Hope for the FutureSample

A Clear Plan

Without a plan it is easy to drift, try to do too many things, lose alignment and motivation, feel overwhelmed, and be distracted using sideways energy. On the other hand, if you hold rigidly to an original plan, you might settle for second-rate results, miss your best opportunities, stop learning, and have unnecessary conflict. The sweet spot is to draft a plan in pencil. Have a plan but be flexible to redirect or change course, as needed. A clear plan brings hope for your future.

Here are three key questions to answer when forming and assessing a plan:  

1. What problem are you trying to solve?   
2. What strategy will you use?   
3. How is that strategy working?

A helpful tool is called a SWOT analysis. You can assess by writing down your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

This can lead to clarity with the basic elements of who, what, when, why, and how. 

Being prepared with a plan can lower stress, and input from friends can help shape it even more with wise insights.