A Model for Getting Stuff Done


There are many models for achieving your goals. As simple as this one is, it covers the elements that I think are necessary to get started, stay focused, and hit your target.

·         Decide
o   Commitment
o   Alignment of subsequent actions
·         Plan
o   Develop an understanding of obstacles
o   Defined actions & timelines to address
o   IN WRITING
·         Execute
o   Concerted effort on planned actions
o   Review progress & reflect
o   Iterate plan, as required
·         Achieve
o   Will to push through to the end
o   Reflect on your WHY
o   Celebrate

If you have not read, “What you want to do does not matter…”, start there. Making the decision to pursue a goal is the single most important step. The word decide is so powerful! If you have, in fact, made the decision to pursue a goal, you are making a commitment and must, therefore, align the actions that follow. That means the steps you will take to progress that goal, including what you are willing to sacrifice… time, energy, money, other distractions, whatever. If you’re not there, you have not made a decision.

Next comes a plan. Nothing of significance is accomplished without a plan. Plans are not perfect. They are based upon what you know at that time. The more you learn, the more likely that plan is to change. Accept that and start with what you know. Being that this follows your decision, the working assumption is that you have put in the effort to fill in as many knowledge gaps as can reasonably be done up front. And if you don’t put it in writing, you won’t hold yourself accountable. If you’re reading this, then surely, I don’t need to belabor the point.

You made a decision and crafted a plan. Now the actual work starts. As you execute your plan, you learn even more. Maybe your plan is great. Maybe it requires adjustment based upon new info. Iterate and keep going.

Why is Achieve a separate a line? Because achieve is all about bringing this goal to a successful conclusion. To sustain the effort in the execute phase, you must have the will to keep going. You must reflect and know WHY you are doing this in the first place. The required exertion may be more than you expected. But you made the decision, drew up the plan, executed to the best of your ability, now it’s all about fortitude informed by your WHY. And then you celebrate. Acknowledge your success in whatever way makes sense to you… but do it. Lock in those emotional gains and you’ll be ready for the next challenge.

There you have it… Decide, Plan, Execute, Achieve. Get started. Get stuff done.

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