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Mapping the Road
In my last two articles, we talked about some very powerful ways of figuring out what you really want in life. This week, we're going to cover some planning techniques and strategies, so you can map out the road to your goals.
The first technique to discuss is Brainstorming. Brainstorming is a time-honored way to tap into your own ingenuity, of exploring the avenues and byways that lead to your goal. All ideas must be considered, but only those that suit your style, and ultimate destination, should be followed.
When brainstorming, write every idea down. It doesn't matter how improbable it is. You will begin by writing down the obvious ideas, followed closely by the silly and bad ideas. Once you get through that though, then you start to find ideas that are really interesting. But you can't get there if you start self-editing right away. You'll never free your creativity if you keep shutting it down with thoughts like "I can't do that!" or "That will never work!" Write it down anyway. Then go back and cross of the things that don't suit you, that are just plain bad and so on. Then the best ideas, those that will lead you to your destination, will be revealed.
The next step is to tap into the community around you. Some people call this step Barn-raising after the pioneer practice of calling on members of the community to help build buildings. By tapping into the people around you, you can gain support, develop contacts, and evaluate your present resources. You may find resources you didn't know you had.
Throw a party. Invite your friends and trusted acquaintances to get together to discuss your dreams and goals. Together, you can identify the steps needed to turn your dreams into reality. As Barbara Sher and Anne Gotlieb said in their book, Wishcraft, "The seeds of human genius happen to travel by a system of personal contacts."
Now that the hard part is over, you'll want to create a plan of action. Action implies an element of time, and so you'll need to work with time to build your dreams, brick by brick, in real time. Here are a few distinct, but crucial tools to help you devise and implement your plans:
1. A Planning Wall
Any full view wall space or bulletin board will do. A planning wall is used to map out your plans and chart progress across time. It also serves to motivate and remind you of your goals, and the things you need to do next to accomplish them. Planning walls are places to post other planning tools. One thing you may want to include is a picture of any personal hero that can serve as role model for you. These are people who epitomize your goals and can help inspire you.
2. A Flow Chart
Flow charts highlight your steps to achievement. Write down your goal and then list some of the first steps. Follow those steps, one by one, day by day. Later, list some second steps and proceed to accomplish them.
3. Goal Calendar
Goal calendars are large sheets of paper divided into boxes, one box for each month between you and your target date. Set landmark deadlines, taken from your flowchart, to the months they can be realistically achieved. Setting personal deadlines can mean the difference between acting like you've got plenty of time (and doing nothing), and getting yourself in motion.
4. Weekly Calendar
A weekly calendar is the principle tool for planning your activities, and filling in the details of your plan. Assign each week's activities (phone calls, appointments, or whatever) to specific days and times, and then follow through. Don't over-schedule your day though, or you won't be able to take advantage of "free times" in your schedule.
5. Daily Calendar/To Do List
Daily sheets and "to do" lists are used to plan your upcoming hours. Fill out a new sheet at the beginning of each week, or the end of each day. Look at your weekly calendar and see what you've got scheduled tomorrow. Figure out if you need to do anything tonight to prepare for it, then go out and do it. Create "to do" lists for activities that don't require a scheduled time, but are still vital. Reward yourself often for accomplishing these activities: a hot bath, a late movie, a favorite candy bar, or whatever. Self-congratulation feeds your confidence, and encourages you to take the next step.
6. Five-Year Goal Scheme
Plan out to five years ahead of now. This wraps up your plan into a real, year-by-year time frame. Yes, you really don't have any idea what you'll really be doing, or wanting, in five years, but don't worry. You can always changes things.
Of all the forces that will operate on your life over this five-year plan, your own desires and willpower should be the strongest. By setting solid plans, and gathering your friends and support systems, you can liberate your thinking. You can mobilize yourself, putting your efforts into attaining what you want most. Wishing, is the starting point, planning is the next step, and putting that plan into action is the most important. No matter how old you are, what your past has been like, or what your present circumstances are, you can still do something to travel the road to your dreams. A wise person once said, "It is the journey that matters, not the arrival." Why wait? Start walking your road today.
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John Newman was the kid who didn’t know what he wanted to be when he grew up. His interests are varied, and he brings a lifetime of "going several directions at once" to his work at Click Income. John has worked for various companies and industries including the U.S. Marines, graphics, printing, advertising, education and entertainment. Trained as a classical composer, with a B.Mus. degree in electronic-music composition and technology, John turned left at the fork in the road of life, and moved into the world of computer graphics and design, eventually working as a freelance graphic designer, and music teacher. John’s experiences and research in business and visual advertising, coupled with his educational experience, makes him a strong addition to the Click Income team.
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