Make a Plan
After choosing a solution, break it into specific actions with deadlines. For example, when planning to sell a house and move, schedule a valuation within 7 days.
THE IDEA
Having found your solution, you now need to make a roadmap for the way ahead. Your goal is to draw up a step-by-step plan that leaves you feeling empowered rather than overwhelmed. Make each step as specific as possible.
For example, suppose your goal is to sell your house and move to a new town. One of your first steps is to find out how much your property is worth. It would be more helpful to write, “Schedule a valuation within the following 7 days,” rather than “Find out how much I could get for my house.”
When to use it
When planning a major life change, like moving or changing careers.
When tackling a complex project at work that requires coordinated tasks.
When setting personal goals such as learning a new skill or improving health.
When helping a team or family align on a shared objective with clear responsibilities.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Selling a House and Moving
To sell your house and move to a new town, instead of a vague goal like 'Find out how much I could get for my house,' set a specific step: 'Schedule a valuation within the next 7 days.' This makes the action concrete and time-bound.
Starting a New Fitness Routine
Instead of 'Exercise more,' break it down: 'Join a gym by Wednesday and schedule three 30-minute sessions for next week.'
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
What is one current goal where you can break the first step into a specific, time-bound action?
How does specifying each step in detail change your sense of control or motivation?
What obstacles might make it difficult to follow a step-by-step plan, and how can you address them in advance?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Thinking in Systems and Mental Models Think Like a Super Thinker (Dawson, Marcus P)