Daniel G. Taylor

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The Ultimate Action Plan Template: Achieve Your Goals Like a Boss [TEMPLATE]

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Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

As a young entrepreneur, you’ve got big dreams and even bigger ambitions. But let’s face it, turning those dreams into reality can be tough. That’s where an action plan comes in. It’s your secret weapon for crushing goals—personal and business—and making things happen. In this post, I’ll show you how to create a killer action plan that’ll skyrocket your success. Let’s dive in!

A close-up of a hand crossing off items on a punch list

Table of contents

Key Takeaways:

  • An action plan is your roadmap to achieving specific goals
  • Use the “punch list” method to identify and overcome obstacles
  • Focus on “Next Actions” rather than vague tasks
  • Mind mapping can help you visualize your plan’s components
  • Track progress and celebrate small wins along the way
  • Break your plan into 90-day achievement blocks

What is an Action Plan?

Before we jump into the nitty gritty, let’s nail down what an action plan actually is. Simply put, an action plan is a detailed checklist of tasks, resources, and timelines needed to achieve a specific goal. It’s like a GPS for your success—it shows you exactly where you need to go and how to get there.

But here’s the thing: an action plan isn’t just a to-do list on steroids. It’s a strategic document that forces you to think critically about your goals and the steps needed to achieve them. It’s about breaking down big, hairy, audacious goals into manageable chunks that you can tackle one at a time.

Why You Need an Action Plan

Listen up, fellas. An action plan isn’t just some boring business tool. It’s your secret weapon for:

  1. Clarity: It turns your vague ideas into concrete steps
  2. Focus: Keeps you on track when distractions try to derail you
  3. Motivation: Seeing progress is a major confidence booster
  4. Efficiency: You’ll waste less time figuring out what to do next
  5. Accountability: It’s harder to slack off when you’ve got a plan staring you in the face

But let’s get real for a second. As young entrepreneurs, we often have more ideas than time. An action plan helps you prioritize what’s truly important and avoid getting caught up in busy work that doesn’t move the needle. It’s about working smarter, not just harder.

How to Create a Badass Action Plan

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and create an action plan that’ll make your competition sweat. Here’s your step-by-step guide (make sure you download your action plan template):

90-day Action Plan TemplateDownload

1. Define Your Goal

First things first—what do you want to achieve? Be specific. Instead of “grow my business,” try “increase monthly revenue by 50% in the next 90 days.” Remember, clarity is power.

When setting your goal, use the SMART criteria:

  • Specific: What exactly do you want to accomplish?
  • Measurable: How will you know when you’ve reached it?
  • Achievable: Is it realistic given your resources and constraints?
  • Relevant: Does it align with your overall business objectives?
  • Time-bound: What’s your deadline?

2. Create Your Punch List

Here’s where we get real. List every single obstacle standing between you and your goal. This is your “punch list.” Your mission? Eliminate each item one by one. Once you’ve knocked them all out, you’ll have achieved your goal.

Don’t hold back here. Be brutally honest about what’s standing in your way. Is it a lack of skills? Limited funding? Fear of failure? Write it all down. This process might feel uncomfortable, but it’s crucial. By identifying these obstacles upfront, you’re already halfway to overcoming them.

3. Mind Map Your Plan

A colorful mind map with Action Plan in the center and various branches

Channel your inner Tony Buzan and create a mind map of your action plan. This visual approach helps you see how different components fit together. Plus, it’s a great way to brainstorm ideas and spot potential roadblocks.

Start with your primary goal in the center, then branch out with major steps or categories. From there, add more specific actions and details. The beauty of mind mapping is that it mimics how our brains naturally process information, making it easier to generate ideas and see connections.

4. Define Your Next Actions

Forget about vague “to-dos.” We’re talking about Next Actions, baby. These are specific, physical actions you can take to move forward. Start each one with a verb. For example, “Call Sarah to discuss marketing strategy” is way better than “Marketing stuff.”

