The secret to accomplishing your goals is purposeful action—consistently applied. As you target your goals, do you have a sound work search strategy? Your success at finding the right new job, changing your career direction or returning to the workplace after an absence depends on it. Are you working a step-by-step action plan each day? If not, events and circumstances will work you.

Why should you create an action plan?

Planning will help you clarify direction and identify the means to get there. You’ll be better prepared. Using effective tactics will help you focus, stay on course and see results. Measure your progress and achievements by setting milestones. Implementing your plan gives you the self-discipline to manage through to completion.

As the French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupery wisely observed, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

How can you overcome resistance to planning?

If you’re hesitant to create an action plan, think of planning as a way to map out your trip and a means of fulfilling your goals. What’s critical to successful travel? Navigation.

You’ve undoubtedly planned a road trip. You may have used Google Maps, GPS technology or an online planner to give you a customized route. Perhaps you charted your trip on a road map or atlas.

Regardless of what tools you use, the first two questions you must answer are: What is my starting point? What is my destination? Start your action plan here.

Is your action planning a living process?

Take some time to meander, explore and course correct if needed.

Think of those road-loving travelers who once drove U.S. Route 66. Stretching from Southern California to Illinois, this two-lane road was quite a compelling destination in itself for 60 years.

How fun to discover the Painted Desert, Meramec Caverns, The Wigwam Motel or The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle®. All manner of curious roadside attractions—Dinosaur Park, museums, reptile houses and eateries.  Route 66 was left in the dust with the advent of the fast, efficient Interstate Highway System. Think of what today’s hurried car tourists are missing!

Are you open to discovery while working your action plan?

Be open in your thinking. Take time for the occasional day trip while you pursue your career, job search and work life goals. Look around. Who knows—you may stumble across options and opportunities you hadn’t considered.

Call it serendipity or very good luck—maybe you’ll discover an out-of-the-way eatery that has the best pie you ever tasted.

Good plans shape good decisions. That’s why good planning helps to make elusive dreams come true. -Lester R. Bittel

For more on the benefits of goal setting, please see our previous posts, Get What You Want by Setting Quality Goals and How to Set Goals and Actually Achieve Them.

Next time - Why Action Plans Work

Today’s question

Are you working an action plan? Is it working for you? Your comments welcome.