personal action plan essay

How to Create a Personal Development Plan: 3 Examples

For successful change, it is vital that the client remains engaged, recognizing and identifying with the goals captured inside and outside sessions. A personal development plan (PDP) creates a focus for development while offering a guide for life and future success (Starr, 2021).

This article introduces and explores the value of personal development plans, offering tools, worksheets, and approaches to boost self-reflection and self-improvement.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Goal Achievement Exercises for free . These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or your clients create actionable goals and master techniques to create lasting behavior change.

This Article Contains

What is personal development 7 theories, coaching in personal development and growth, how to create a personal development plan, 3 examples of personal development plans, defining goals and objectives: 10 tips and tools, fostering personal development skills, 3 inspiring books to read on the topic, resources from positivepsychology.com, a take-home message, frequently asked questions.

Personal development is a fundamental concept in psychology and encompasses the lifelong process of self-improvement, self-awareness, and personal growth. Crucial to coaching and counseling, it aims to enhance various aspects of clients’ lives, including their emotional wellbeing, relationships, careers, and overall happiness (Cox, 2018; Starr, 2021).

Several psychological models underpin and support transformation. Together, they help us understand personal development in our clients and the mechanisms and approaches available to make positive life changes (Cox, 2018; Passmore, 2021).

The following psychological theories and frameworks underpin and influence the approach a mental health professional adopts.

1. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

As a proponent of the humanistic or person-centered approach to helping people, Abraham Maslow (1970) suggested that individuals have a hierarchy of needs. Simply put, they begin with basic physiological and safety needs and progress through psychological and self-fulfillment needs.

Personal development is often found in or recognized by the pursuit of higher-level needs, such as self-esteem and self-actualization (Cox, 2018).

2. Erikson’s psychosocial development

Erik Erikson (1963) mapped out a series of eight psychosocial development stages that individuals go through across their lifespan.

Each one involves challenges and crises that once successfully navigated, contribute to personal growth and identity development.

3. Piaget’s cognitive development

The biologist and epistemologist Jean Piaget (1959) focused on cognitive development in children and how they construct their understanding of the world.

We can draw on insights from Piaget’s stages of cognitive development, including intellectual growth and adaptability, to inform our own and others’ personal development (Illeris, 2018).

4. Bandura’s social cognitive theory

Albert Bandura’s (1977) theory highlights the role of social learning and self-efficacy in personal development. It emphasizes that individuals can learn and grow through observation, imitation, and belief in their ability to effect change.

5. Self-determination theory

Ryan and Deci’s (2018) motivational self-determination theory recognizes the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in personal development.

Their approach suggests that individuals are more likely to experience growth and wellbeing when such basic psychological needs are met.

6. Positive psychology

Positive psychology , developed by Martin Seligman (2011) and others, focuses on strengths, wellbeing, and the pursuit of happiness.

Seligman’s PERMA model offers a framework for personal development that emphasizes identifying and using our strengths while cultivating positive emotions and experiences (Lomas et al., 2014).

7. Cognitive-Behavioral Theory (CBT)

Developed by Aaron Beck (Beck & Haigh, 2014) and Albert Ellis (2000), CBT explores the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

As such, the theory provides practical techniques for personal development, helping individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors (Beck, 2011).

Theories like the seven mentioned above offer valuable insights into many of the psychological processes underlying personal development. They provide a sound foundation for coaches and counselors to support their clients and help them better understand themselves, their motivations, and the paths they can take to foster positive change in their lives (Cox, 2018).

The client–coach relationship is significant to successful growth and goal achievement.

Typically, the coach will focus on the following (Cox, 2018):

• Actualizing tendency This supports a “universal human motivation resulting in growth, development and autonomy of the individual” (Cox, 2018, p. 53).
• Building a relationship facilitating change Trust clients to find their own way while displaying empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard . The coach’s “outward responses consistently match their inner feelings towards a client,” and they display a warm acceptance that they are being how they need to be (Passmore, 2021, p. 162).
• Adopting a positive psychological stance Recognize that the client has the potential and wish to become fully functioning (Cox, 2018).

Effective coaching for personal growth involves adopting and committing to a series of beliefs that remind the coach that the “coachee is responsible for the results they create” (Starr, 2021, p. 18) and help them recognize when they may be avoiding this idea.

The following principles are, therefore, helpful for coaching personal development and growth (Starr, 2021).

• Stay committed to supporting the client. While initially strong, you may experience factors that reduce your sense of support for the individual’s challenges.
• Coach nonjudgmentally. Our job is not to adopt a stance based on personal beliefs or judgment of others, but to help our clients form connections between behavior and results.
• Maintain integrity, openness, and trust. The client must feel safe in your company and freely able to express themselves.
• Responsibility does not equal blame. Clients who take on blame rather than responsibility will likely feel worse about something without acknowledging their influence on the situation.
• The client can achieve better results. The client is always capable of doing and achieving more, especially in relation to their goals.
• Focus on clients’ thoughts and experiences. Collaborative coaching is about supporting the growth and development of the client, getting them to where they want to go.
• Clients can arrive at perfect solutions. “As a coach, you win when someone else does” (Starr, 2021, p. 34). The solution needs to be the client’s, not yours.
• Coach as an equal partnership. Explore the way forward together collaboratively rather than from a parental or advisory perspective.

Creating a supportive and nonjudgmental environment helps clients explore their thoughts, feelings, and goals, creating an environment for personal development and flourishing (Passmore, 2021).

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A personal development plan is a powerful document “to create mutual clarity of the aims and focus of a coaching assignment” (Starr, 2021, p. 291). While it is valuable during coaching, it can also capture a client’s way forward once sessions have ended.

Crucially, it should have the following characteristics (Starr, 2021):

• Short and succinct
• Providing a quick reference or point of discussion
• Current and fresh, regularly revised and updated

Key elements of a personal development plan include the following (Starr, 2021):

• Area of development This is the general skill or competence to be worked on.
• Development objectives or goals What does the client want to do? Examples might include reducing stress levels, improving diet, or managing work–life balance .
• Behaviors to develop These comprise what the client will probably do more of when meeting their objectives, for example, practicing better coping mechanisms, eating more healthily, and better managing their day.
• Actions to create progress What must the client do to action their objectives? For example, arrange a date to meet with their manager, sign up for a fitness class, or meet with a nutritionist.
• Date to complete or review the objective Capture the dates for completing actions, meeting objectives, and checking progress.

Check out Lindsey Cooper’s excellent video for helpful guidance on action planning within personal development.

We can write and complete personal development plans in many ways. Ultimately, they should meet the needs of the client and leave them with a sense of connection to and ownership of their journey ahead (Starr, 2021).

• Personal Development Plan – Areas of Development In this PDP , we draw on guidance from Starr (2021) to capture development opportunities and the behaviors and actions needed to achieve them.
• Personal Development Plan – Opportunities for Development This template combines short- and long-term goal setting with a self-assessment of strengths, weaknesses, and development opportunities.
• Personal Development Plan – Ideal Self In this PDP template , we focus on our vision of how our ideal self looks and setting goals to get there.

“The setting of a goal becomes the catalyst that drives the remainder of the coaching conversation.”

Passmore, 2021, p. 80

Defining goals and objectives is crucial to many coaching conversations and is usually seen as essential for personal development.

Check out this video on how you can design your life with your personal goals in mind.

The following coaching templates are helpful, containing a series of questions to complete Whitmore’s (2009) GROW model :

• G stands for Goal : Where do you want to be?
• R stands for Reality : Where are you right now with this goal?
• O stands for Options : What are some options for reaching your goal?
• W stands for Way forward : What is your first step forward?

Goal setting creates both direction and motivation for clients to work toward achieving something and meeting their objectives (Passmore, 2021).

The SMART goal-setting framework is another popular tool inside coaching and elsewhere.

S = Specific M = Measurable A = Attainable/ or Agreed upon R = Realistic T = Timely – allowing enough time for achievement

The SMART+ Goals Worksheet contains a series of prompts and spaces for answers to define goals and capture the steps toward achieving them.

We can summarize the five principles of goal setting (Passmore, 2021) as follows:

• Goals must be clear and not open to interpretation.
• Goals should be stretching yet achievable.
• Clients must buy in to the goal from the outset.
• Feedback is essential to keep the client on track.
• Goals should be relatively straightforward. We can break down complex ones into manageable subgoals.

The following insightful articles are also helpful for setting and working toward goals.

• What Is Goal Setting and How to Do it Well
• The Science & Psychology of Goal-Setting 101

1. People skills

Improving how we work with others benefits confidence, and with other’s support, we are more likely to achieve our objectives and goals. The following people skills can all be improved upon:

• Developing rapport
• Assertiveness and negotiation
• Giving and receiving constructive criticism

2. Managing tasks and problem-solving

Inevitably, we encounter challenges on our path to development and growth. Managing our activities and time and solving issues as they surface are paramount.

Here are a few guidelines to help you manage:

• Organize time and tasks effectively.
• Learn fundamental problem-solving strategies.
• Select and apply problem-solving strategies to tackle more complex tasks and challenges.
• Develop planning skills, including identifying priorities, setting achievable targets, and finding practical solutions.
• Acquire skills relevant to project management.
• Familiarize yourself with concepts such as performance indicators and benchmarking.
• Conduct self-audits to assess and enhance your personal competitiveness.

3. Cultivate confidence in your creative abilities

Confidence energizes our performance. Knowing we can perform creatively encourages us to develop novel solutions and be motivated to transform.

Consider the following:

• Understand the fundamentals of how the mind works to enhance your thinking skills.
• Explore a variety of activities to sharpen your creative thinking.
• Embrace the belief that creativity is not limited to artists and performers but is crucial for problem-solving and task completion.
• Learn to ignite the spark of creativity that helps generate innovative ideas when needed.
• Apply creative thinking techniques to enhance your problem-solving and task completion abilities.
• Recognize the role of creative thinking in finding the right ideas at the right time.

To aid you in building your confidence, we have a whole category of articles focused on Optimism and Mindset . Be sure to browse it for confidence-building inspiration.

With new techniques and technology, our understanding of the human brain continues to evolve. Identifying the vital elements involved in learning and connecting with others offers deep insights into how we function and develop as social beings. We handpicked a small but unique selection of books we believe you will enjoy.

1. The Coaching Manual: The Definitive Guide to the Process, Principles and Skills of Personal Coaching – Julie Starr

This insightful book explores and explains the coaching journey from start to finish.

Starr’s book offers a range of free resources and gives clear guidance to support new and existing coaches in providing practical help to their clients.

Find the book on Amazon .

2. The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level – Gay Hendricks

Delving into the “zone of genius” and the “zone of excellence,” Hendricks examines personal growth and our path to personal success.

This valuable book explores how we eliminate the barriers to reaching our goals that arise from false beliefs and fears.

3. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are – Brené Brown

Brown, a leading expert on shame, vulnerability, and authenticity, examines how we can engage with the world from a place of worthiness.

Use this book to learn how to build courage and compassion and realize the behaviors, skills, and mindset that lead to personal development.

We have many resources available for fostering personal development and supporting client transformation and growth.

Our free resources include:

• Goal Planning and Achievement Tracker This is a valuable worksheet for capturing and reflecting on weekly goals while tracking emotions that surface.
• Adopt a Growth Mindset Successful change is often accompanied by replacing a fixed mindset with a growth one .
• FIRST Framework Questions Understanding a client’s developmental stage can help offer the most appropriate support for a career change.

More extensive versions of the following tools are available with a subscription to the Positive Psychology Toolkit© , but they are described briefly below:

• Backward Goal Planning

Setting goals can build confidence and the skills for ongoing personal development.

Backward goal planning helps focus on the end goal, prevent procrastination, and decrease stress by ensuring we have enough time to complete each task.

Try out the following four simple steps:

• Step one – Identify and visualize your end goal.
• Step two – Reflect on and capture the steps required to reach the goal.
• Step three – Focus on each step one by one.
• Step four – Take action and record progress.
• Boosting Motivation by Celebrating Micro Successes

Celebrating the small successes on our journey toward our goals is motivating and confidence building.

Practice the following:

• Step one – Reflect momentarily on the goal you are working toward.
• Step two – Consider each action being taken to reach that goal.
• Step three – Record the completion of each action as a success.
• Step four – Choose how to celebrate each success.

If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others reach their goals, check out this collection of 17 validated motivation & goal achievement tools for practitioners. Use them to help others turn their dreams into reality by applying the latest science-based behavioral change techniques.