This concept, borrowed from David Allen’s “Getting Things Done” (GTD) methodology from the book of that name, is a game-changer. By focusing on concrete, actionable steps, you eliminate ambiguity and reduce procrastination. You always know exactly what you need to do next.

5. Consider Contexts

This tip also comes straight from the GTD method. When listing your Next Actions, consider contexts like energy level and location. This helps you choose the right task at the right time. Low energy? Tackle some easy emails. Feeling pumped? Time to make those sales calls!

Contexts might include:

@office: Tasks you can only do at your workspace

@home: Things you need to handle at home

@computer: Online or digital tasks

@calls: Phone calls you need to make

@errands: Tasks that require you to be out and about

@high energy: Tasks that require peak mental or physical performance

@low energy: Tasks you can do when you’re not feeling 100%

By organizing your tasks this way, you can maximize productivity based on your current situation and energy levels.

6. Set Clear Milestones

Break your big goal into smaller, achievable milestones. This gives you frequent wins to celebrate (more on that later) and helps you stay motivated.

Think of milestones as checkpoints on your journey. They help you gauge progress and provide natural points for review and adjustment. For a 90-day plan, you might set milestones every two weeks or at the end of each month.

7. Assign Deadlines

Every action needs a deadline. Be realistic, but don’t give yourself too much wiggle room. A little pressure can be a good thing.

When setting deadlines, consider using Parkinson’s Law to your advantage. This principle states that work expands to fill the time available for its completion. By setting slightly ambitious deadlines, you can push yourself to work more efficiently.

8. Identify Resources

What do you need to make this happen? List out all the resources—time, money, skills, tools—required for each action.

Don’t just think about what you have; also consider what you need to gain. This might include:

By identifying these upfront, you can start gathering what you need before it becomes a bottleneck.

9. Track Progress

Use a simple system to track your progress. This could be as basic as crossing items off a list or as fancy as a project management tool. Whatever works for you.

The key is consistency. Update your progress regularly—daily, if possible. This keeps your plan front and center in your mind and helps you stay accountable.

10. Celebrate Small Wins

Don’t wait until you’ve achieved your big goal to pat yourself on the back. Celebrate those small victories along the way. Completed a tough task? Treat yourself to a coffee or a quick workout break.

Celebrating small wins isn’t just about feeling good (although that’s important too). It’s about building momentum and reinforcing positive habits. Each minor success releases dopamine in your brain, motivating you to keep pushing forward.

11. Review and Adjust

Your action plan isn’t set in stone. Review it regularly and make adjustments as needed. Life happens, priorities shift, and that’s okay.

Set aside time each week to review your progress and update your plan. Are you on track? Do you need to adjust any deadlines? Have new opportunities or challenges emerged? This regular review process keeps your plan relevant and effective.

12. Define “Done”

How will you know when you’ve achieved your goal? Be crystal clear on what “completed” looks like. This gives you a target to aim for and makes it easier to track progress.

Your definition of “done” should be specific and measurable. For example, if your goal is to launch a new product, “done” might look like:

  • Product developed and tested
  • Marketing materials created
  • Sales team trained
  • First 100 units sold

By clearly defining what “done” looks like, you avoid the trap of constantly moving goalposts.

The 90-Day Action Plan

Here’s a pro tip: focus your action plan on 90-day achievement blocks. Why? It’s long enough to make significant progress, but short enough to maintain urgency and motivation. Plus, it aligns nicely with quarterly business planning.

The 90-day framework works well because:

  1. It creates a sense of urgency without being overwhelming
  2. It allows for meaningful progress on substantial goals
  3. It provides natural review and reset points throughout the year
  4. It aligns with how many businesses operate (quarterly planning and reporting)

To implement a 90-day action plan:

  1. Set one major goal for the 90-day period
  2. Break that goal down into three 30-day sprints
  3. Define specific objectives and actions for each sprint
  4. Review and adjust at the end of each sprint
  5. At the end of 90 days, celebrate your achievements and plan your next 90-day block

Conclusion

Creating an effective action plan isn’t rocket science and having an action plan template helps, but it requires thought and effort. By following these steps and focusing on Next Actions, contexts, and 90-day blocks, you’ll have a powerful tool for turning your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Remember, the purpose of an action plan isn’t to restrict you—it’s to liberate you. By having a clear plan, you free up mental energy to focus on execution rather than constant planning and re-planning. It’s about working smarter, not just harder.

