In this blog post I share with you a technique that I use in planning action towards a specific goal.  I use this activity as part of my ‘Find Your Best You’ online program.  I call it an ‘action log’, which is basically a brainstorm of all the things you think you need to do in order to reach your goal.  This technique is one of my favourite things to do in the planning process.  I always get a feeling of being in control when I have all my thoughts down on paper right in front of me.

Firstly, you know what you want to work towards?  Yes!

You’re feeling overwhelmed at the very thought of it?  Yes!

You have no idea where to start?  Yes!

There is no right or wrong way to do this.  If you’re old fashioned like me you can use pen and paper or if you’re a techno wiz you can brainstorm on your phone, Ipad or laptop.  I doesn’t matter which way you do this, as long as you can keep a record of your thoughts.  I like to mindmap.

For the next 10-15 minutes I want you to list everything that you can think of what you think needs to happen for you to achieve your goal.  Think in the short term, the medium term and also the long term.  Don’t be too worried about what it is that you need to do first.  You’re simply brainstorming here.

If your goal is to lose weight, you might include some of the following in your action log: 

• Buy a set of scales
• Google what foods are good to eat
• Book an appointment with a dietician
• Go through the cupboards and get rid of things that are unhealthy
• Google healthy recipes and pick one new recipe to try each week
• Pick a day to go for a 30 minute walk each week

Once you’re done, take a look at your list.  How does it make you feel?  Do you feel daunting and overwhelmed or do you feel that you’re beginning to get a clear idea about what you need to do to get there?

Now Determine Priorities 

From the list, what do you think needs to happen first?  You can start to put your list in order of priority.  I teach you how to determine priorities in this blog post.

I encourage you at the same time to include time frames for when each specific task needs to be completed.  If we don’t have this we can put things off and lose track.  It can also help keep yourself accountable.  From here you can begin to list specific tasks into your calendar, planner or journal.

I offer a free email course where I can help you work out what you need to do first from everything that you’ve brain stormed.  

If you’d like to share what you came up with, you’re welcome to post a comment below, send me an email or share on my Facebook page.

Here’s to finding your best you.