17 Tools To Increase Motivation and Goal Achievement

These 17 Motivation & Goal Achievement Exercises [PDF] contain all you need to help others set meaningful goals, increase self-drive, and experience greater accomplishment and life satisfaction.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

Personal development has a rich and long history. It is underpinned by various psychological theories and remains a vital aspect of creating fulfilling lives inside and outside coaching and counseling.

For many of us, self-improvement, self-awareness, and personal growth are vital aspects of who we are. Coaching can provide a vehicle to help clients along their journey, supporting their sense of autonomy and confidence and highlighting their potential (Cox, 2018).

Working with clients, therefore, requires an open, honest, and supportive relationship. The coach or counselor must believe the client can achieve better results and view them nonjudgmentally as equal partners.

Personal development plans become essential to that relationship and the overall coaching process. They capture areas for development, skills and behaviors required, and goals and objectives to work toward.

Use this article to recognize theoretical elements from psychology that underpin the process and use the skills, guidance, and worksheets to support personal development in clients, helping them remove obstacles along the way.

Ultimately, personal development is a lifelong process that boosts wellbeing and flourishing and creates a richer, more engaging environment for the individual and those around them.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Goal Achievement Exercises for free .

Personal development is vital, as it enables individuals to enhance various aspects of their lives, including emotional wellbeing, relationships, careers, and overall happiness.

It promotes self-awareness, self-improvement, and personal growth, helping individuals reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives (Passmore, 2021; Starr, 2021).

Personal development is the journey we take to improve ourselves through conscious habits and activities and focusing on the goals that are important to us.

Personal development goals are specific objectives individuals set to improve themselves and their lives. Goals can encompass various areas, such as emotional intelligence, skill development, health, and career advancement, providing direction and motivation for personal growth (Cox, 2018; Starr, 2021).

A personal development plan typically comprises defining the area of development, setting development objectives, identifying behaviors to develop, planning actions for progress, and establishing completion dates. These five stages help individuals clarify their goals and track their progress (Starr, 2021).

• Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory . Prentice-Hall.
• Beck, A. T., & Haigh, E. P. (2014). Advances in cognitive therapy and therapy: The generic cognitive model. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology , 10 , 1–24.
• Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond . Guilford Press.
• Cottrell, S. (2015). Skills for success: Personal development and employability . Bloomsbury Academic.
• Cox, E. (2018). The complete handbook of coaching . SAGE.
• Ellis, A. (2000). Can rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) be effectively used with people who have devout beliefs in God and religion? Professional Psychology-Research and Practice , 31 (1), 29–33.
• Erikson, E. H. (1963). Youth: Change and challenge . Basic Books.
• Illeris, K. (2018). An overview of the history of learning theory. European Journal of Education , 53 (1), 86–101.
• Lomas, T., Hefferon, K., & Ivtzan, I. (2014). Applied positive psychology: Integrated positive practice . SAGE.
• Maslow, A. H. (1970). Motivation and personalit y (2nd ed.). Harper & Row.
• Passmore, J. (Ed.). (2021). The coaches’ handbook: The complete practitioner guide for professional coaches . Routledge.
• Piaget, J. (1959): The Psychology of intelligence . Routledge.
• Rose, C. (2018). The personal development group: The students’ guide . Routledge.
• Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2018). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness . Guilford Press.
• Seligman, M. E. (2011). Authentic happiness using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment . Nicholas Brealey.
• Starr, J. (2021). The coaching manual: The definitive guide to the process, principles and skills of personal coaching . Harlow: Pearson Education.
• Whitmore, J. (2009). Coaching for performance . Nicholas Brealey.

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• Personal Development Plan Templates for Success

Did you know you can make your dreams and aspirations a reality by focusing on your own individual  personal development plan ?

Your potential is limitless, and investing in personal development is a way to harness your many talents.

Establishing goals for what you want to achieve — where you would like to go in the short term or long term — can improve your personal development.

In this guide, I’ll help you understand what personal development means and its importance, what a  personal development plan  is and why you should make one, and how to write a personal development plan.

I’ll also share with you my personal development plan template to get you started on your path to reach your personal development goals, complete with helpful examples and resources to support you.

What Is a Personal Development Plan (PDP)?

A personal development plan is a guideline for your life and your future success.

Personal development is an ongoing process of improving oneself through conscious habits and activities. It is the pursuit of personal growth to enhance your quality of life and to achieve your dreams and aspirations.

When you create a plan, you start to define the kind of person you want to be, the skills you want to have, and the accomplishments you want to achieve. And then you map out your long-term and short-term goals to realize these aspirations and set timelines for when you want to reach them.

Many people underachieve in their careers because they do not realize the areas of personal development that can help achieve mastery in any field.

Effective leaders focus on continual self-improvement and know there is no substitute for hard work.

When you  practice self-discipline  by setting a goal, making a plan, and working on it every day, you will see personal development and progress within your career.

The Importance of Personal Development

Most of the time, what you think about is what you become. From the moment you wake up until the moment you close your eyes at the end of the day, everything you experience plays a factor in your development.

When you take greater control over your experiences, you can guide your personal development and accelerate toward what you want to become instead of leaving it to chance.

Setting, striving for, and meeting personal development goals opens up a world of new possibilities for you to increase your quality of life.

For example, as a result of creating and following your personal development plan, you may gain more responsibility for work and open up opportunities for higher pay. This growth could qualify you for a better career trajectory to increase your overall happiness, job satisfaction, and ability to provide for the life you want for you and your family.

Focusing on your personal development also gives you better decision-making abilities so you can avoid problems that may have plagued you in the past or are holding you back now.

At the end of the day, personal development helps you create more positivity and  harness the power of positive thoughts , which can transform your life.

When you give time to yourself by focusing on your professional and personal growth, you are better able to achieve  your version of success  because of personal development opportunities.

Personal Development vs Self-Improvement

Recognizing the difference between self-improvement and personal development can be a little tricky.

While they are similar in that they are both very instrumental in achieving your goals and improving yourself, there are key differences between a self-improvement plan and your own personal development plan.

Personal development is the work you are putting in to transform yourself on a daily basis. It’s the efforts you’re making to advance in your work, lifestyle, attitude, physique, and sociability.

Setting personal and professional development goals and creating a plan helps you take full advantage of any opportunity that may come your way and make the most of your potential.

Self-improvement is an inner transformation. It is a self-motivated study to improve one’s character, status, or knowledge by their own efforts.

Self-improvement is a lifelong process  of constantly searching for ways to change your habits so you can reach your fullest potential.

The specific efforts you put into personal development lead to self-improvement.

Start Achieving All of Your Goals Today! Download my FREE Personal Development Plan Template

The 7 Categories of Personal Development

Focusing on personal development categories such as personal skills, personal growth, and  personal power  can create habits for personal improvement.

Personal growth is founded on education and skill. Through education and experience, you increase your skill level and your ability to succeed in your field.

There are seven main categories of personal development.

Personal Skills

Personal skills can be ones you were born with as well as those you gain through deliberate practice. They’re often referred to as soft skills.

Examples of personal skills are decision-making, teamwork, organization, and communication.

If you’re looking to develop skills at work, try working on your personal skills. The highest-paid, top individuals in their field are the ones who focus on growing their personal skills.

Knowing what areas you excel in and which need development is very useful in your personal and professional life.

Personal Growth

Having a personal growth plan is one of the first steps toward bettering yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Humans and the human mind are constantly evolving. Think about it: you are not the same person you were a year ago. You’ve learned more, grown in many different ways, and have experienced more life events to further shape your personality, beliefs, and world outlook.

To experience personal development and have a growth mindset, strive to be a better version of yourself today than you were yesterday.

Personal Power

Personal power is the authority others believe you to have in certain situations and is fueled by your contacts, knowledge, and financial status.

Developing an ever-widening circle of contacts, seeking to learn more, and growing financially increases the number of doors that others will leave open for you to step into.

Expanding your network, knowledge base and financial status will also allow you to help others do the same, further increasing your  personal power  and opportunities for personal development and growth.

Personal Improvement

Personal improvement stems from good work habits and having a positive mental attitude.

Thinking before you act is critical to developing a strong amount of personal improvement. To help you think first, try to set priorities on a list and consider the likely consequences before beginning.

Working on personal improvement and generating a positive mental attitude will also reduce the amount of time that it takes you to achieve your goals.

Personal Empowerment

Personal empowerment is similar to Personal Power, except empowerment is the power to reflect what you see within yourself, instead of how others view you.

Promoting a positive image and adopting creativity within your daily life can speed up the time it takes to achieve personal empowerment and your goals.

To help you increase your personal empowerment, consider looking for new, creative ways to finish a project in a faster, easier or cheaper way without compromising the end result.

Personal Analysis

It is very important to be conscious of areas in which you are naturally gifted as well as analyze areas in which you need improvement. This is called personal analysis.

Being truthful about where you currently stand is the first step to moving forward. You should be constantly evaluating where you are when achieving your goals and ambitions.

Personal Objectives

Ambition goes to waste when there are no clear goals in sight. Developing clear direction for short-term and long-term goals is a pivotal step in actually accomplishing them and growing as a person.

Having a set plan will help you have a clear understanding of which strategies are necessary to reach your desired destination.

Why Make a Personal Development Plan?

The reason you need to create a personal development plan is that making a plan will help guide you to better decision-making and remind you of where you want to go.

In other words, good preparation increases the probability of success and decreases the risk of things going wrong along the way.

Creating a plan for personal development helps you get a better sense of control over your life and will make you better prepared for whatever comes your way.

Consider these benefits of having one:

• It brings your vision to reality.
• It ensures you take appropriate and logically planned action.
• It helps you improve your  time management skills  so you can achieve your goals.
• It’s a plan to keep track of progress, which serves to motivate you when you want to give up.
• It’s been proven to reduce stress, improve balance in life, and increase self-confidence.

Developing your personal development plans and goals for work can make the difference between success and failure. Creating a self-growth plan for your personal life can mean the difference between life-long happiness and regret.

Skills & Objectives

The objectives of personal development are continuous personal growth, increased potential for success, and capitalizing on potential opportunities.

You can practice your personal development skills by setting aside time for the important people in your life, performing action exercises that force you to perform at the highest level, and studying growth performances to help ensure you continue to climb the ladder of success.

An action plan has to include measurable objectives so you know the exact steps it will take to reach your goals. Objectives break your larger personal goals into bite-sized pieces so you can know where you are headed and check off your progress along the way.

There are no limits except for the limits you place on yourself with your thinking.

Commit yourself to a life of constant learning. Even if you are at the top of your field, there is always something to learn.

Once you have mastered a new skill, move on to learning another one. Constantly learning new skills keeps your mind fresh and active and opens doors that would otherwise be closed to you.

You will become unstoppable and you will see your entire future open up in front of you if you live a goal and growth-oriented life.

How to Set Personal Development Goals

Before you can set up a plan, you need to do some self-reflection and answer personal goal questions.

A few questions you should develop before laying out an idea for a specific plan of action are:

• What do I want to make out of my life?
• What are my goals and ambitions?
• What is currently standing in my way of achieving these goals?

After answering those questions, you can create a personal plan that contains a few key components.

The key components you should focus on are having a specific outcome that you are constantly working towards, planning and paving a path towards achieving it, being mindful of the obstacles, and understanding the bigger motivation behind your actions.

When developing a personal development plan for work, you should focus on SMART goals. SMART stands for “Specific”, “Measurable”, “Achievable”, “Relevant”, and “Time-Bound.”

By following this easy-to-remember acronym when goal setting, you can improve both your personal and professional life:

• Specific:  Write goals that are detailed and clear instead of broad and general.
• Measurable:  Set milestones that will let you know you are achieving your goal.
• Achievable:  Make goals that are challenging yet can realistically be achieved.
• Relevant:  Align your goals with your personal self-improvement plan.
• Time-Bound:  Pick an end date by which you want to achieve your goal.

Set Goals for Professional Life

To make progress that you can see and track in your professional life, you need to document a detailed plan of action for your personal development.

Some examples include answering the following questions:

• What do I want to learn?
• What do I have to do?
• What support and resources will I need?
• How will I measure success?

Be as specific with your answers as possible. The more precise, the easier it is to track your progress.

Seeing how far you have come and how your hard work is paying off will give you a boost of confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Some examples of personal development goals for work include the Golden Hour and the 21-Day Mental Diet.

