How to Make a Plan that Works
When I was in high school, I used to get super overwhelmed by my homework.
Specifically, the big projects that required weeks of research, writing or creating something.
Ooof – my inner straight-A student practically breaks out in hives now just thinking about it.
I was desperate to do well. But unfortunately for me, when it came time to execute on these big, semester-long projects, I just could not see how to get started.
I’d feel the weight of my teacher’s expectations, the pressure to do perfect work, and the stress of a looming due date – and it would just crush me.
Collapsing at the dinner table into a fit of tears, I’d declare my case hopeless!
At which point, my mom would grab a pencil and a sheet of paper, and we’d get to work.
“Let’s start planning,” she’d say to me.
We’d start with our end goal: what was I trying to make or create?
Example: a research report on advertising and propaganda in World War 2 (seriously).
And then we’d consider the key milestones: what were the component parts or action steps that would ladder up to this final piece?
For example,
Go to the library to check out reference material
Read/review the books and develop my thesis
Write an outline structure that lays out the main points of my report
Sit down to write, etc…
And finally we’d look at the schedule: when was this due and how much time would I need to complete these milestone tasks?
With these pieces in place, all that was left was consistent execution. Slow and steady would win the race.
Without fail, this is exactly how my mom helped me plan out and complete every single homework assignment in high school.
It’s exactly how I tackled assignments in college, not to mention how I worked my way through my business school projects.
And it’s exactly how I approach helping my clients imagine their next career chapter – and make a plan to achieve it.
The thing about career change is that it feels really daunting at first.
There are so many entrenched behaviors, structures and beliefs – all standing like solid obstacles blocking our paths and overwhelming us.
It’s hard to know where to get started.
But by clarifying your vision for what you’re working towards, and breaking things down into a manageable, sustainable plan of action – the career change you want can actually happen.
In fact, I’d wager that it can happen even faster than you might expect.
If you’re looking for support to make a plan and take action – not someday, but now – stay tuned to my newsletter next week when I’m going to share a new coaching opportunity that’s designed to get you unstuck at work and making progress FAST.
I only have 10 spots available – so be on the lookout for more news next week. I can’t wait to share it with you.
