So You Wrote a Life Plan — What's Next?
We talk a lot around here about writing a Life Plan and taking a full day away to do it. And while we’re always excited to hear from someone who has just written a Life Plan for the first time, we know the process can be motivating for some and overwhelming for others. You might be excited about the commitments you made but worried about how to fit them into an already busy schedule. Or you're not sure you have the discipline to focus on certain aspects of your life without drifting in others. Whether you’re new to Life Planning or a longtime enthusiast, here are some simple steps to help you keep your plan alive and pursue the life you want.
Pull Out Your Calendar
Your Life Plan day was all about breaking out of your regular routines to gain a fresh perspective on your life. But implementing your Life Plan means looking back at your day-to-day schedule and figuring out where you can add your new commitments for each life account. These are your life priorities — what other activities can you reschedule or eliminate to make room for those that really matter? It’s all about saying “no” to the good things so you can say “yes” to the great things in your life.Make sure each of your Action Plans is specific and measurable. For example, rather than “Work out more,” make your goal to “Work out for one hour, four times a week at noon” and add those blocks to your weekly calendar. By doing so, you’ll be able to track your progress and success along the way.
Connect Your Head and Heart
Your Life Plan is most powerful when it’s in your heart, not just in your head. So instead of focusing on your commitments in each account, focus on your “why” — your purpose and envisioned future. When you pursue your commitments with your “why” in mind, your Life Plan becomes so much more than a to-do list. Consider establishing traditions on your own or with friends and family that reconnect you to your purpose and vision on a regular basis. This could be as simple as a family movie night that brings you closer to your children or a weekly lunch date that allows you to check-in with your spouse.
Build Review into Your Routine
One of the best ways to keep your commitments fresh in your mind and heart is to review them regularly. That’s why we encourage all our clients to review their Life Plan every day for the first 90 days after writing it, and weekly after that. As you get more familiar with your commitments, they’ll start to shape your decisions and actions so that living your Life Plan becomes natural over time.
Find a Partner
No matter how motivated you may be, it can be difficult to work toward your commitments without some outside accountability. Find a partner who can encourage and motivate you to reach the goals you’ve set. This could be a mentor, colleague, friend, or coach — anyone who can hold you accountable as you pursue the life you want.We have a team of coaches who love guiding people through the Life Planning process. With 25 years of experience, we can help you discover how to live a life you love.