The Golden Hour Rule

The  Golden Hour Rule  steers the trajectory of your day.

Beginning your day early and investing your first hour in yourself will make a tremendous difference in the way you feel, and you will begin to see positive results in your day.

You will begin to see yourself in a more positive light and improve on your self-awareness and personal development.

The 21-Day Mental Diet

The  21-Day Mental Diet  personal leadership plan example means waking up early and investing at least the first two hours of your day in yourself.

With this extra time, set clear goals you can work to achieve in the workplace. This can improve your productivity and efficiency to help you get that promotion or earn a raise.

Your goals may also include education. You need to learn more to earn more.

Try setting a goal to read something educational, motivational, or inspirational every day before you go to work.

Set Goals in Your Daily Life

Outside of the workspace, it’s important to focus on some personal goals as well. Similar to your work plan, your personal plan requires you to focus on key points to achieve your goals.

Here are some sample questions to ask yourself:

• What are the important goals that you want to achieve?
• When is your set deadline?
• What are your biggest strengths?
• Who or what are your biggest threats?

There are several aspects of personal development disciplines that will make achieving success possible if developed correctly.

A few of these disciplines include goal setting, planning and organizing, and concentrating on high-value activities.

Goal Setting

Goal setting can be done in the early morning and take only a few minutes of your day.

It can be as simple as purchasing a spiral notebook and writing out your ten goals at the beginning of each day. This will program them deep into your subconscious mind and help you actually follow through on accomplishing them.

Planning Your Day

Planning and organizing at the end of the day can help you better prepare for the coming day.

When you plan out your day, put it down on paper, you can begin to visualize your important tasks and make sure you are working to complete them throughout the day.

Concentrating On Your High-Value Activities

High-value activities are the things you choose to do throughout the day that will give you the biggest return on your efforts to get you closer to your goals.

Concentrating on your high-value activities will help keep you focused and contribute to your success as much as any other discipline you can develop.

Promoting the highest value activities will make a powerful difference in how quickly you achieve them and the goals they relate to.

Personal Development Plan Template

Creating a plan for personal development will help you get a better sense of control over your life and your goals…and it doesn’t have to be a daunting task!

Follow this template to get started and achieve your goals.

There are six core steps in this template that will help you take action and measure your progress.

Step 1: Set Your Goals

Write a list of the top 10 most important goals you would like to achieve. I encourage you to really write them down somewhere — on paper or on your computer — instead of just keeping them in your head.

People who write their goals and have a clear plan are 30% more likely to achieve their goals.

Search deep within yourself and identify the things you really want out of life. Do not be hindered by thoughts of roadblocks that may get in your way. Open yourself up to all the possibilities that would make you truly happy in life.

These are life goals. Life goals are meant to be challenging, so they may seem huge, overwhelming, or even scary. But that’s why they will be broken down into digestible and manageable smaller goals.

For example, providing for your family is an important long-term goal, but figuring out the steps to get there is the challenge. Your smaller personal development objectives will help you identify those steps so you have a clear road map to follow.

With each of the 10 goals you identify, also define your “why:” Why do you want to achieve this goal? What will it mean for your personal life, your career, your mental health or, your loved ones?

Knowing your why will help set you up for success. It will keep you motivated to continue progressing forward until you have achieved what you want to.

Step 2: Prioritize Your Goals

Once you have identified your top 10 goals, write which of those 10 is the most important to you and why.

Starting with your highest priority goal, identify the short-term goals and steps that are needed to achieve your long-term goals.

What needs to happen today so you can move on to the next movetomorrow?

This may require some research on your part, depending on your goal.

For example, say your goal is to become a leader in your field. Some of the short-term goals you will prioritize to reach this personal leadership plan example may include the following:

• Choose a topic or niche in your industry that you want to specialize in.
• Learn everything you can about the issue by talking to people in your industry, reading about your topic, attending seminars and webinars, and so on.
• Educate others by writing regular blog posts.
• Start a podcast and offer valuable information.
• Give interviews on podcasts, local radio and TV stations, and news outlets.
• Write a book  and get it published.
• Become a public speaker  at industry conferences or hold your own conference.

Step 3: Create a Timeline for Achieving Your Goals

Setting goals and deadlines in your process is crucial. Without them, your goals can get lost in the everyday chaos of life or forgotten completely.

Write down a specific timeline for achieving each of your goals, but be realistic in your timing and know the likelihood ahead of time of achieving your goal within a certain timeline to avoid discouragement.

While you may want to become debt-free by next year, you will first need to do what is necessary to earn more income or reduce your expenses. This could involve getting more education, finding a better job, or making major life changes, which could take more than 365 days.

Once you assign a due date to each of your short-term goals,  tackle the hardest goal first . This will help you realize you can actually achieve your goals faster and give you the motivation you need to propel yourself forward.

If you’re unsure of the timeline you should set for accomplishing your goals, speaking to other people who have achieved the goal you are striving for will help you set a realistic deadline.

Conducting online research could also help in defining a timeline to accomplish your goals.

Knowing that it takes four to five years to earn a Ph.D. in business lets you know how long it will likely take you. If you can only attend school part-time, you know it will take longer, perhaps twice as long.

Step 4: Analyze Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Write down your strengths and weaknesses. Remember that skills like perseverance, positive attitude, and creativity are strengths and weaknesses as much as educational level, experience, and having a strong network of professional contacts.

Focus on the attributes that are needed to achieve your goal. Then, write how your strengths can help you achieve this goal and how you plan to overcome those weaknesses.

Use a SWOT analysis to organize your thoughts and develop a strong strategy for achieving your goal. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Ask yourself questions similar to these to help you develop insights for each part of a SWOT analysis:

• What sets you apart from your peers?
• What is your competitive advantage?
• What do others regularly praise you for?
• What do people ask you to help them with?
• What parts of yourself are you confident about?
• What values are important to you?
• What do you usually avoid doing because you don’t think you can?
• What kind of tasks do you procrastinate?
• Where are you lacking in skills, experience, or education?
• What resources do you lack?
• What areas do you feel you need improvement?
• What gets in the way of your work performance or relationships with others?

Opportunities

• What technology can help you achieve your goal?
• What promotions or financial incentives are available at work?
• Who can help you reach your goal?
• What changes are happening or are projected to happen in your industry or personal life?
• What conferences, classes, or networking events are available to you?
• What are your competitors failing at that you can learn from and improve on?
• What obstacles do you face that may hinder your progress?
• Which of your weaknesses could lead to threats?
• Who is trying to achieve the same goal that may get in your way?

Step 5: Write an Action Plan

Write actions that you need to take to achieve your goal. These can be things you need to add to your daily routine as well as things you need to eliminate from it to  achieve the success in life  that you are looking for.

Doing this will help you to achieve each goal faster.

Whether you use a notebook or your computer, just make sure you’re also physically writing down your plan so you can see it every day and hold yourself accountable.

Step 6: Measure Your Progress

The final step in your personal development plan template is to mark your progress.

Write down what has been working well, what you have accomplished, what you still need to improve, and what skills or knowledge you have gained along the way.

People who set up a system to report on their goals weekly achieve 40% more than people who do not.

To help you in this final step, consider using a tracker to take notes, measure progress, and be analytical about what works and what does not.

Sometimes it is necessary to change courses midstream or add a step that you were not initially aware of. That doesn’t mean you should abandon your goal out of discouragement. It just means you need to adapt, and this is where a tracker can help you determine if it’s time to pivot.

Remember it’s okay to be flexible. Doing so will allow you to make changes when needed that will propel you toward your goal more efficiently.

This could be a good opportunity to use another piece of data about how people who write things down/journal are much more likely to be successful.

Personal Development Courses and Programs

Personal development courses, coaches, and programs can also help you hit your goals.

A personal development program accompanied by a personal development coach helps to keep you disciplined and moving forward.

If you are looking to transform your life, check out these courses and programs that include all of my knowledge, distilled into powerful lessons to help you achieve immediate success in your own life. They will teach you how to stop worrying and stressing out and how to take control of your life, forever.

Power Of Personal Achievement

Learn the right way to visualize your ideal future. This course will teach you how to set your goals and methodically achieve them with more efficiency than ever before.

This program will teach you how to ditch the negative emotions that have been hindering your success as well as how to redirect your energy and resources towards your personal mission.

The Science Of Self-Confidence

In this course, you’ll learn just about everything I’ve learned about self-confidence during the past four decades.

I reveal the secret of the four Cs that teach you how to escape the endless loop of failure. You will find your true self and, as a result, finally feel truly confident.

Maximum Productivity

This course will equip you with the skills to discover your special calling. You will learn everything you need to know how to take the shortest, fastest route possible to your destination.

Ultimate success is achievable when you know how to dramatically improve your productivity.

Create Your Personal Development Plan Today

Don’t wait to start improving your life.

Follow a personal development plan for work and your personal life or use a template to start accomplishing your goals and improving your life.

For the easiest way to get started, download my free  Personal Development Plan Template  to organize your goals over the next few months and years and optimize your success.

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About Brian Tracy — Brian is recognized as the top sales training and personal success authority in the world today. He has authored more than 60 books and has produced more than 500 audio and video learning programs on sales, management, business success and personal development, including worldwide bestseller The Psychology of Achievement. Brian's goal is to help you achieve your personal and business goals faster and easier than you ever imagined. You can follow him on Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest , Linkedin and Youtube .

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What is an Action Plan? Learn with Templates and Examples

Planning on turning your vision into reality? And what’s your best way to avoid challenges and problems during this journey? A solid action plan.

We have outlined 6 steps explaining how to write an action plan. Once you familiarize yourself with them, go ahead and use the editable templates below to start planning right away.

What is an Action Plan?

Why you need an action plan, how to write an action plan, action plan templates.

An action plan is a specific list of tasks in order to achieve a particular goal. It can be regarded as a proposed strategy to execute a specific project to achieve a specific or general goal effectively and efficiently. It outlines steps to take and helps stay focused and organized, whether it’s personal or work-related. Breaking down the goal into smaller, manageable steps, makes it easier to stay motivated and track progress.

It’s an essential part of the strategic planning process and helps with improving teamwork planning Not only in project management, but action plans can be used by individuals to prepare a strategy to achieve their own personal goals as well.

Components of an action plan include

• A well-defined description of the goal to be achieved
• Tasks/ steps that need to be carried out to reach the goal
• People who will be in charge of carrying out each task
• When will these tasks be completed (deadlines and milestones)
• Resources needed to complete the tasks
• Measures to evaluate progress

What’s great about having everything listed down on one location is that it makes it easier to track progress and effectively plan things out.

An action plan is not something set in stone. As your organization grows, and surrounding circumstances change, you will have to revisit and make adjustments to meet the latest needs.

Sometimes businesses don’t spend much time on developing an action plan before an initiative, which, in most cases, leads to failure. If you haven’t heard, “failing to plan is planning to fail” said Benjamin Franklin supposedly once.

Planning helps you prepare for the obstacles ahead and keep you on track. And with an effective action plan, you can boost your productivity and keep yourself focused.  

Here are some benefits of an action plan you should know;

• It gives you a clear direction. As an action plan highlights exactly what steps to be taken and when they should be completed, you will know exactly what you need to do.
• Having your goals written down and planned out in steps will give you a reason to stay motivated and committed throughout the project.  
• With an action plan, you can track your progress toward your goal.
• Since you are listing down all the steps you need to complete in your action plan, it will help you prioritize your tasks based on effort and impact.

From the looks of it, creating an action plan seems fairly easy. But there are several important steps you need to follow with caution in order to get the best out of it. Here’s how to write an action plan explained in 6 easy steps.

Step 1: Define your end goal

If you are not clear about what you want to do and what you want to achieve, you are setting yourself up for failure.

Planning a new initiative? Start by defining where you are and where you want to be.

Solving a problem? Analyze the situation and explore possible solutions before prioritizing them.

Then write down your goal. And before you move on to the next step, run your goal through the SMART criteria . Or in other words, make sure that it is

• Specific – well-defined and clear
• Measurable – include measurable indicators to track progress  
• Attainable – realistic and achievable within the resources, time, money, experience, etc. you have
• Relevant – align with your other goals
• Timely – has a finishing date

Use this SMART goal worksheet to simplify this process. Share it with others to get their input as well.  

• Ready to use
• Fully customizable template
• Get Started in seconds

And refer to our easy guide to the goal-setting process to learn more about setting and planning your goals.

