An Action Plan is a structured format to track and make progress towards your goals.

Define a Clear Goal

A clear vision for what you want to experience once you’ve achieved your goal can keep you grounded and motivated.

Envision:

• What will it feel like once your goal is achieved?

• How will you spend your time?

• With whom will you spend your time?

Write Down your Goal

Writing is the foundation of accountability. Keeping your commitments visible can make them even more powerful. Many of us use computers or apps to track tasks - which can be great for productivity.

When it comes to goals write with pen and paper and post your goal where you will see it frequently.

Be SMART

Specific - What numbers can you use to ground your goal in specificity?

Measurable - How will you know when you’ve succeeded?

Achievable - Is this goal reasonable?

Relevant - Will this goal improve your well-being?

Timebound - When will you achieve this goal?

Take Baby Steps

One of the first steps for any goal is to articulate all of the tasks that will be required to achieve it. It is tempting to try to layer in many habits at once, no single habit seems that hard, so of course, you should be able to do them all, right? Well no, research shows that it is more effective to layer in one habit at a time if we want to be successful. So take baby steps, and change only one thing. at a time.

Move Forward with Self-Compassion

Our inner perfectionists or protectors can sometimes stand in the way of achieving our goals. Harsh self-judgment and criticism amplifies procrastination and increases feelings of self-doubt. Once you have a goal you’ve set, pay attention to your inner voice. What do you say to yourself if you slip up one day? How can you shape that internal narrative to use more healthy thinking and kindness towards yourself? Along with posting your goal visibly, it can help to also have a phrase you use to re-affirm self-compassion and kindness so you have the courage to try and try again.