What is your plan?

Having a plan, and sticking to it, is a surefire way to combat the dreaded detachment of LOSING FOCUS.

You do have a plan don’t you?

Someone famous once said failing to plan is planning to fail.

While this may not be exactly true, failing to plan might be more accurately planning to struggle.

I’ve found that the best way to create a plan is to start with your vision.  We covered that previously a bit here and here.

What is your goal SPECIFICALLY?
What does the person who’s achieved it (you) look like?
How do you act/behave/live?

Completing this step along is nearly sufficient for creating a plan.

If all you do is act like the person who has already achieved the goal, you will more than likely achieve it yourself.

We are going to help it along though by using Action Steps.

For these, we first employ SMART principles.

This concept isn’t new, but it’s effective!

Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound .

Going back to our losing 20 pounds goal from previous posts, a not so SMART version of this would read something like…

I need to get in shape because my mother/father just had a heart attack.

Though this has compelling and relevant motivation, it’s not specific or measurable and there’s no time frame.  Chances of actually achieving this goal are pretty low.

On the other hand…

I will lose 20 pounds in 3 months by limiting my caloric intake, cutting out foods with added sugars, and exercising with a trainer 3 times per week because there is a history of diabetes and heart disease in my family and I plan to live a long and active life with my children.

Do you notice how this goal hits all the SMART concepts?

Good!

Next, develop action steps based on the information above.

1. Talk with a Nutrition Coach
2. Determine Daily Caloric Needs
3. Schedule Blood Panels with your primary physician
4. Develop Shopping List
5. Set meal prep and planning days
6. Book 3 Days/Week with your favorite Trainer
7. Repeat steps 4, 5, & 6 for six weeks and check in with your coach/doctor
8. Etc…

Of course, your steps may vary, but this gives you an idea.

The list could be as long or as short as necessary to keep you focused on the task at hand.

Note, reference back to your vision as often as possible so you have a constant reminder of WHY you are doing this in the first place!

Need more help setting goals and developing actionable steps? Schedule a No Sweat Intro with one of our Top-Notch Professional Coaches today!