Step 2: List down the steps to be followed

The goal is clear. What exactly should you do to realize it?

Create a rough template to list down all the tasks to be performed, due dates and people responsible.

It’s important that you make sure that the entire team is involved in this process and has access to the document. This way everyone will be aware of their roles and responsibilities in the project.

Make sure that each task is clearly defined and is attainable. If you come across larger and more complex tasks, break them down to smaller ones that are easier to execute and manage.

Tips: Use a RACI Matrix template to clarify project roles and responsibilities, and plan projects

Step 3: Prioritize tasks and add deadlines

It’s time to reorganize the list by prioritizing the tasks . Some steps, you may need to prioritize as they can be blocking other sub-steps.

Add deadlines, and make sure that they are realistic. Consult with the person responsible for carrying it out to understand his or her capacity before deciding on deadlines.

Step 4: Set milestones

Milestones can be considered mini goals leading up to the main goal at the end. The advantage of adding milestones is that they give the team members to look forward to something and help them stay motivated even though the final due date is far away.

Start from the end goal and work your way back as you set milestones . Remember not to keep too little or too much time in between the milestone you set. It’s a best practice to space milestones two weeks apart.  

Step 5: Identify the resources needed

Before you start your project, it’s crucial to ensure that you have all the necessary resources at hand to complete the tasks. And if they are not currently available, you need to first make a plan to acquire them.

This should also include your budget. You can assign a column of your action plan to mark the cost of each task if there are any.  

Step 6: Visualize your action plan

The point of this step is to create something that everyone can understand at a glance and that can be shared with everyone.

Whether your action plan comes in the shape of a flowchart , Gantt chart , or table , make sure that it clearly communicates the elements we have identified so far – tasks, task owners, deadlines, resources, etc.

This document should be easily accessible to everyone and should be editable.

Step 7: Monitor, evaluate and update

Allocate some time to evaluate the progress you’ve made with your team.

You can mark tasks that are completed as done on this final action plan, bringing attention to how you’ve progressed toward the goal.

This will also bring out the tasks that are pending or delayed, in which case you need to figure out why and find suitable solutions. And then update the action plan accordingly.

Business action plan

You may like to read: The Easy Guide to Making a Business Plan for Presentations

Marketing action plan

Strategic action plan, corrective action plan template.

Learn more about: Corrective Action Plan template .

Additional resources: The Easy Guide to Creating a Business Contingency Plan

Simple action plan template

Any more tips on creating an action plan.

An action plan is designed to guide your way to accomplishing your goals. It turns your vision into actionable goals and steps. And it helps you stay focused and motivated.

From an individual employee in an organization to larger departments can make use of action plans to steer their way towards completing their goals.

Maybe you are about to create your very first action plan, or you are already a pro at writing them. Either way, we’d like to hear your opinions on how to write an action plan. Do share them with us in the comments section below.

Join over thousands of organizations that use Creately to brainstorm, plan, analyze, and execute their projects successfully.

FAQs About Action Plan

Lack of clarity on goals: Make sure the team understands the goals and objectives of the action plan. The goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Unclear responsibilities: Assign clear roles and responsibilities for each team member to avoid confusion and ensure accountability.

Overcomplicating the plan: Keep the action plan simple and easy to understand. Avoid adding unnecessary complexity or detail that may confuse the team.

Failure to prioritize tasks: Prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. This will ensure that the team focuses on the most critical tasks first.

Inadequate resources: Ensure that the team has access to the necessary resources such as time, budget, and equipment, to carry out the action plan successfully.

Lack of communication: Effective communication is crucial to the success of any action plan. Ensure that team members are regularly updated on progress and any changes to the plan.

Failure to monitor progress: Regularly monitor progress and adjust the action plan as needed to ensure that it stays on track and achieves its goals.

Strategic action plan: This type of plan outlines the long-term goals and objectives of an organization, and the actions that will be taken to achieve them. It typically covers a period of several years and includes high-level strategies and initiatives.

Operational action plan: This plan focuses on the day-to-day operations of an organization, outlining the actions that will be taken to achieve short-term goals and objectives. It typically covers a period of one year or less and includes specific actions and timelines.

Project action plan: This type of plan is used for individual projects and outlines the actions that will be taken to achieve specific project goals and objectives. It includes a detailed breakdown of tasks, timelines, and responsibilities.

Sales action plan: This plan focuses on the actions that will be taken to increase sales and revenue. It includes specific strategies for marketing, sales, and customer service.

Marketing action plan: This plan outlines the actions that will be taken to promote a product or service and increase brand awareness. It includes strategies for advertising, social media, public relations, and other marketing initiatives.

Crisis management action plan: This type of plan outlines the actions that will be taken in the event of a crisis, such as a natural disaster or security breach. It includes specific protocols for communication, evacuation, and other emergency procedures.

An action plan can be used by anyone who wants to achieve specific goals or objectives. It is a useful tool for individuals, teams, and organizations in a variety of contexts. Here are some examples:

Individuals: An individual can use an action plan to achieve personal goals such as losing weight, completing a degree, or starting a business.

Teams: A team can use an action plan to achieve goals related to a specific project or initiative. For example, a marketing team may use an action plan to launch a new product.

Small businesses: Small businesses can use an action plan to achieve goals related to sales, marketing, operations, or finance.

Non-profit organizations: Non-profit organizations can use an action plan to achieve goals related to fundraising, volunteer recruitment, or program implementation.

Government agencies: Government agencies can use an action plan to achieve goals related to policy implementation, disaster response, or public safety.

Educational institutions: Educational institutions can use an action plan to achieve goals related to improving student outcomes, increasing enrollment, or expanding programs.

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Amanda Athuraliya is the communication specialist/content writer at Creately, online diagramming and collaboration tool. She is an avid reader, a budding writer and a passionate researcher who loves to write about all kinds of topics.

How to Write an Action Plan: Step-by-Step (Examples)

By Status.net Editorial Team on November 9, 2023 — 9 minutes to read

An action plan is a detailed roadmap of the necessary steps you need to take to achieve a specific goal or objective. It’s like a GPS that guides you from your starting point to your desired destination. Creating an action plan helps you break down a large goal into smaller, more manageable tasks, which makes the goal feel less overwhelming.

To start, you should first identify your end goal and be as specific as possible. For example, if you want to increase sales for your business, set a target like “Increase sales by 20% within the next six months.” This will give you a clear vision of what you want to achieve and make it easier to measure your progress.

Next, list the necessary actions or tasks required to reach your goal. These can be further divided into smaller tasks that are easy to understand and implement. For example, to increase sales, you could:

• Improve your online presence by revamping your website, optimizing it for search engines, and posting regularly on social media platforms.
• Reach out to potential clients through email campaigns and cold calls.
• Offer promotions or discounts to incentivize new customers to try your product or service.

Now, it’s time to set a timeline for each task. Deadlines will enable you to monitor your progress and stay on track. Assign realistic due dates for each task, and if needed, break them down into smaller milestones.

To ensure your action plan’s success, make sure to assign responsibility for each task. If you’re working with a team, delegate tasks according to each team member’s strengths, skills, and workload. This will help ensure everyone knows what their responsibilities are, and they are held accountable.

Lastly, always monitor your progress and evaluate your action plan’s effectiveness. Regularly review the tasks you’ve accomplished, and make note of the tasks that were challenging or required more time than anticipated. This self-assessment will help you improve your action plan and make necessary adjustments as you work towards your goal.

Example Action Plan

Goal : Increase sales by 20% within the next 6 months (By January 1st, 2025)

Actions : 1. Improve online presence a) Revamp website design – Due October 15th b) Optimize website for SEO – Due November 1st c) Post regularly on social media (1x/week min) – Ongoing

2. Reach out to potential clients a) Create email marketing campaign – Due September 15th b) Start cold calling campaign (10 calls/day) – Start October 1st

3. Offer promotions a) Design promotion flyers – Due September 1st b) Run month-long 20% off sale – October 1-31st

Monitoring : – Check website analytics weekly – Track new clients monthly – Evaluate sales figures monthly – Adjust plan as needed at monthly meetings

Responsibilities : – John to revamp website – Susan to handle social media – Michael to create promotions – Jennifer to manage outreach campaigns

Steps to Creating a Powerhouse Action Plan

First, identify your goal . Be specific about what you want to achieve and set a time frame for accomplishing it. This will help keep your efforts focused and prevent you from getting overwhelmed by smaller tasks. For example, instead of “increase sales”, choose “increase sales by 20% in the next six months”.

Next, break your goal down into smaller, manageable tasks . Create a list of activities or steps that must be completed in order to reach your goal. If your goal is to Increase sales by 20%, some tasks might be:

• Research your target market
• Develop a marketing strategy
• Improve product offerings
• Train your sales team

Assign a deadline and responsible party for each task on your list. This will help ensure that all tasks are completed on time and that everyone knows their role in achieving the goal. Make sure to set realistic timelines for each task, taking into consideration the resources and time available.

Here’s an example:

• Research your target market – due in one week – assigned to Jane (marketing specialist)
• Develop a marketing strategy – due in two weeks – assigned to marketing team

Monitor your progress regularly. Keep track of your progress by using tools such as calendars, project management software, or a simple spreadsheet. Regularly assess whether you’re on track to meet your goal and adjust your action plan if needed. For example, if a task is taking longer than expected, you may need to reassign resources or revise the deadline.

Celebrate your milestones and learn from setbacks . Along the way, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your successes, as well as learn from any setbacks or challenges. This will help maintain motivation and encourage continuous improvement.

Finally, communicate your action plan to all stakeholders involved, such as employees, investors, or clients. Clear communication ensures everyone understands the goal, their responsibilities, and the expectations for the project.

Defining Clear and Smart Goals

Specific goals.

When creating your action plan, start by setting specific goals. These are clear, well-defined goals that leave no room for ambiguity. You should know exactly what needs to be accomplished and how you plan to achieve it. For example, instead of aiming for “increasing sales,” set a goal like “increase sales by 15% over the next six months.”

Measurable Goals

Your goals should be measurable so that you can track your progress and know when you’ve achieved them. This involves identifying quantifiable indicators that will help you determine your progress. For instance, if your goal is to increase sales, a measurable component can be the number of units sold or the amount of revenue generated within a specific timeframe.

Achievable Goals

When setting goals, make sure they are achievable and realistic based on your current resources and constraints. Consider your team’s capabilities, time, and budget. Unattainable goals may negatively impact your motivation and morale. For example, if you have a small team with limited resources, setting a goal to double your company’s size within a month might be unrealistic. Instead, aim for a modest yet challenging growth rate that can be achieved with your available resources.

Relevant Goals

Your action plan goals should also be relevant to your organization’s mission and vision. These are goals that align with your overall strategic plan and contribute to its long-term success. Relevant goals ensure that your efforts are focused on high-impact areas and avoid unnecessary distractions. For example, if your business is focused on sustainability, a relevant goal might be to reduce your company’s carbon footprint by 20% in the next year.

Time-bound Goals

Finally, ensure that your goals are time-bound, meaning they have a deadline for completion. Deadlines keep your team accountable and help maintain a sense of urgency, which is crucial for staying on track and achieving your objectives. A clear timeframe also allows you to measure your progress and adjust your plans as needed. For instance, you could set a goal to expand your customer base by 10% within the next quarter.

Assigning Roles and Responsibilities

When creating an action plan, it’s important to assign roles and responsibilities to your team members. This helps ensure tasks are completed efficiently and everyone is clear about their duties. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• First, identify the necessary tasks to achieve your goal. Be specific about what needs to be done and break it down into smaller steps if needed. For example, if your action plan involves promoting a new product, tasks could include designing promotional materials, creating social media posts, and reaching out to potential partners.
• Next, evaluate the skills and expertise of your team members. Consider their strengths, weaknesses, and past experiences with similar projects. This will help you match team members with tasks that best suit their abilities. For instance, someone with graphic design expertise should be responsible for creating promotional materials.
• Once you’ve determined which team members are best suited for each task, clearly communicate their roles and responsibilities. This can be done through a project management tool, an email, or a team meeting. Make sure everyone is aware of their duties and the deadlines for each task.
• Keep track of everyone’s progress, and hold regular check-ins to see how each team member is doing with their assigned tasks.
• Be open to adjusting your action plan and roles as necessary. Sometimes, unforeseen challenges can arise and require you to modify your plan.