Action Steps:

1. Download my free action plan template:

90-day Action Plan TemplateDownload

2. Choose one goal to focus on for the next 90 days

3. Follow the steps in this post to create your action plan

4. Start taking action—today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I create an action plan template?

Start with a simple table or spreadsheet. Include columns for action items, deadlines, responsible persons, resources needed, and status. Customize it based on your specific needs and goals.

How to action plan template?

To use an action plan template effectively, start by clearly defining your goal. Then, break it down into specific, actionable steps. Assign deadlines and resources to each step, and regularly update the status as you make progress.

How to create a 90-day action plan template?

Divide your template into three 30-day sections. For each section, list key objectives and the specific actions needed to achieve them. Include columns for deadlines, responsibilities, and progress tracking.

How to create an action plan template?

Begin with a clear goal at the top of your template. Then, create sections for tasks, deadlines, responsibilities, resources, and progress tracking. Consider adding a section for obstacles and how you’ll overcome them.

How to write a business action plan template?

Include sections for your business goal, specific objectives, action items, timelines, responsible team members, required resources, and key performance indicators (KPIs). Also, add a section for potential risks and mitigation strategies.

Remember, the best action plan is the one you’ll actually use. Keep it simple, focused, and aligned with your goals. Now go out there and make it happen!

The 7 Steps of Goal Setting: A Comprehensive Guide for Young Entrepreneurs

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Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

As a young entrepreneur, setting clear goals is crucial for your success. I’m Daniel G. Taylor, CEO and founder of Mayer Marketing Agency, and I mentor young male entrepreneurs. Today, I’m sharing my proven 7-step goal-setting process that has helped many achieve their dreams. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your business, these steps will guide you towards realizing your full potential.

A young male entrepreneur standing at the base of a mountain, looking up at seven distinct steps of goal setting (Intellect, Career, Health, Relationships, Impact, Prosperity, Spirituality) leading to the summit

Table of contents

Key Takeaways:

  • Create a comprehensive list of 101 goals across 7 life areas
  • Set long-range and short-term goals with specific timeframes
  • Develop detailed action plans for each goal
  • Regularly review and adjust your goals
  • Balance your goals across all areas of life

Let’s dive into the 7 steps of goal setting that will set you on the path to success.

Step 1: Create Your 101 Goals List

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and in our case, that step is creating a list of 101 goals. This might seem overwhelming, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. This exercise helps you think big and explore all the possibilities for your life and business.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Grab a piece of paper or open your favorite mind-mapping software.

2. Draw a circle in the center and label it “101 Goals.”

3. Create 7 branches stemming from the center, each representing a key life area:

   – Intellect

   – Career

   – Health

   – Relationships

   – Impact

   – Prosperity

   – Spirituality

4. Under each branch, list about 15 goals. Don’t hold back—let your imagination run wild!

For example, under the “Travel” sub-branch of “Relationships,” you might list destinations like “Visit Machu Picchu” or “Volunteer in Thailand.” Under “Career,” you might have goals like “Launch a successful startup” or “Become a thought leader in my industry.”

Remember, at this stage, no goal is too big or too small. The aim is to get everything out of your head and onto paper. This process often reveals aspirations you didn’t even know you had.

