What is an action plan?  Besides a plan with actions . . . it is a plan with an objective or a goal and a series of steps to make it happen.

So how do we create an action plan?

STEP ONE:
Set a measurable goal or objective with a deadline.  As an example, let's assume you just created a budget (See How Do You Budget? and How to Budget) and you found you had a $1,000 credit card balance you didn't like . . .

You might start your action plan like this: "Payoff $1,000 credit card balance and interest by December 31, 2009."  That's a measurable goal with a deadline.

STEP TWO:
Define specific actions to reach your objective.

Using our example, here are some actions:

• Action #1-- Discontinue using the credit card immediately
• Action #2-- Immediately cut back on other expenditures (clothing, entertainment, and Starbucks) to free up $110 per month
• Action #3-- On March 1, 2009 send the $110 to the credit card company and repeat on the first of every month until January 1, 2010 at which point the balance should be paid up.  The extra $10 is to cover the interest on the balance-- it may be more or less depending on the rate.
• Action #4-- Check credit card statements every month to monitor and revel in your ongoing progress and success
• Action #5-- Upon completion of goal (debt paid)-- take significant other out to a sensible celebratory meal
• Action #6-- Set a new action plan in place (next credit card balance?)

STEP THREE:
Make multiple action plans, monitor, create new ones . . .

Again, always be sure to set measurable goals with deadlines.

If you are dealing with long-term action plans, you may want to incorporate benchmarks and milestones.  If dealing with big, complex action plans-- you may be well served to break it down into a series of smaller action plans.

You can use action plans on almost anything:

• Personal finance goals
• Fitness goals
• Career objectives
• Business projects
• Self improvement
• Business or marketing plans

The list could go on and is limited only by your imagination . . . 

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Related posts:
Dreams, Hopes, and Ambitions
Progress Over Perfection
You've Got to Start Somewhere, So Chunk It!
On Planning . . .
If It Was Easy, Everyone Would Be Doing It . . .
The Joy of To-Do Lists
Productivity Boosting Recap