Creating a Time Frame

When working on your action plan, it’s important to establish a realistic time frame for achieving your goals. This helps you stay on track and prioritize tasks effectively. We will walk you through the process of creating a time frame for your action plan.

• First, break down your primary goal into smaller, manageable tasks. Think of these tasks as stepping stones that will lead you toward your overall objective. For example, if your goal is to start a new business, your tasks might include researching your target market, establishing a budget, and developing a marketing strategy.
• Next, assign a deadline to each task. Deadlines should be specific and set in stone but make sure to be flexible enough to adjust as necessary. Use a calendar or planner to visualize your timeline, marking important dates and milestones. For example, you could set a four-month deadline for completing market research and a six-month deadline for securing initial funding.
• To keep yourself accountable, set reminders or notifications for important deadlines. This can be done using digital tools like smartphone apps or traditional methods, such as sticky notes on your workspace. Regularly reviewing your progress and adjusting your time frame when needed will help you stay on track.
• Lastly, consider any external factors that might impact your time frame. Are there seasonal events, holidays, or industry-specific deadlines that could affect your ability to complete tasks? Factor in these considerations as you build your timeline.

Resource Allocation

When creating an action plan, resource allocation plays a major role. You’ll need to determine the resources required for each task and how they’ll be distributed among team members. This usually includes time, budget, and human resources.

• Start by estimating the time each task will take. Break tasks down into smaller chunks and allocate a specific deadline to each. This will help you prioritize tasks and balance workloads for your team members. For example, if designing a marketing campaign takes four weeks, divide it into weekly tasks like conducting market research, creating promotional materials, and setting up advertisements.
• Next, determine the budget needed to complete your project. Identify any expenses such as salaries, equipment, software, and project-related costs like travel. Create a budget for each task to avoid overspending, and allocate funds accordingly. Using our marketing campaign example, allocate separate budgets for market research tools, graphic design tools, and advertising platforms.
• Lastly, allocate human resources to tasks based on their skills and expertise. Delegate responsibilities to your team members, ensuring that everyone has a clear understanding of their role in the project. If needed, identify additional hires or outside consultants to fill gaps in your team’s expertise. For instance, if your team lacks graphic design experience, consider hiring a graphic designer or outsourcing the work to a design agency.
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• Career Planning

How To Develop and Write a Career Action Plan

A career action plan is a roadmap to your future

Dawn Rosenberg McKay is a certified Career Development Facilitator. She has written hundreds of articles on career planning for The Balance.

Choosing an Occupation for Your Career Action Plan

Goals: the foundation of your career action plan, how to write your career action plan, frequently asked questions (faqs).

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A career action plan is a roadmap that will guide you from the starting point in your career to a place where you feel like you're truly advancing. For example, a career action plan can help you choose an occupation and then guide you to getting a job and advancing in your career. Also referred to as an Individualized Career Plan or an Individualized Career Development Plan, a career action plan will help you reach your career goals .

Key Takeaways

• A career action plan is a roadmap that guides you to where you want to be in your career.
• Choose an occupation to craft your career action plan around, and then set goals that you want to achieve.
• The timeline for achieving your career action plan goals should start with your short-term ones and end with your primary objective.
• Be flexible—your career action plan can always change.

The first step in developing a career action plan is choosing an occupation. You can follow the career planning process in order to identify which occupation you want to have as a career. There are a few steps to follow.

Self Assessment

Try several different self-assessment tools to learn about your values, interests, aptitudes, and personality type. Your goal is to identify a list of suitable careers that match these traits. Ideally, there should be between 10 and 15 occupations on your list.

Career Exploration

Now that you know what occupations are suitable based on your self-assessment, begin exploring the ones that interest you. Don't do an extensive investigation into every single career on your list—only ones that are real possibilities deserve that sort of attention. For the others, read more about them before eliminating them from your list. The occupation that appears on the surface as something you wouldn't like could end up being the one that interests you the most.

Dig deeper into the careers that you would consider pursuing. It's smart to narrow down your list to three to five occupations.

Make a Match

Armed with information about several careers, begin to make a final decision. Think about the pros and cons of each of your options. Consider job duties, educational requirements , earnings, and job outlook. Not only must you enjoy your work, but it also has to support your lifestyle financially and should have decent job prospects. It is also imperative that you be able to fulfill the educational requirements. Choose the career that, based on this data, is the best fit for you.

Now that you have chosen a career, it is time to set goals that will make up the foundation of your career action plan. Include short-term objectives which you can reach in under a year and long-term ones that will take from one to five years to achieve.

A career action plan is different than a simple list of goals. It also includes all the steps you will need to take to reach them.

You can follow these steps to set goals for your career action plan:

• Make a list of every career goal you might want to achieve : Remember this is your list, and no one is judging what you put on it. These goals can be small, like getting a positive review from a boss, and big, like making a six-figure salary one day.
• Categorize your goals into short-term goals and long-term goals : Applying to college or a training program, for example, will take less than one year to do, so put that on the short-term goal list. On the other hand, getting your degree or finishing the program is generally a long-term one that could take four or more years.
• Identify barriers that could threaten your ability to reach your goals : There is likely to be something that comes up along the way. Considering what that could be and how it could impact your career action plan is important. You can then figure out if and how to overcome those challenges. If you can't find viable solutions, you may need to reformulate your goals. If, for instance, you have a learning disability that could impede your ability to earn a degree, find a college that provides students with resources to help them succeed.

Finally, it's time to write your career action plan. Your timeline for achieving your goals should start with your short-term ones and end with your primary objectives, such as getting your first job or being promoted to a certain title and salary. Some people find it helpful to begin their plan at the end with the primary objective. You could state the goal that will take the most time first, and work your way backward, putting a plan in place for how you could achieve it. There is no hard and fast rule, as long as your plan is easy for you to understand and follow.

List each of your goals and indicate how long it will take to achieve each one (just estimate the timing to the best of your ability).

Then, beneath each goal, write a bulleted list of every step you need to take to achieve that goal. In this bulleted list, you should also state the barriers that might get in the way, along with workable solutions for overcoming them.

Your career action plan should be flexible. Don't be afraid to make changes to it as you go, such as adding more short-term goals to the plan.

After you're done writing your career action plan, follow it. Set aside time on a weekly or daily basis to review it and the steps you need to take to reach your goals. You can even make a career action plan alongside a friend and then check in with each other every week. The important thing is to hold yourself accountable and take action on the plan.

Once you reach your primary objective and goal, you can start all over with a new career action plan.

What is a career action plan?

A career action plan is a document that outlines your plan and strategy for achieving your career goals. It can guide you from landing your first job to leveling up to the C-suite, if that's what you want to do. It's also known as an Individualized Career Plan or an Individualized Career Development Plan.

Why is it important to have a career action plan?

It's important to have a career action plan because it can help you achieve your career goals. It outlines smart steps that you can take to reach your career potential. From landing your first job to becoming a manager, a career action plan is a roadmap that you can follow so that you can advance in your career. Setting goals like this can help you reach milestones in life that you're proud of.

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Penn Law. " Career Advancement Minute: Setting Short-Term and Long-Term Career Goals ."

American Psychological Association. " Setting, Elaborating, and Reflecting on Personal Goals Improves Academic Performance ."

Home — Essay Samples — Psychology — Developmental Psychology — Personal Development Planning

Essays on Personal Development Planning

Personal development planning (PDP) is an essential process that involves setting goals, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and creating a plan to improve oneself. Writing an essay on personal development planning can help individuals reflect on their own goals and aspirations, and gain a better understanding of the steps needed to achieve them. Here are some essay topics on personal development planning:

• The importance of setting personal development goals
• Strategies for creating a successful personal development plan
• The role of self-awareness in personal development planning
• Setting & Achieving Academic Goals: Strategies & Examples
• Overcoming obstacles in personal development planning
• The impact of personal development planning on career success
• The relationship between personal development planning and mental well-being
• The influence of personal development planning on relationships
• The benefits of mentorship in personal development planning
• The role of resilience in personal development planning
• The connection between personal development planning and time management
• Mindful Career Planning: The Path to Success and Fulfillment
• The impact of personal development planning on academic success
• The influence of personal development planning on financial well-being
• The connection between personal development planning and physical health
• The role of emotional intelligence in personal development planning
• The impact of personal development planning on leadership skills
• The importance of accountability in personal development planning
• The role of self-reflection in personal development planning
• The influence of personal development planning on personal fulfillment
• The connection between personal development planning and goal attainment
• The impact of personal development planning on overall life satisfaction

When choosing a topic for a personal development planning essay, it is important to consider one's own interests and experiences. Reflecting on personal experiences and areas of improvement can help in choosing a meaningful and relevant topic. Additionally, considering the potential impact of the topic on one's own life and the lives of others can be a helpful factor in topic selection.

Personal development planning is a crucial aspect of self-improvement and goal attainment. Writing an essay on personal development planning can provide individuals with the opportunity to reflect on their own goals and aspirations, and gain a deeper understanding of the steps needed to achieve them. By choosing a relevant and meaningful topic, individuals can explore the various aspects of personal development planning and its impact on their lives and the lives of others.

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Blog What is an Action Plan & How to Write One [With Examples]

What is an Action Plan & How to Write One [With Examples]

Written by: Danesh Ramuthi Oct 26, 2023

An action plan is a meticulously structured strategy that pinpoints specific steps, tasks and resources vital to turning a goal into reality. It is extremely useful in any project management. 

Crafting an action plan is like plotting a route for a cross-country journey. It’s the strategic map that outlines every step, decision and pitstop needed to reach your ultimate destination.

With a well-thought-out action plan, you’re not just shooting in the dark; you’re making informed, purposeful strides towards your goals. Dive deep with our guide and witness real-world examples that will inspire and guide you.

Need a tool to kickstart your planning? Try out the Venngage business plan maker and explore their extensive collection of action plan templates .

Click to jump ahead: 

What is the purpose of an action plan?

When to develop an action plan, 7 components of a actions plan, 15 action plan examples.

• How to Write an action plan?

Final thoughts

An action plan serves as a strategic tool designed to outline specific steps, tasks and goals necessary to achieve a particular objective.

Its primary purpose is to provide a clear roadmap and direction for individuals, teams or organizations to follow in order to efficiently and effectively accomplish their goals. 

Action plans break down complex projects into manageable, actionable components, making it easier to track progress and stay on course.

Moreover, action plans play a crucial role in fostering accountability and coordination among team members. By assigning responsibilities and deadlines for each task or milestone, they ensure that everyone involved is aware of their roles and the overall timeline, reducing confusion and enhancing teamwork. 

Additionally, action plans help in resource allocation, budgeting and risk management by enabling stakeholders to identify potential challenges and plan for contingencies. 

Overall, the purpose of an action plan is to transform abstract goals into concrete actions, making them more achievable and measurable while ensuring that the resources and efforts are aligned with the desired outcomes.

Developing an action plan is crucial when you’re looking to achieve a specific goal or outcome. Here are instances when you should consider developing an action plan:

• Start of an organization : Ideally, an action plan should be developed within the first six months to one year of the start of an organization. This initial plan lays the groundwork for the future direction and growth of the entity.
• Project initiation : At the start of any project, an action plan helps to clearly define the tasks, responsibilities, and timelines.
• Goal setting : Whenever you or your organization sets a new goal. Action plans transform these goals from abstract ideas into concrete steps.
• Strategic planning : For long-term visions and missions, action plans break down the journey into manageable pieces, each with its timeline and responsible parties.
• Performance improvement : If there are areas where performance is lacking, whether it’s personal or organizational, an action plan can outline the steps needed to elevate performance.

An action plan is a detailed outline that breaks down the steps necessary to achieve a specific goal. Here are the typical components of an action plan.

1. Objective or Goal

The cornerstone of your action plan is the objective or goal. This should be a clear and concise statement outlining the desired outcome or result. Having a well-defined objective provides a direction and purpose to the entire plan, ensuring all tasks and actions are aligned towards achieving this singular aim.

2. Tasks or Actions

Once the objective is set, the next step is to list down the specific tasks or actions required to achieve this goal. These tasks should be broken down into detailed steps, ensuring no essential activity is overlooked. The granularity of these tasks can vary based on the complexity of the goal.

3. Set deadline

For each task or action, set a realistic and achievable deadline. This timeline ensures that the plan stays on track and that momentum is maintained throughout the execution. It also allows for monitoring progress and identifying potential delays early.

