Begin With End In Mind

Begin with the end in mind - Identify Your First steps

< Day 4: Brainstorm Options                         Day 6: Identify Resources >

Day 5: Begin with end in mind Now is the time to start putting your plan together and the best way to do that is to begin with the end in mind. You have a clear vision of your outcome, you got some leverage on yourself and know why this important to achieve, and you have created a list of options. Now it’s time to put it all together. Where do you begin?

What I have found works best is to begin with the end in mind and work backwards. There is a process that I use that has often helped me in identifying my first steps. I use 3x5 index cards to help me get my plans together. I start by writing down all of the options I came up with in my brainstorming session. One option on each 3x5 card. This gives me flexibility in constructing a “plan of attack”. When I begin with end in mind I can start asking myself two very specific questions. 1) What do I need to do to achieve this? And 2) What problems will I have to solve? Then I write down answers to those questions. Again, I use one 3x5 card for each answer. For me, doing this on index cards allows me to move things around easily as I work on identifying what the first step will be. I keep working my way backwards with each new card asking myself 1) What do I need to do to achieve this? And 2) What problems will I have to solve? There will come a point where it becomes very clear what your first steps will need to be.

I then arrange all the index cards in the order of what needs to be done. When I begin with the end in mind and work backwards, the path becomes very clear. Yes, there will be things I learn along the way that may change that order. And many times by accomplishing one of the tasks, others become unnecessary. Another great thing about the index cards is that when each task is accomplished I can take pleasure in tearing up that card and throwing it away.

If the information on this site helps you and you'd like to make a donation to YourDailyLifeCoach.com, please click the Donate button. The amount you contribute is entirely up to you. I am grateful for your support.

Why donate? I want to spend my time directly helping people by creating new video series, blog posts, articles, and podcasts; by speaking to groups; and by working with others to bring you the best content possible. If you want to support me in my mission of creating a community that will elevate the Self Awareness of humanity by providing Inspiration, Education and Empowerment; please make a contribution. Any amount is appreciated.

Get access to a 30 MINUTE EXCLUSIVE FREE VIDEO "The 7 Keys For Success and Fulfillment" by signing up for our FREE Your Daily Life Coach Newsletter

Newsletters are sent about once a month, just enough to keep you in the loop but not enough to overwhelm you.

If you enjoy the free information available on this site, you're sure to appreciate the free newsletter as well. Sign up right here:

New! Comments