How to write project plan: Get started personal project planning

Here's how to get started planning and creating

If you ever have a problem getting started on the important things in your life, here is what you MUST do.

Jump right in and write a plan NOW: What do you want to accomplish or create?

Set yourself up to do one step.

Notice how I didn't say "Do one step." I said, "Set yourself up to do one step." This is what I call The Power of Set Up. All I am doing is starting a small ball rolling, that will continue to roll until my life has changed amazingly. Getting started means sitting down with a pad of paper and pen.

An example: I never tell myself I'm going to go jogging. I really don't like jogging. So I tell myself I'm going to put on my sneakers, shorts, a T-shirt and athletic watch. That's not so hard to do! Once I'm standing there all dressed for jogging, what else am I going to do? So I jog. Got that? You create momentum by doing nonthreatening things. Just get set up.

Here is the set up to empower your project planning. You will find the best set up to be getting the tools you will need. The excellent Franklin Covey Co. make customized planning tools that will make you excited to get started. Check them out by clicking this link.

And now you are ready to spring into

1.  Action.  State your goal clearly.

Questions:

1. What do you wish to create?

2. What will it look, sound, or be like?

3. How will it work, specifically?

Background:

Whether your project is artistic or practical, you already have an idea of what it is. Let these questions guide you to fill in as many details as possible. You may discover things that were missing in your initial impulse. You may start getting new ideas already.

If you can give an example of how it would work when completed, that's great. What would a visitor to your web site do there? Who will buy your book? Go into the future and that will propel you forward.

2.  Action.  Explore the options.

Questions:

1. What other similar goals would excite you?

2. What goals do friends and advisers suggest?

3. What other creative projects could you pursue instead of this one?

Background:

Often people settle for creative goals that are easier for them. Sometimes they don't realize their own potential. If you don't challenge your own limitations, you will never grow.

This action broadens your horizons. Why ask how do I build a web site about gardening when your true passion is poetry? Why ask how to write a book on local history when in truth you want to write a full stage drama?

Asking others who have an objective opinion of you will help you see all of your realistic options. Let them help you to get started.

3.  Action.  Commit to your goal.

Questions:

1. Of all the options, which goal gets you most excited?

2. Which goal do you feel most confident about?

3. What, then, is the goal you now commit to?

Background:

Now that you have gathered all your information, it's time to make a decision. Balancing what you desire to create with what is in your reach will point you towards a specific goal. Once you make that choice, commit to it with every fiber of your being. Go all the way through the planning phase and build your confidence.

4.  Action.  Gather your skills and materials.

Questions:

1. What skills will you need to create this project?

2. What materials will you need to create this project?

3. How will you obtain the best quality skills and materials?

Background:

For artistic work, you will need skills. For the person passionate about creative writing, how to write a book involves many skills. There is plot line, character development, use of language, pacing and so much more. The writer might plan to take a short course, or read some books on the subject. For the person asking "how do I build a web site," they will need technical skills. They will also need materials, such as software programs for their computer, graphics, and Web services.

As you write your prject plan, take into account acquiring the best skills or best people to help you. The quality of the skills and materials directly affects the quality of what you are creating. Get the best you can afford, but don't get obsessed with equipment and such. There must be a definite time for you to start working with what you have acquired.

5.  Action.  Decide how best to use your time and energy.

Questions:

1. What parts of this goal do you control?

2. What parts of this goal do you only influence?

3. What will you do to influence the results best?

4. What things should you devote the most time and energy to?

Background:

Control and influence are very important concepts. Spending hours reading the newspaper is wasteful for most everybody. They neither control nor influence what they are reading there. Trying to influence your relative to behave in a certain fashion is better, but still not the best use of time. Changing your own behavior, which you control, is the best. And by changing your own behavior, you influence others.

Devote most of your time to that which you control, and the time will be well spent. You will gain more influence as well.

    Result.  You have begun planning your creation. You've crafted a general vision of what you wish to make. You understand what is required to create your project.

Your vision is taking shape

Now let's move on and challenge and improve your creative project plan. Go to Part two: How to write project plan.