Step 2: Set Long-Range Goals

Now that you have your 101 goals, it’s time to think long term. These are the big dreams that’ll take 1 to 10 years to achieve. Long-range goals give you direction and purpose, serving as a north star for your daily actions.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Review your 101 goals and estimate how long each might take to achieve. Add brackets next to each goal with the timeframe: (1 year), (3 years), (5 years), or (10 years).
  2. Aim for a balanced list of about 21 goals spread across these timeframes. This ensures you’re working towards both near-future achievements and long-term aspirations.
  3. For each of these 21 goals, list at least 200 reasons it’s important to achieve them. How will you benefit? How will others benefit? This step might seem excessive, but it’s crucial. It builds emotional connection to your goals and reinforces your commitment.
  4. Transfer these top 21 goals to a digital notebook or index cards. Carry them with you to review throughout the day. This constant reminder keeps your goals at the forefront of your mind, influencing your decisions and actions.

Step 3: Set Short-Term Goals

A dashboard or control panel with various gauges and metrics, representing goal tracking

Short-term goals are the stepping stones to your long-term dreams. These short term goals take 1 day to 1 year to achieve. They keep you motivated and on track. They provide quick wins that boost your confidence and maintain momentum.

Break down your goals like this:

  • Yearly: Set a milestone one year in the future for your top 21 goals.
  • Quarterly: Set quarterly milestones for your annual goals.
  • Monthly: Set monthly milestones for your quarterly goals.
  • Weekly: Create a dashboard to track daily and weekly progress towards your monthly goals.

Let me share a personal example. One of my 10-year goals is to learn to speak and write the six official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Spanish, Russian). Here’s how I break it down:

– 1-year goal: Achieve a 365-day Duolingo quest streak.

– Quarterly goal: Complete 90 days of Duolingo quest streak.

– Monthly goal: Maintain a 30-day Duolingo quest streak.

– Weekly goal: Complete a 7-day Duolingo quest streak.

– Daily goal: Complete the Duolingo daily quest streak.

This approach makes a daunting 10-year goal feel manageable and achievable. It also allows you to celebrate tiny victories along the way, keeping you motivated for the long haul.

Step 4: Develop Action Plans

Now it’s time to get specific. For each short-term goal, create a detailed action plan. This is where you transform your goals from vague wishes into concrete, actionable steps.

Consider:

  • Priority: What’s most important? Which actions will have the biggest impact?
  • Sequence: What order should tasks be completed in? Are there dependencies between tasks?
  • Resources: What time, energy, and money will you need? Do you need to gain new skills or tools?

Remember, the further in the future a goal is, the more challenging it can be. But for daily goals, aim for tasks you’re 90% sure you can achieve. This balance of stretch goals and achievable tasks keeps you motivated and moving forward.

When creating your action plan, be as specific as possible. Instead of “work on my business,” your plan might include tasks like “spend 2 hours on market research” or “reach out to 5 potential clients.” The more specific your actions, the easier they are to accomplish.

Step 5: Balance Your Goals

As entrepreneurs, we often focus on business and money. But it’s crucial to set goals in all life areas. As Dr. John Demartini says, “Any area you do not empower, someone else will overpower.”

Ensure you have an even number of goals in each of these areas:

  1. Intellect: Wisdom, understanding, creativity. This might include goals like reading a certain number of books per month or learning a new skill.
  2. Career: Business, achievement, service. These are your professional goals, like hitting revenue targets or expanding your client base.
  3. Health: Wellness, vitality, fitness. Don’t neglect your physical wellbeing. Set goals for exercise, nutrition, and self-care.
  4. Relationships: Love, communication, family. Your personal relationships are crucial to your overall success and happiness.
  5. Impact: Social influence, leadership, legacy. How will you make a difference in the world? This could include mentoring others or supporting causes you care about.
  6. Prosperity: Wealth building, philanthropy. Beyond just making money, consider how you’ll manage and share your wealth.
  7. Spirituality: Mission, presence, awareness. This doesn’t necessarily mean religion. It could be meditation, mindfulness, or connecting with nature.

Balancing your goals ensures you’re developing as a well-rounded individual, not just a successful entrepreneur. It also provides stability – if you face setbacks in one area, you can draw strength and satisfaction from progress in others.

