In a previous post I spelled out my plans for radically changing 3Steps.Today. The planning and effort is ongoing and fruitfull.
The header image on this post are the 3 Steps. Pretty simple:
- Plan
- Act
- Review
That 3 Step process just sounds too ridiculously easy to be effective. Yet it works.
I use that same method to get stuff done at work. I keep up our runbook and write continuously as a technical lead.
I'm not saying it's the only planning tool I use.
Far from it. I have a lot of tools and processes I use throughout my day. (I borrow from all over.)
Yet those 3 steps are quite powerful when followed. I've worked through that simple method many many times and honed my approach over the years.
Which leads to my next question:
Which step is your favorite?
Step 1 - Plan
Planning is the process of thinking of the steps required to reach a goal. I often write down the steps I think something will take, the cost in time and money, and other factors.
Love to think through problems? Here's some tools from my planning tool list: whiteboards, a notebook, Trello, Miro, spreadsheets, and especially Joplin.
S.M.A.R.T. goals are something that I've used over my career that helps me to plan successfully. There's no one right way to do this. But accomplishing goals requires planning. 😀
Step 2 - Act
It's great to come up with a plan and write stuff down, but if you put no action to your plan, nothing gets accomplished.
Working through the steps to complete a goal can be exciting when you see what you've planned come to life. Taking action on your plan takes effort and discipline. This is also when the plan may change based on unforeseen or unplanned variables. Fun stuff!
Step 3 - Review
I initially labeled this Eval instead of Review, since that's largely what I consider the review process:
considering the results of the plan once acted upon
Real learning occurs when we think and review the results of our plan - what we accomplished or didn't accomplish.
I find it helps to ask myself probing questions like:
- How can I improve the next time I do something similar?
- Where was my plan accurate Where was it weak?
- What would I keep moving forward? What would I ditch? etc.
I've been writing down my review thoughts and questions in preparation for the work I am doing on 3Steps.Today. I find that I love the planning process - thinking about how to get from A to B. It's like problem-solving to me.
Leave a comment below on which part you enjoy most
I'll leave my own comment below as well. I'm passionate about this subject and want to hear what you've got to say.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on which part of the 3 Steps process (Plan - Act - Review) appeals to you most.
Peace and Love,
-Rob
P.S. Don't consider my posts financial advice. Do your own research. I write for entertainment. I'd love to have you sign up for my 3 Steps Today mailing list and learn how my 3 step process (Plan - Act - Review) will help you achieve your goals.