4. Resources needed to complete the project

It’s crucial to recognize and list the resources you’ll need to complete the tasks. This can encompass financial resources, human resources, equipment, technological tools or any other assets. Identifying these early ensures that there are no bottlenecks during execution due to a lack of necessary resources.

5. Person responsible

Assign a person or a team for each task. This designation ensures accountability and clarity. When individuals are aware of their responsibilities, it reduces overlap, confusion and ensures that every task has someone overseeing its completion.

6. Potential barriers or challenges

Every plan will face challenges. By anticipating potential barriers or obstacles, you can be better prepared to address them. This proactive approach ensures smoother execution and less reactionary problem-solving.

7. Measurement of key performance indicators (KPIs)

Determine how you’ll measure the success of each task or the plan overall. KPIs are tangible metrics that allow you to gauge progress and determine whether you’re moving closer to your goals and objectives. They offer a quantifiable means to evaluate success.

Action plans serve as blueprints, guiding the steps and resources needed to achieve a specific goal. 

They come in various formats, tailored to different scenarios and objectives. Here, we present a range of action plan examples that cater to diverse purposes and situations. 

From business strategies to simple task lists, these examples illustrate the versatility and importance of well-structured planning.

Business action plan example

A business action plan is essentially a strategy roadmap, meticulously tailored for realizing broader business objectives. By crafting a solid action plan, businesses can channel their resources, manpower and strategies in a direction that harmonizes with their larger vision.

Key to this plan is the identification and alignment of steps that resonate with the company’s comprehensive strategy, ambitions of growth and aspirations for operational enhancements. 

While this might entail a myriad of specific steps based on unique business goals, some common elements include setting clear key performance indicators (KPIs), undertaking a thorough SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to grasp the current business landscape and establishing a timeline to keep track of progress.

Furthermore, allocating responsibilities to team members or individuals ensures that every aspect of the strategy has a dedicated focus. Budgeting, essential to the success of the action plan, ensures that every initiative is financially viable and sustainable. 

Regular reviews and iterations based on feedback and changing market dynamics keep the action plan agile and relevant.

Related: 5 Steps to Create an Actionable Employee Development Plan [with Templates & Examples]

Company action plan example

A comprehensive company action plan serves as the strategic linchpin, ensuring a coherent and coordinated approach to realizing organizational goals. Central to this plan is the incorporation of rigorous market research and analysis, which provides insights into consumer behaviors, market trends and potential opportunities. 

Equally vital is the focus on product development and procurement, ensuring that the offerings align with market demands and stand out in terms of quality and relevance. 

Alongside, adept legal and financial management safeguards the company’s interests, ensuring compliance with regulations and prudent fiscal oversight.

Moreover, the essence of any successful company action plan lies in its sales and marketing strategies. These define how the products or services are positioned and promoted in the market, ensuring visibility and engagement with the target audience. 

However, while acquisition is crucial, retention plays an equally significant role. Hence, impeccable customer service and nurturing relationships become indispensable components, fostering loyalty and ensuring that clients remain ambassadors for the brand long after the initial transaction.

Related: 30+ Project Plan Examples to Visualize Your Strategy (2023)

Sales action plan example

A well-structured sales action plan serves as the backbone for systematic and efficient progress. Central to this plan is the identification and utilization of the most effective sales channels, whether they are direct, online or through third-party avenues. 

Clarity on the products and services on offer, combined with their unique selling propositions, facilitates tailored and resonant sales pitches. 

Budget considerations ensure that resources are judiciously allocated, balancing the act between expenditures and potential returns. This financial prudence is complemented by setting realistic sales projections, which act as both a motivational target and a yardstick for success.

Timelines, or proposed deadlines, infuse the process with a sense of urgency, ensuring that the momentum of the sales drive is maintained. 

However, the true measure of the action plan’s efficacy lies in its key performance indicators (KPIs). These metrics, be it lead conversion rates or customer retention figures, serve as tangible markers, highlighting the plan’s strengths and signaling areas that might require recalibration to increase sales.

Corrective action plan example

The essence of a corrective action plan lies in its meticulous structure, tailored to address and rectify deviations or inefficiencies identified within an organization. At its core, each action item serves as a focal point, detailing specific areas or processes that require intervention. 

Accompanying each action item is a clear description that provides a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand. 

However, merely identifying a problem isn’t enough; delving deep into its origins through root cause analysis ensures that solutions target the fundamental issues, rather than just addressing superficial symptoms. 

This analysis then paves the way for defining the corrective action, a tangible step or series of steps designed to mitigate the identified problem and prevent its recurrence.

Besides, to ensure the plan’s effectiveness, assigning a responsible person to each action item is paramount. This individual or team is entrusted with the task’s execution, ensuring accountability and focus. 

The status of each action keeps stakeholders informed about the progress, be it in the planning phase, ongoing, or completed. 

Lastly, setting a due date for each corrective action introduces a sense of urgency and purpose, ensuring that issues are addressed in a timely manner, minimizing disruptions and maximizing operational efficiency.

Simple action plan example

A simple action plan strips away the layers of complexity, offering a concise and direct approach to achieving a goal or addressing an issue. This type of plan is characterized by its straightforward structure, devoid of extraneous details, yet powerfully effective in its clarity. 

It is specifically designed for tasks or objectives that don’t necessitate elaborate strategies or multi-layered approaches.

The core components of a simple action plan usually include a clear statement of the task or objective at hand, followed by a sequence of actions or steps to be taken. 

Each step is described succinctly, ensuring that anyone involved has a clear understanding of what is expected. Responsibilities are defined clearly, with each task allocated to an individual or a team, ensuring accountability. Timelines might be integrated, providing a clear framework for completion, even if they’re just broad milestones. 

Regular check-ins or assessments, although minimal, might be incorporated to monitor progress. 

The beauty of a simple action plan lies in its agility and adaptability, making it particularly suited for individual projects, short-term tasks or situations where a rapid response is required.

How to write an action plan?

Creating an effective action plan is a foundational step towards turning aspirations into tangible results. It provides a clear roadmap, ensuring that each step taken aligns with the overall objective.

Whether you’re aiming to enhance a business process or achieve a personal goal, a well-drafted action plan can be your guiding light. Here’s key steps on how you can craft one:

• Step 1: Establish SMART goals: Initiating with a goal that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound ensures you have a clear and focused endpoint in sight. Smart goals serves as the cornerstone for your entire strategic blueprint.
• Step 2: Determine necessary tasks: Decompose your overarching objective into smaller, actionable tasks. This modular approach not only makes the mission less daunting but also provides a sequential pathway to goal attainment.
• Step 3: Assign essential resources: Depending on the tasks at hand, designate necessary resources, be they human, financial or technological. This ensures that every activity has the backing it needs for successful execution.
• Step 4: Prioritize tasks by importance: Not all tasks hold equal weight. Determine the hierarchy of tasks based on their impact on the goal and their time sensitivity. This allows for a systematic progression.
• Step 5: Outline timelines and key markers: With tasks in hand, set clear deadlines for each. Introduce milestones, which act as periodic check-ins, ensuring you’re on track and allowing for celebrations of smaller victories.
• Step 6: Oversee and modify your strategy blueprint: As you progress, there will invariably be learnings and challenges. Regularly review your plan to make necessary adjustments, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness.
• Step 7: Consider ready-to-use templates: If starting from scratch feels overwhelming, lean on structured templates to guide your planning. There’s plenty of business plan softwares and platforms such as  Venngage that offer a plethora of action plan templates , tailored to various needs, which can significantly streamline the process.

An action plan is more than just an action steps, it’s a strategic blueprint that bridges the gap between aspirations and realizations. 

Through this comprehensive guide, I’ve walked you through the purpose, ideal timings, core components, and practical examples of action plans across various domains. 

Leveraging tools of project management , you can track progress, assign tasks and ensure every team member stays on the same page. 

It’s not just about setting goals, but about strategically planning every step, ensuring tasks completed align with the larger project goals. 

Remember, success isn’t just about having goals but about charting the right course to achieve them

And if you’re looking to supercharge your planning efforts, don’t miss out on the Venngage business plan maker. 

Dive into their extensive collection of action plan templates and make your strategic planning both efficient and effective. 

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Personal Growth and Development Essay

Plan-do-study-act model for my growth, benefits of diversity and development of personal and leadership strategies, individual and group decision-making performance, pdsa model displaying my goals and how i measure my progress.

Personal growth and development are very critical in the workplace environment. I understand that the external environment keeps changing, and the only way of achieving success is to master this change and respond to it effectively by redefining the internal environment. Within an organizational context, I understand that it is my responsibility to adapt to the changes in the external environment. Using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model, I am capable of defining and assessing my own growth and identifying the determinant of organizational structure and drivers of change. To develop my own PDSA model, a number of steps will have to be followed, as shown in the figure below.

As shown in the figure above, the first step is to come up with a plan. The plan must focus on my current organizational structure. I have to identify my position within the firm and how that position relates to other positions held by my colleagues. I must then determine drivers of change in the external environment with regard to my position. This will help me determine areas where change is needed in my current or future position. The second step is to do something about the plan. It involves implementing the set plan. In this case, the second stage will involve addressing the issues identified in the plan to determine if I can change my skills, capabilities, and attitude to reflect the changes in the external environment. The aim is to ensure that current skills match with the existing and emerging expectations in the workplace. It is at this evaluation stage that I will be keen to identify the weaknesses that need to be addressed to help improve my efficiency. The final step is to act upon the issues identified in the assessment in order to align my skills and attitude with workplace expectations.

Diversity in the workplace is very important because it helps employees to address one another’s weaknesses in an organizational setting. It is common to find that the weaknesses of one individual are perfectly addressed by the strengths of another employee. In such an environment, achieving success may not be a big challenge because of the diversity in skills, experience, and social background. However, it is sometimes worrying that the differences caused by such a diversified workplace environment are the genesis of misunderstandings. From a personal perspective, the strategy I intend to use to address the issue of diversity in the workplace is to be open-minded and willing to listen to others before making judgments. I intend to avoid stereotyping and promise to treat every colleague as a unique person with unique strengths, weaknesses, skills, and experience. I also intend to engage other colleagues, especially those from different social backgrounds, to help me understand them better and to learn from them. Although I value my culture, I believe that when one is in a diversified environment, learning about another culture is the best way of embracing a diversified workplace.

Leaders must come up with strategies of dealing with the issue of diversity that may arise in the workplace. One of the best ways of addressing such problems from a leadership perspective is to organize regular get-together parties where employees get to interact and understand one another. When assigning tasks to employees or forming a team to address a given project, a deliberate attempt should be made to ensure that diversity is reflected in such a group. The more people get to interact and understand each other, the more the social gap between them is narrowed. They get to appreciate that although there might be some personal or socio-cultural differences, they share a common vision of making their organization a success. That should be a strong motivation to make them forget about their differences. Sometimes the differences in cultural practices are often abused in the workplace, making it difficult to achieve success in creating harmony needed to make an organization move forward. The leaders may be forced to come up with policies that prohibit discriminatory activities in the workplace. Gender, race, religion, skin color, or any other demographic factor should never be used to set differences within an organization. Instead, it should be considered a positive force that makes people encourage one another to achieve a common goal.

In a highly diversified environment, one of the biggest problems is often the decision-making process. As an individual, it is easy to make decisions. I often weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. It may not take long as my conscience often guides me in such processes. As long as the intent is positive, making a decision as an individual is easy. However, when one is part of a team, decision-making is often complex because views of people often differ. Not everyone within an organization will have noble intent. It is also possible that in a diversified environment, people will have a varying angle of viewing nobility, making it difficult to choose the best approach. When it becomes challenging to make a quick and effective decision as a group, achieving good performance is almost impossible.

Communication becomes a critical tool when trying to make decisions within a group. Every member of the group must be ready to listen to the opinion of others. They must also be ready to share their own opinions with others so that common ground can be found. Leaders must offer guidance during such decision-making processes. In most of the cases where people have contradicting opinion, then a compromise must be found. This is common in cases where employees are demanding for pay increase against the wish of the top management or owners of a company. The parties must agree to communicate amongst themselves and to come up with a solution that is acceptable to everyone. Making decisions as a group also requires a sense of trust amongst group members. One of the leading causes of breakdown in communication is suspicion. If a section of the group lacks trust towards another group or an individual, then it may not be possible to reach a common position. The mistrust may force parties involved to opt to engage third parties to help them find a solution. In an organizational setting, such decisions may be time-consuming. It may limit the capacity of such a group to achieve the desired success.

