Lesson Six: Action Plan
You've got your S.M.A.R.T goal! Now, it's time to turn that goal into actionable steps!
Break down goal into parts
Take a look at your goal and list as many steps as you can think of. It might not be an exhaustive list and you may add to it later when you think of additional steps, but it is a start.
For example, if my goal was to self-publish a book in one year, here are some of my potential steps:
Now that I have a basic list of steps, I can take a look at these steps and organize them into a timeline. Are there things that should be done first, like writing the first draft? Can I do some of the steps simultaneously, like getting a cover and formatting the book? Once I answer these questions, I'll move these steps around until they are in an orderly list.
For some of these steps, I might continue this same process and break them down even further. For example, editing according to beta feedback might have multiple steps, like focusing on character voice, mending plot holes, and including more description. Breaking down big steps into even tinier steps makes the overall goal of publishing a book even more manageable!
For example, if my goal was to self-publish a book in one year, here are some of my potential steps:
- Write the book
- Revise the book
- Have beta readers look over the book
- Edit according to beta feedback
- Hire a line editor
- Do the line edits
- Get a cover
- Create and execute a marketing plan
- Format book
- Proofread book
- Upload final files
- Submit book for publication
- Release week work
Now that I have a basic list of steps, I can take a look at these steps and organize them into a timeline. Are there things that should be done first, like writing the first draft? Can I do some of the steps simultaneously, like getting a cover and formatting the book? Once I answer these questions, I'll move these steps around until they are in an orderly list.
For some of these steps, I might continue this same process and break them down even further. For example, editing according to beta feedback might have multiple steps, like focusing on character voice, mending plot holes, and including more description. Breaking down big steps into even tinier steps makes the overall goal of publishing a book even more manageable!
Your turn!
In the workbook, turn to lesson six, and in the first column write down all the steps you can think of. Don't worry about thinking of everything. Just get what you can down on the paper.
Now that you have your list, take a few minutes to think about what needs to be done first, what things can be done simultaneously, and so on. In the second column, write your updated list of steps in order of when they need to be accomplished. Feel free to add in deadlines, if you think they'll help keep you on track!
And there you have it! A S.M.A.R.T goal with an action plan! Now, go forth and conquer!
Now that you have your list, take a few minutes to think about what needs to be done first, what things can be done simultaneously, and so on. In the second column, write your updated list of steps in order of when they need to be accomplished. Feel free to add in deadlines, if you think they'll help keep you on track!
And there you have it! A S.M.A.R.T goal with an action plan! Now, go forth and conquer!
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