The standard formula for strategic planning is Vision, Goals, Focus, Action - in that order. These four little words are simple, practical, and proven principles that work for any area of your life, whether business or personal. The important thing is to take each of these principles and apply them in order. For instance, if you jump right into action with having your big picture in place you might find yourself with a lot of activity but no results. You will get worn out fast with that model. So the place to start is with your big picture. Your Vision. Your Vision is just that big idea of where you're going, what you want to achieve. I recommend working in one year increments rather than trying to pinpoint what you want 5 years from now or 10 years from now. You might have a broad idea of what you want for the long term but to start making steps towards that, start with a one year plan. The thing to do is set aside some time when you can totally focus on what you want and do a big brain dump on to a piece of paper. Focus on just one area of your life and write down every single thing that comes to mind. Avoid crossing things off or not writing them down because you worry about what other people think. Don't second guess yourself. Once you have exhausted all your ideas, set the paper aside. Come back to it in a day or two and select your top 3 priorities in that area. You may have something on the short list that can't be accomplished in one year but can be started in one year, like continuing your education. Your top 3 becomes your priorities. What have you been talking yourself out of? What do you always say you don't have time for? Once you have made the decision, you can no longer say you don't have time. Priorities are just that - they take precedence over the other daily details of life. There is a big difference between not having time for something and simply not wanting to do it. Select your top 3 carefully because these are the things you said you wanted. You'll find that once you make a decision and commit to it, the next steps tend to fall into place. This is because you now have a starting point. One of the main reasons that people free frazzled is that they do not have a clear idea of what they are working towards. With your Vision firmly in place, you know exactly where you are going! Remember, you can achieve whatever you believe as long as you are willing to work for it! Request your free eBook, Boost Your Business!
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