Personal One Page Plans using the Now - Where - How process. In this article we continue by looking in greater depth at the How - developing strategy and actions.
As with any planning, the key to success lies in breaking down ideas into smaller more manageable pieces. This process entails 5 key steps:-
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Identify key areas for improvement
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Develop objectives
- Develop performance measures
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Develop strategies for realising each objective
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Develop actions for enacting each strategy
This process can seem laborious however one of the primary reasons we fail to achieve our goals is our failure to break down the components into smaller achievable chunks. This method also allows you to stay on track more easily.
In our last article we looked at setting a personal vision and basic objectives. This month you can review your objectives and expand them by looking at some specific life areas.
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Family
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Social
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Finance
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Self Improvement
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Philosophy
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Health
Success in any one of these areas is important however it is more important that success be balanced between all areas
You will note that we don’t include work as one of the elements – consider it the road that the wheel travels along, which can provide many of the life balance elements. This process can be as easily applied to business by simply changing the key elements of the wheel.
Imagine a zero at the centre and a ten on the circumference of the wheel. Subjectively score where you stand in each segment. If you score very well in some segments but low in others it indicates a need to develop strategies in those areas that will bring the wheel into balance. Don't score yourself based on the time involved but rather the quality of each area.
Think about your outcome. Start to write down some objectives for each key area.Once you have completed the wheel of life you need to begin refining and prioritising each objective. Use the table below to transfer or set objectives for each area of your life. Think about each of the benefit statements. Personal Growth, Benefits to Self and Value to Others.
Score each objective out of 20 against each of the benefit statements, with 20 being high in value and 0 being low
Add the 3 scores from each objective and record the total in the last column.
Which 3 objectives scored the highest? Does the outcome feel right? How does it relate to your wheel of life?
Review each objective and if necessary score it again.
List your top 3 objectives below and think about what measures you can apply to each.
When setting measures ask yourself, how will I know when my objective is being achieved?
What will be happening around me as a result? Try and be specific as this will assist in ensuring your success indicators are measureable.
Now use the table below to come up with 2-3 strategies and actions for each objective.
Look at your personal competitive advantage, and your personal vision. Are your objectives and strategies in synch with these elements?
Put your vision, personal competitive advantage, objectives, strategies and actions into a format that you can readily access, monitor and maintain. The one page plan format works well for this.
It takes at least 12 weeks to form a new habit. This will mean reviewing your time management priorities and ensuring you allocate time to work on implementing your strategies on a consistent basis..
If you would like support in developing and implementing your personal improvement plan consider our Dynamics of Personal Goalsetting Program which includes a personal coaching component or contact one of our Newcastle Business consultants.