It is clear to me that in modern society, change is a force that cannot be ignored. As such, I intend to embrace it and align my skills with the changing demands. I have to develop goals and come up with a method I can use to measure my progress towards these goals. The PDSA model below will be critical in enabling me to set periodical goals and measure my performance towards achieving these goals.

As shown in the figure above, the first step is the planning stage. At this stage, it is stated that I want to learn how to embrace change and be able to adapt to emerging technologies. To achieve the above set goals, I intend to further my education and focus more on managing change in the workplace. I will need to learn about new approaches to change management and how to determine when an organization should adapt to a new strategy in its operations. To measure my performance, I will determine my personal willingness to embrace change.

Currently, I am relatively slow when it comes to embracing new methods. I prefer using approaches that are known to me. The approach I will use is to test my skills in new technologies. For instance, I want to know more about how I can use Facebook and Twitter to communicate with colleagues and clients. Finally, I will identify personal weaknesses based on the expectations in the workplace. The last stage is to act upon the identified weaknesses. I intend to ensure that in every cycle of this continuous personal growth and development, I come up with something new that will transform my performance in the workplace.

• Chicago (A-D)
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IvyPanda. (2024, February 1). Personal Growth and Development. https://ivypanda.com/essays/personal-growth-and-development/

"Personal Growth and Development." IvyPanda , 1 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/personal-growth-and-development/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'Personal Growth and Development'. 1 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "Personal Growth and Development." February 1, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/personal-growth-and-development/.

1. IvyPanda . "Personal Growth and Development." February 1, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/personal-growth-and-development/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Personal Growth and Development." February 1, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/personal-growth-and-development/.

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Personal Action Plan

As an individual, you must be in constant search for improvement and growth. It is completely normal to want to become someone who is better than you were before. And with that, you may also be constantly looking for ways on how you can do so. However, even if you find a lot of ideas, it will still be of no use if you will not make use of an action plan that can help you organize the things you might want to do to improve or grow. You may also see  corrective action plan examples .

Personal Action Plan Template

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With that, we have here ten examples of personal action plans that could certainly help you in keeping track of how far you already are in your quest to achieve that personal improvement of growth. Along with the examples of personal action plans, we also have included ideas on what you can include in your personal action plan. You may also like  budget action plan examples .

• 29+ Work Action Plan Examples
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Ideas for Your Personal Action Plan

Here are some ideas you can get inspiration from for when you would already be creating your personal action plan. You may also like  employee action plan examples .

• Complete reading at least one book in a month.  Can you remember the last time you held, let alone touched, a book? If it was back when you were still in college then maybe it’s time to get back to reading one and even give yourself a reading challenge. Books are the best source of wisdom because the more you read books, the more you will gain wisdom. If you are in search for more self-development–related books, there are a lot of self-help books that can help you with for that matter. The best way to enrich your mind is definitely reading books and not just any book because you still have that to make sure that what you are reading can be of great help for you and for your growth as an individual. You may also check out  sales action plan examples .
• Learn a whole new language. It is totally not too late for you to learn a new language. It could be a language of a place you have always wanted to go to or even transfer to. Learning a new language does not only make you knowledgeable of how to speak using that knowledge but it also teaches you how to become more patient and to open your mind to other possibilities. Learning a new language is considered as a skill and it’s the best skill you will ever have especially if you can make it as an advantage once you get offered with opportunities that require your fluency of a particular language. You might be interested in strategic action plan examples .
• Learn and pick up a new hobby. It is also not too late for you to try learning and picking up a new hobby. Sure, there is nothing wrong with your usual favorite hobbies, but if you want to see yourself grow more, then you really have to challenge yourself and learn a whole new hobby altogether. There might be some things you have always wanted to learn before but never had the chance to. It may be wanting to learn how to play a certain musical instrument, how to play a certain sport, writing poems or lyrics and turn it into a musical composition, how to cook complicated dishes or even just the basic ones, how to take good photos, and a whole lot more. It is in trying to learn a new thing or hobby that will enable you to stretch not only just your physical abilities but it will also affect your mental and emotional aspects. You may also see  free employee action plan examples .
• Create an inspirational space. Even if you are not much of a creative person, it will still be helpful for you to create a space that can get you going in life no matter what. You do not have to make it too colorful or adorn it with so much decoration. You can just place things that remind you of why you are aiming for such goals and why you should not stop. Having such a space or environment will enable to set a mood and tone that is helpful for you to keep things going. Additionally, such space enables you to wake up and be in a space that gives you a very good feeling that can certainly help you give a good start to your day. You may also like  research action plan examples .
• Know and overcome your fears. Before you step in and overcome your fears, you have to make sure that you have fully acknowledged your fears. Having fears are entirely normal. You are not the only person who is afraid of uncertainty, heights, crowded places, or risks. When you know what you are genuinely afraid of and that you have also genuinely accepted its existence, you can also easily identify the places where you can grow. Having a fear about something represents the fact that there are things you have to deal and address to and once you will be able to do so, it can definitely be a great contribution to your growth as an individual. You may also check out  sales action plan examples .
• Give time for your skills to level up. Have you ever played a game on your phone wherein you have to consistently level up so you will get rewards and reach a certain position in that game? You can apply this concept of leveling up in your personal life. For you to level up in a game, you have to consistently do all the necessary tasks for you to gain experience that will help you level up, and we all know that this takes a lot of time. This is what you have to do for your skills. You may also like  teacher action plan examples . For example, you have a skill in creating short films but you are still doubtful about the way you create one and that you are even doubtful whether your filmed shorts are good or not. To get better at it, you actually have to film more, conceptualize more, attend more workshops and seminars about filmmaking, and talk to the people who are already in the field. Once you will be able to do these things, it is guaranteed that you will be able to reach a certain level that is beyond compare to where you were before you did all those things to get better at that skill. You may also see  marketing action plan examples .

Examples of Personal Action Plans

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Goal Setting and Individual Action Plan Example

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My Personal Action Plan

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My Personal Career Action Plan Example

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Personal Action Plan Template Example

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More Ideas for Your Personal Action Plan

• Wake up early and start your day early. A lot of self-help gurus have acknowledged the benefits and the good effects that waking up early can bring into your life. It is said to have improved the productivity of a lot of people and it generally improved the quality of their lives. The reason why? It is because they get to have a mind-set that creates a moment and sustains this momentum too. So as a result, you will be active all throughout the day. Once you will already get the hang of waking up early and starting your day early, it will soon become a habit of yours and this also means that you will also make creativity a habit too. You may also see  business action plan examples .
• Exercise on a daily basis Yes, you read it right, it’s “daily” exercise and not “weekly.” If you want to improve your physique or your health, in general, you have to make sure that you pay attention to your physical health, and in order to do so, you have to make a habit out of an exercise routine. Sure, most gurus would say to have at least a cheat day in a week or a rest day, but it if you really want to see results, you have to do it daily. You may also like  digital marketing plan examples . However, this does not mean that you have to do a vigorous routine. Instead of having a cheat day or a rest day, you can do light exercise for such days. Through daily exercising, even with a simple routine, you will certainly get into a better shape at some point. As a result, you will feel better and good about yourself and it certainly improves your life. You may also check out  SMART action plan examples .
• Do things that are out of your comfort zone. As said earlier, in a computer game, for you to level up, you need to gain experience. Now, how will you be able to gain experience if you will not do things that are outside your comfort zone? The real deal when it comes to “experience” are the things that scare you the most because this is how and where you will learn and grow. Being too comfortable and acquainted with the place you are currently in can be good because comfort definitely is a good thing, right? However, it could also make you stagnant and the harder it will be for you to grow. Give yourself a chance to shake your boring routine, to live in a new community, to apply for a new job, and to gain new set friends that are not in your age group. It is in doing whole new experiences that you will be able to grow and learn how to deal with new circumstances. Here are some  examples of action plans  that you may refer to.
• Always ask for feedback. Even if you may already be familiar with your shortcomings, it is still possible for you to have some blind spots. By asking for feedback from people, you will be given insights into your blind spots. Most people would seek advice from their trusted family members, friends, colleagues, employer or boss, and even from acquaintances because these people would have no bias toward you and will have no holds barred and objective feedback. It is important that you receive genuine feedback from genuine people because if you will hear sugar-coated compliments alone, you will have no idea in what aspects of your life you should improve or enhance.
• Give yourself a break from time to time. Chances are, you are already giving yourself too much of a hard time and high standards that you yourself could no longer catch up. From time to time, just allow yourself to take a break. If you really want to improve your entire individuality, you must also recognize your need to take a break in order for you to perform better. Just like your daily need of sleep, you need to rest, take a nap, or go to sleep so your body will be able to retain information it has gained within the day as well as retain the skills you have learned for you to be able to thrive in life. When you feel like stress is eating up your daily life and that you have already become ineffective in your daily activities, it is a sign that you should take a break, relax, and charge yourself up before getting back to your tasks.

Personal Career Action Plan

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Personal Development Action Plan Example

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Personal Health Action Plan

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Sample Person Action Plan

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The 5-Minute Personal Career Action Plan Example

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Create Your Personal Action Plan

Even if there is a multitude of personal development ideas out there, it will still be of no use if you are not going to place and organize these ideas into a personal action plan that can help you achieve what you want to achieve. While there may be personal action plan examples that we have provided above, you might still want to create a personal action plan from scratch. And with that, we give you simple steps on how you can create your own personal action plan that can help you get started with your own.

A good personal action plan template consists of five steps that can really put you into action and make your personal action plan simple but just right and effective for you, and these are:

• Identify goals Sure, you want to improve your individuality, however, you have no idea what goals you truly want to achieve and goals that are realistic enough. Do not make this mistake committed by a lot of people and identify your goals as well as determine whether these goals are realistic enough for you to achieve or not and if these goals are what you truly, madly, and deeply desire. Additionally, do not consider the goals people want for you; they don’t get to live your life and experience the consequences.
• Prioritize goals Once you will be able to figure out what you actually want in your life, you can now organize these and prioritize these. One good way to prioritize your goals is to do a method that is called as reverse goal setting. When doing this kind of goal setting, you will determine first your end goal and from that, you will work backward and determine the steps on how to get there.
• Set your action steps Right after doing a reverse goal setting, you can now easily determine a step-by-step map for your personal action plan strategy. This step is what makes your personal action plan and “action plan.”
• Set a timeline It is important for you to determine a timeline for when you will be able to execute your action plan. Having a timeline will enable you to determine your daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly actions in order to stay on track toward your goals for yourself to stay on track. You also have to make sure that you set a realistic timeline and not try to cram ten actions or tasks in a day when you know you can only do as much as five actions or tasks.
• In the event that you do nothing… For sure, there will be instances when you will lose all the motivation you have initially mustered and that is just normal. You can also consider this when creating your personal action plan and determine what are the possible actions that can keep you going whenever experiencing loss of inspiration and motivation.

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Must-Have Personal Action Plan Template with Samples and Examples

Kavesh Malhotra

Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.

                                                                                                                                 - Winston S. Churchill, Former PM of the UK.

One of the most vital elements for success is having a personal action plan. Such a plan helps you identify your goals, the challenges you'll face, and the steps you need to take to succeed. Without a personal action plan, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure on how to proceed. By creating a personal action plan, you'll gain clarity on what you need to do to achieve your goals and be more likely to stick to your project. 

Personal action plans are a benefit to both personal and professional development; every employee must have one. Are you someone with big dreams and aspirations but struggles to turn them into reality? Do you want to achieve your development goals but don't know where to start? The answer lies in creating a personal action plan. As the famous saying goes, "A goal without a plan is just a wish." 

Creating a personal action plan can be challenging, but with the right templates and tools, it can be made easier. That's where SlideTeam's personal action plan templates come in. With a range of templates, you can choose the one that best suits your requirements and start creating your personal action plan today. 

All of these templates are easy to use and fully customizable, so that you can tailor them to your specific needs. They also come with sample text and examples to help guide you in creating your personal action plan. Without further ado, let’s dive into some must-have personal action plan templates, that you can download from the links below and plan your success!

Template 1: Personal Development with Identify Plan Action Review and Reflect

This PPT Template provides a clear framework for personal development. It includes sections for identifying your goals, planning your actions, reviewing your progress, and reflecting on your achievements. It consists of a self-evaluation section that helps you assess your skills and identify areas for improvement. This PPT Slide is perfect for individuals who want to create a robust personal development plan .