Step 6: Review Regularly

Goals aren’t set-and-forget. Make them a part of your daily life:

  • Write your top 10 goals by hand each night. This reinforces your commitment and keeps your goals fresh in your mind.
  • Carry your goals with you and review them throughout the day. Use waiting time or breaks to reflect on your goals.
  • Set multiple goals so you always have something to work on. If you hit a roadblock with one goal, you can shift focus to another.

Regular review helps you stay on track and allows you to celebrate your progress. It also helps you identify any goals that may need adjustment, which leads us to our last step.

Step 7: Adjust and Adapt

Life changes, and so should your goals. Regularly reassess and adjust your goals as needed. Don’t be afraid to change or even abandon goals that no longer serve you.

As you grow and evolve, your priorities might shift. A goal that seemed important a year ago might not align with your current values or circumstances. That’s okay. The ability to adapt is a crucial skill for any entrepreneur.

When adjusting your goals, ask yourself:

  • Is this goal still relevant to my vision for my life and business?
  • Have I outgrown this goal? Do I need to set a more challenging target?
  • Are there new opportunities or challenges that require new goals?

Remember, changing your goals isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a sign of growth and self-awareness.

Conclusion

Goal setting is a powerful tool for young entrepreneurs. By following these 7 steps, you’ll create a roadmap for success in all areas of your life. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Enjoy the process of growth and achievement.

These steps aren’t just theory – they’re tried and tested methods that have helped countless entrepreneurs, including myself, achieve their dreams. But like any tool, they’re only effective if you use them consistently.

Action Steps:

  1. Start your 101 goals list today. Don’t overthink it – just start writing.
  2. Set your long-range and short-term goals. Remember to balance across different timeframes.
  3. Create action plans for your top goals. Be as specific as possible.
  4. Review your goals daily. Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
  5. Adjust your goals as needed. Be flexible and responsive to change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the seven steps of goal setting?

The seven steps of goal setting are:
1. Create a list of 101 goals
2. Set long-range goals (1-10 years)
3. Set short-term goals (1 day to 1 year)
4. Develop action plans
5. Balance goals across life areas
6. Review goals regularly
7. Adjust and adapt goals as needed

What are the seven steps of setting goals?

The seven steps of setting goals are:
1. Brainstorm and list your goals
2. Prioritize long-term objectives
3. Break down into short-term targets
4. Create detailed action plans
5. Ensure balance across life areas
6. Implement daily goal review
7. Continuously evaluate and adjust

Which of the seven goal-setting steps is most important?

While all steps are crucial, Step 3 (setting short-term goals) is arguably the most important. It bridges the gap between your big dreams and daily actions, keeping you motivated and on track. Without this step, long-term goals can feel overwhelming and unattainable. Short-term goals provide the momentum and quick wins necessary to sustain your journey towards your larger objectives.

Remember, goal setting is a skill, and like any skill, it improves with practice. Don’t expect perfection from the start. The key is to begin the process and refine your approach over time. As you implement these steps, you’ll find what works best for you and your unique entrepreneurial journey. Here’s to your success!

The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Setting Powerful Long-Term Goals for Your Company

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Estimated reading time: 6 minutes


Today, we’re tackling a topic that can make or break your business: long-term goals. I’ve witnessed countless companies stumble because they lacked a clear vision for the future. But don’t worry! I’m here to walk you through the process of setting effective long-term goals that will guide your company towards success.

young male entrepreneur looks out the window thinking about the long term goals of his company

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

  • Long-term goals provide clarity, direction, and motivation for your business
  • Set goals in four key areas: product/service delivery, sales and marketing, financial, and community contribution
  • Make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART)
  • Break long-term goals into smaller, short-term goals
  • Regularly review and adjust your goals as your business evolves

Why Long-Term Goals Matter


Running a business can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of the bigger picture. That’s where long-term goals come in. They give your work purpose, help you make informed decisions, and provide daily motivation. Long-term goals also help you spot meaningful trends and shift your business from reactive to proactive mode.

