Four steps for creating a game plan

Taken from an article at Baseline Magazine.

Generic Four Steps for creating a good plan

Step 1: Write it down.
Step 2: Stop and think.
Step 3: Be logical.
Step 4: Stay committed.

Step 1: Write it down. The first step in creating any plan is simple. Yet most people never do: this first step. Write it down. If your plan is only in your head, it’s a thought and not a plan.

Thoughts have no real value until written down. Writing a plan accomplishes three things: It formalizes your thought process, creates confidence, and creates milestones, lists actions to take and results.

Step 2: Stop and think. Creating a plan, you are forced to stop and look at the desired results. You also need to focus on what activities are required to achieve those goals.

This focus and thought process are beneficial. They establish the framework in which to review what has works, what isn’t, and what you things need deeper thought. Taking a page from David Allen's Getting Things Done philosophy, your step may be at too high a level and need to be decomposed to the "next action".

Creating a plan makes the planner more confident and motivated to take action. Taking action is critical but it also gives a framework for that action.

Step 3: Be logical. A plan should not be simply a dream - that is aspirational goal. Many business consultants and leaders advocate making a plan realistic. Some believe this a guaranteed way to limit one’s success. Realistic is a poor measure if it’s limited by the past and provides a rationalization for failing to reach your goal.

Activities and goals should be logical as well as than "realistic". If you are planning a driving vacation trip starting in Washington, D.C. you wouldn't plan a sequence of first going to Chicago, then to Philadelphia, then to St. Louis, then Dallas then back home!

Step 4: Stay committed. So many people have great ideas and intentions, but fall short when executing and maintaining a plan. Watch out for the “Power of New” syndrome, which an individual or group is excited about new programs, starts strong and then fails to complete as they get distracted by the next new thing"