I always try to break things down into a system, process, or steps-- I have done it for years.  Years ago I came to realize for any task or process to get things done it comes to four basic steps.  Some tasks or projects may need only minutes on each of the steps, others may require days, weeks, or months on the various steps. 

Here is how I look at the process of getting things done (I usually draw this in a circle with the steps running clockwise):

STEP ONE: Research
You have to do your homework (How to Use the Value of Your Local Library).  You need to:

• Figure out what is wrong or what needs to be done
• What options are available to fix it or do it
• Determine the tools and materials needed
• How others have handled the same situation
• Gather all the facts
• Decide if you can do it or if you will need help

STEP TWO: Design
Now that you have done your homework, you need to design a solution (On Planning . . . ).

• You may create a budget (How to Budget and How Do You Budget?) and an action plan (How to Create An Action Plan . . . )
• Determine a schedule and coordinate the outside help
• Assemble what's actually need to make it happen
• Use charts, graphs, diagrams, maps
• Delegation of duties and expectations

STEP THREE: Implementation
With the research and design done, it is time to get down to the nitty gritty-- the actual work and completion of your project.  This tends to be the none sexy part-- the grunt work.

• Everyone does their part
• Management of the process
• Synthesis of the parts (You've Got to Start Somewhere, So Chunk It!)
• Completion of the job

STEP FOUR: Feedback
Now the project or job is done-- it's time to look at how you did and what was actually accomplished.

• Was it done to satisfaction to all parties? (See Manage Your Expectations . . .)
• Was it done on time?
• Could it have been done better, faster, cheaper?
• What would you do differently?
• Is it broken or a failure?
• What can be done to fix it?
• What did we learn?
• What is the next step?

While I don't list a Step Five, I think you can guess that if it isn't right or it is a continuous, on-going thing, and you need to always go back to Step One  . . .

This approach works on anything:

• Relationships
• Work projects (Business and marketing plans, new products [New Product/Service Ideas], a new hire, etc.)
• Building a house or an addition
• The family vacation
• Eliminating debt
• DIY projects
• Gardening
• Building or creating wealth (Wealth Creation and "Assets")
• Dieting
• Self improvement

You name it-- it applies.  Try it and see.

Good luck in your endeavors!

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