. Otherwise, just enjoy a moment of relaxation.
   • Example: Take up meditation.Put your phone in silent mode, turn off all notifications, and set a timer for 30 minutes or another valid time. Then try to just sit still and clear your mind. All thoughts that come to mind can be categorized and released. For example, if you are thinking about work, then say “Work” to yourself and let go of the thought.
7. 7 Visualize. Take a few minutes to think about your goal and imagine how you will feel after you achieve it. This makes it easier to deal with the difficulties that may arise.
8. 8 Understand that it won't be easy. All that is dear to a person is rarely given without difficulty. The path to the goal is usually not complete without many problems and difficult decisions. Accept this fact.
   • Many experienced professionals who advise living in the present recommend accepting your failures as a deliberate choice. You don't need to be angry or upset. Accept them, learn the lesson, and return to work, taking into account the changed circumstances.

Part 4 of 4: Define Your Goals

1. 1 Write down your desires. For this purpose, a diary or text document is suitable. If you are not yet sure what exactly you want to do, then this practice should help.
   • Regular diary entries are a great way to take a detached view of yourself and document your feelings. Many people claim that recording their own thoughts helps them understand feelings and desires.
2. 2 Study the question. If you have an idea, then try researching this topic. Examine your goals to find the shortest path to achieving your goals.
   • Forums like Reddit cover and discuss a variety of topics. Here you can talk to people who are involved in the industry you are interested in and are willing to share information.
   • Example: As you work on your dissertation, you think about what this might lead to. Read about what people with the degree you want to do are doing. This can nudge you towards publications or other future career development opportunities.
3. 3 Explore the available options and choose the one that suits you best. After studying the issue, it will become clear where each chosen path can lead. This will allow you to choose the best option for realizing your own goal.
4. 4 Consider the external factors associated with the work. This includes everything that interferes with the achievement of the goal. In the case of a dissertation, one can name mental fatigue, lack of sources, or unforeseen work tasks.
5. 5 Be flexible. The goals may change during the implementation process. Try to anticipate room for maneuver in advance. In other words, don't give up when things get tough. Losing interest and losing hope are completely different things!

Tips

• All of the methods described to help plan and set goals are also applicable to more global and long-term intentions (for example, career choice).
• If the thought of planning your time is boring, think of it differently: Forward-looking plans for days, weeks, and even months eliminate the need to make decisions every day about the next step. This frees up time for creativity and concentration on important issues.

Warnings

• The importance of breaks cannot be overstated. Do not overwork, so as not to reduce your own productivity and creativity.