Fresh Perspective Coaching

If you’re like many professionals, you understand that it’s easier to achieve goals that are defined in a concrete plan, yet you still resist putting pen to paper. Perhaps you find the process of writing a plan too time-consuming or filled with unknowns.

But what if that wasn’t the case? What if you could enjoy incredible benefits and rewards by following an easy, straightforward method of crafting a plan? What if creating your plan turned out to be the best thing you ever did for your business or career? Really!

Proactive, Not Reactive

If you feel overwhelmed by mounting demands, a written plan will return control of your time back where it belongs – with you! When your ideas are in black and white, you always know what your next step should be.

Imagine not having to constantly rethink and revisit the planning stage. Imagine taking proactive steps to advance your goals instead of watching your time get depleted dealing with the crisis of the day. That’s worth some effort, right?

With a written plan, you can lay out milestones for the business quarter or the entire year. Working backwards from these objectives, you know exactly what needs to happen and when. So, for example, if you plan to publish your first e-book in the spring, you can schedule a writing retreat in the winter to stay on track.

Each month, you will feel empowered as you literally scratch completed activities off your plan’s to-do list. You will see, sense and celebrate real progress while being propelled forward to achieve your goals.

Focused Energy

A well thought-out, written plan provides focus in a world filled with opportunities and possibilities. When faced with a decision involving time, resources, or both, all you need to do is refer to the plan for guidance. Because your business plan is true to your vision, you can make quick decisions instead of spinning your wheels. Think of the time and energy you’ll save for productive business activities!

Picture a professional tempted to invest in a new, exciting-sounding training program. The marketing materials are enticing, but when she considers the objectives outlined in her plan, she realizes that the program, while interesting, won’t directly further those goals. Then, that’s it; the decision is made: it is not the right investment of her time and resources now.

Written plans have value beyond planning and decision making. For example, they help business owners obtain funding for new enterprises. They also engage employees in the company’s strategy so workers feel ownership for and dedication to organizational goals.

For career changers, a written plan keeps activities organized, especially for those holding down one full time job while seeking another. Employees focusing on professional development within an organization can share written plans with supervisors as a tool for setting goals, planning future promotion and marking accomplishments. Think how impressed their managers will be with this proactive approach.

Straightforward Success

Writing a plan is much more clear-cut than you may think. For one thing, once you identify your vision – a clear picture of what you want – you are well on your way. (For more details, read the next article, Vision is an Action Word.)

With a vivid picture in mind of what you are striving for, you can define activities to build momentum toward your goals. The important thing is to capture your thoughts on paper. You can use a plain word processing document or adopt an effective model such as the One Page Business Plan®. Whatever tools you use, just keep updating and refining your plan. The important step right now is to get something on paper, not to get every piece exactly right. Over time, you will refine your plan, and it will get better and better.

The easiest solution for many professionals is to walk through the business plan writing process with an experienced guide. Whether they attend a class, brainstorm with others in their field, or consult with a professional coach, collaboration with others adds value. Peers and professionals can offer helpful feedback to validate your vision, test your action plan for feasibility and establish the foundation for an accountability relationship.

Ready, Set, Action!

Writing the plan is one thing, taking action is another. No matter how good your plan is, it’s only effective if you take the actions presented. Being in a supportive relationship will help you stay on track. Support can come in a number of forms, from pairing up with an accountability partner to investing in a one-on-one relationship or group program with a professional coach.

Remember that your plan is not something to be filed away; rather, it’s a working document that you refer to regularly, even daily, for focus and fresh insights. At a minimum, review your plan monthly or quarterly to take in the big picture, check off accomplishments and decide what’s next. At the same time, hold your goals loosely. If you need to make changes so your goals are more feasible or energizing, go right ahead.

There are many ways to write a plan and many resources available. Choose the approach that works for you. You’ll be impressed with what you can achieve once you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).

If you’d like assistance crafting your plan, whether for business, a career transition or professional development, let’s talk. Call me at 510.864.0249 or email me to schedule a complimentary consultation and sample coaching session.

About Merideth Mehlberg and Fresh Perspective Coaching

Merideth Mehlberg, founder of Fresh Perspective Coaching, helps her clients move towards new direction and meaning in their work, their businesses and their lives. She encourages her clients to dream big, and then she provides the compassion, insight, structure and support they need to transform their vision into reality.

RETURN TO ARTICLES