Setting Goals in Four Key Areas

To set your company up for long-term success, you need to focus on four crucial areas:

#1) Product or Service Delivery

Your product or service is the heart of your business. Set goals that focus on improving quality, expanding your offerings, and staying ahead of the competition. For example, aim to launch a new product or service that fills a gap in the market and solves a problem for your target audience.

When I had a private consultation with my mentor, Dr John Demartini, he advised releasing a new product or service every 90 days.

#2) Sales and Marketing

Without effective sales and marketing strategies, even the best products and services will go unnoticed. Set goals that focus on increasing revenue, building brand recognition, and growing your customer base. For example, aim to increase sales by a specific percentage over the next few years or become the go-to brand in your niche.

#3) Financial

Money keeps the business world turning. Set financial goals that focus on increasing profit margins, reducing expenses, and improving cash flow. For example, aim to become the leader in your specific market niche or expand your company by opening more locations.

#4) Community Contribution


Giving back to the community not only makes the world a better place but also builds goodwill for your brand. Set goals that focus on making a positive impact in your local or global community. For example, aim to create a successful non-profit organization that aligns with your company’s values or partner with local charities to make a difference.

Making Your Goals SMART


When setting your long-term goals, ensure they are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This means avoiding generic goals and being specific about your target audience and niche. Use simple language, and make sure your goals are memorable and easy to understand.

For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “increase sales,” set a SMART goal like “increase sales by 25% over the next 3 years by expanding into new markets and launching a targeted marketing campaign.”

Breaking Down Long-Term Goals

Long-term goals can seem daunting, but breaking them down into smaller, short-term goals makes them more manageable. These short-term goals act as stepping stones towards your larger objectives.

For example, if your long-term goal is to open a new location, your short-term goals might include:

By focusing on these smaller goals, you’ll make steady progress towards your long-term objectives.

Achieving Your Goals

Now that you’ve set your long-term goals and broken them down into manageable steps, it’s time to make them a reality. Use a strategic plan as a roadmap, with your vision as the destination, long-term goals as milestones, and short-term goals as the odometer. Track your progress regularly and make adjustments as needed to stay on course.

Remember, achieving long-term goals requires persistence, flexibility, and a willingness to learn from setbacks. Celebrate your wins along the way and use them as motivation to keep pushing forward.

Conclusion

Setting powerful long-term goals is essential for any business owner who wants to achieve lasting success. By focusing on product/service delivery, sales and marketing, financial, and community contribution, you can create a roadmap for growth and impact. Remember to make your goals SMART, break them down into manageable steps, and regularly review and adjust them as your business evolves. With clear long-term goals in place and a commitment to achieving them, you’ll be well on your way to building the business of your dreams.

Action Steps

  1. Set aside dedicated time to brainstorm and write your long-term goals for each key area: product/service delivery, sales and marketing, financial, and community contribution.
  2. Ensure your goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
  3. Break your long-term goals down into smaller, short-term goals you can work on over the next few months or years.
  4. Create a strategic plan that outlines how you will achieve your goals and track your progress regularly.
  5. Review and adjust your goals as needed to ensure they remain relevant and achievable as your business grows and changes.
  6. Celebrate your milestones and use them as motivation to keep working towards your long-term objectives.
  7. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and experts who can offer guidance and accountability as you work towards your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the long-term goal of a company?

The long-term goal of a company is to achieve sustained success and growth over an extended period, typically 3-5 years or more. This could mean dominating your market category, building a strong brand reputation, creating a positive company culture, or making a significant impact in your community. The specific long-term goals will vary depending on the company’s vision, values, and industry, but they should all work together to guide the business towards a thriving future. Effective long-term goals provide clarity, direction, and purpose for every member of the organization, from entry-level employees to top executives. By setting and working towards these goals, companies can make strategic decisions, allocate resources effectively, and adapt to changing market conditions while staying true to their core mission. Ultimately, the long-term goal of any company should be to create value for its stakeholders – customers, employees, shareholders, and the wider community – in a sustainable and meaningful way.