Download Now!

Template 2: Personal Development Plan Showing Identify Plan Action and Record

This PPT Layout focuses on the crucial elements of identifying your goals, planning your actions, and recording your progress. It includes sections for setting your goals, identifying the steps you need to take, and tracking your progress. It also has a section for reflecting on your successes and challenges. This template is perfect for individuals who want to create a simple yet compelling personal development plan. Download it from the link below.

Template 3: Personality Development Training with an Action Plan

This PPT Theme is designed for personality development training. It includes setting objectives, planning your actions, identifying the skills you need to develop, tracking your progress and assessing your achievements, and assigning a target date. This layout is perfect for individuals who want to improve their skills and become better professionals.

Template 4: Personal Development Plan Showing Actions, Awareness, and Self

This PPT Preset is all about developing self- awareness . It includes co-relations of self- awareness , social awareness , social skills, and self-management . This template is perfect for individuals who want to build self- awareness and improve their personal and professional lives.

Template 5: Job Aid Worksheet to Develop a Personal Action Plan

This PPT Layout is a job aid worksheet designed to help you create your personal action plan. It includes sections for setting the skills, identifying the potential challenges , ways to reinforce, resources needed, and the way to access them. This template is perfect for HR managers who want to create a personal action plan specifically for their employees or aspirants. Let this template be your guide.

The Way Forward

Creating a personal action plan is crucial in achieving your personal development goals. With the help of SlideTeam's must-have personal action plan templates, you can create a roadmap to success and start making progress toward your dreams. Whether you want to improve your skills, develop self- awareness , or become a better professional, these templates have got you covered. So, what are you waiting for? Download one today and take the first step towards achieving your goals.

For more templates and examples on action plan implementation, check out this blog post from SlideTeam; start your personal development journey today with these top 5 action plan implementation templates. Click the link to download them now!

FAQs on Personal Action Plan

How do i write a personal action plan.

Writing a personal action plan can be a helpful tool for achieving personal and professional goals. To write a personal action plan:

• Start by identifying and breaking your goals into smaller, more manageable steps.
• Consider the skills and resources you will need to accomplish each step and determine any potential challenges or obstacles that may arise.
• From there, create a timeline for completing each step and establish a system for measuring your progress and success.

What is an example of an action plan?

An example of an action plan might be to improve your public speaking skills. The action plan could include steps such as researching techniques for effective public speaking, practicing in front of a mirror or with friends, and seeking out opportunities to speak in front of groups. The plan could also include a timeline for completing each step and specific success measures , such as successfully delivering a speech without notes or receiving positive feedback from an audience.

What is a 5-point action plan?

A 5-point action plan typically refers to a plan that includes five fundamental steps or elements. These steps include identifying a goal, creating a plan of action, implementing the plan, monitoring progress, and making adjustments as necessary. The specific elements of a 5-point action plan may vary depending on the goal or project at hand.

What are the three action plans?

There are many different types of action plans, but some common types include the following:

• Personal action plans - Personal action plans are focused on individual goals and development.
•   Business action plans:  Business action plans are used to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
• Project action plans : Project action plans are typically used to manage specific projects or initiatives and may involve multiple individuals or teams working together to achieve a common goal.

In all action plans, it is crucial to consider factors such as the specific topic or skills being addressed, potential challenges or obstacles, success measures , and the actions and strategies needed to achieve the desired outcomes. Self-management and personal development plans may also be included in action plans to support individual growth and progress.

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• Must-Have Leadership Action Plan Templates with Samples and Examples
• Top 5 Action Plan Implementation Templates with Samples and Examples
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How to Create a Personal Leadership Development Plan

In every organization and in every industry, leaders play a critical role: managing teams, working together to make important (and sometimes difficult) decisions, and guiding an organization to move in the right direction. While you might think of a leader as an experienced executive with a corner office, the reality is that successful organizations rely on employees who demonstrate strong leadership skills regardless of their job title or length of tenure.

If you are looking to enhance your leadership capacity , one important strategy for guiding your growth is to create a personal leadership development plan. This type of plan can help you grow in your current role and also prepare you to take on additional leadership responsibilities in a new role.

Here’s a quick look at how to assess your leadership skills, develop your leadership capabilities, create a personalized plan, and build leadership development into your everyday roles and responsibilities.   

Learn More about Northeastern’s Bachelor of Science in Management Program

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Benefits of a Personal Leadership Development Plan

As the name implies, a leadership development plan outlines the steps that you intend to take in order to be a better leader. A plan should include skills you need to improve, responsibilities you want to take on, and tasks that you hope to complete to become the type of leader your organization needs.

Development plans are a critical tool for personal career growth since they serve as agreements between an employer and an employee. In these cases, the plan has benefits that extend beyond the individual. When leadership development is aligned with business strategy , organizations are able to link their investments in supporting potential leaders—such as internal training programs or tuition reimbursements—to broader goals and strategic plans. Such alignment increases the likelihood that your manager and other stakeholders within the organization will give your personal leadership plan the stamp of approval.

Of course, individuals can also create their own personal leadership development plans. This type of plan can be helpful if you hope to get a new job at a different company, apply your current skills to a new industry, or pursue educational opportunities, such as a degree completion program.

Before the Plan: Conducting a Self-Assessment

Prior to creating your personal leadership development plan, the American Management Association recommends that you make a list of what you feel are the 10 to 15 characteristics of an effective leader. Some of these traits should be specific to your current or desired industry or role, while others should apply to leadership in general.

Creating this list of leadership qualities will help you assess your own skills. Some of the characteristics on the list may require both professional and personal growth and are therefore worth including in your development plan. Other traits may be core strengths that are worth noting in your plan but will be a low priority for further development. Successful leaders tend to have many qualities in common , so it should be easy to identify which traits are a strength for you and which traits will require some improvement.

GovLeaders.org, a resource for managers and leaders in the public sector, suggests that you think about a “life mission statement.” Similar to a corporate mission statement, this is meant to link your leadership development efforts with your long-term personal and professional goals. This is an important step, as it ensures that the steps you take to improve your leadership skills do not conflict with the type of work that you want to do.  

Elements of a Personal Leadership Development Plan

After you have given some thought to your long-term leadership goals and the leadership qualities you’d like to improve, it’s time to map out your leadership ability by creating your personal leadership development plan.

Since the document is personal, it should take on the style and format that works best for the way that you take in information. Some people may use a spreadsheet; others may prefer a chart. No matter the format, there are several key things that every personal leadership development plan should include:

1. Core Skills to Master

Leaders have a number of job responsibilities that are specific to a role as a supervisor. These can include running meetings, providing feedback, sharing information in front of groups, and making personnel decisions. Identify the skills that align with your leadership development goals but are not part of your existing job responsibilities. If someone you currently work with has these skills, ask if you can shadow them or practice with them. If not, look for external resources that will help you build these skills.

2. Experience Gaps to Close.

In addition to tactical skills, there are a number of strategic responsibilities that a leader can expect to take on. These can include starting a new project, turning around a project that is not going well, managing larger and more mission-critical projects, and managing in a crisis. As with building skills, it’s important to identify these key tasks that align with your goals and develop a plan to gain the necessary experience.

3. New Relationships to Build

As a leader, you interact with a variety of stakeholders on a regular basis. Many are within your organization and include department heads, front-line employees, and managers with different skill sets but similar tenure. Others are outside your organization and range from customers and suppliers to board members and other members of the business community. As you build a leadership development plan , identify the stakeholders with whom you’d like to have a stronger, mutually beneficial relationship and reach out to start the conversation. Making these important connections is essential for effective leadership since they provide more development opportunities.

4. Specific Tasks to Delegate

Effective leaders strike a balance between day-to-day tasks and long-term responsibilities. They focus on the work that is most closely aligned with their expertise and trust others within the organization everything else, ensuring that projects are not delayed and that employees remain engaged. List the activities that are critical to professional development within your role, along with the activities that others are capable of completing themselves.

5. Key Action Items to Complete

As noted, the specifics of a leadership development plan should include strengths as well as potential areas of improvement. For each area where you see potential to improve, include an action item, the timeframe in which you want to complete the task, and the cost (in time and/or money). Action items could include meeting with a mentor or manager, reading a book on leadership, completing a leadership assessment, or identifying training or educational opportunities.

6. Critical Indicators of Success

Leaders are assessed not only on their own success but also on the success of their teams. Your personal leadership development plan should list the critical indicators of success for leaders and their teams, which include but are not limited to the following:

• Improving the quality of work
• Improving teamwork and morale
• Increasing delegation of responsibility
• Strategic planning and preparation
• Continuous learning for you and your team
• Recognizing the team’s contributions

Beyond the Plan: Building Leadership Development into your Role

A personal leadership plan should be a living document. You should revisit it on a regular basis to ensure that you are addressing the areas of improvement that you identified for yourself and meeting the timelines you set for taking on new responsibilities, building new skills, and so on.

Accomplishing the goals that you lay out in your plan should not require wholesale changes to how you work or learn. After all, the plan is meant to help you continue to grow, not start over completely. However, there are a few activities that you can add to your regular routine to support your development as a leader.

Seek feedback. Talk to your team and your peers about how well you are growing as a leader and where you can continue to make improvements. It’s also important to seek feedback from groups you don’t typically interact with, whether they be other divisions within your organization or third-party partners. These groups will provide different insight than those who work with you regularly.

Take time to reflect. Leaders have a great deal of responsibility to juggle. Take 15 minutes every morning to assess the most important tasks for the day and 15 minutes in the evening to reflect on what went well and what could have been improved. Consider writing your thoughts in a journal, focusing on lessons or insights you have gained from your experience.

Find a mentor. Whether as a source of advice or as a connection to networking opportunities, mentors are critical to personal leadership development . It’s important to find a mentor who will be available for regular meetings and who will provide honest feedback—someone who always tells you what you want to hear may inadvertently hinder your growth. Your mentor could be a manager at your current job, a manager from a previous job, a professor, or a respected figure from your personal life.

Sign up for training. Continued education provides a valuable opportunity to nurture leadership skills. In addition to resources such as books, networking events, and leadership retreats, consider earning a bachelor’s  degree to hone a wide range of skills—including psychology, writing, negotiation, finance, ethical decision-making, logic, and organizational behavior.

Interested in learning more about how a bachelor’s degree can help advance your career and refine your skills? Explore Northeastern’s Bachelor of Science in Management program to learn more. 

Personal Ethical Action Plan

• December 11, 2022

Ethical Action Plan: Introduction

Ethics is the base of everyone’s life. Or is it? Are ethics and moral of actions are the same for everyone? Or do these rely on experiences, personality, and benefits of individuals? And are these concepts absolute or relative?

First of all, it is important to clarify what concepts we are talking about and from what perspective we see the things. Nothing on earth and in science is exact, so are values. Let us explain the logic of the previous statement with an example. Killing is bad. Ending a person’s life out of personal will and choice is bad, and it should be so for everyone. However, “Killing is bad” is too short of a sentence to decide on the correctness actually. Killing whom is bad? Killing an innocent is sure bad. Killing Adolf Hitler, however, is good for humanity. However, it is still bad since a person is killed in the end.

Everyone's values are different, and even the values of the same person are different at different times in different situations. Relativeness itself is relative. What should be done is searching for the best and chasing the good. In the next chapters of this paper, a brief explanation of my values, and the way I chase them will be given.

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My core values.

The concept of value is defined by Gentile (2010) as “finally, the word ‘value’ refers to the inherent worth and quality of a thing or an idea, and we often talk about valuing a challenging job, a comfortable lifestyle, or even a well-made piece of clothing. However, the ‘values’ we are discussing here are, in fact, the values that most people would agree to have a moral or ethical aspect to them.” In the light of the Gentile’s definition and just as stated in the introduction part, in search of the best for people, my core values are loyalty, honesty, dependability, and open-mindedness in personal and professional life. Without putting myself in the first row, value for me is trying to do or search for the best for the greatest number of living creatures possible. The origin of my values mostly depends on empathy. Acting in a way that I would like to be acted towards is the starting point. Loyalty is a very important value since it means consistency. Life with no change would be boring and far from development. However, as a part of human nature, we tend to prefer gradual change that is in our control, and loyalty is kind of a definition for temporary sameness. One other core value of mine is honest, which is a bit more related to empathy. No good could be achieved by hiding information.

Although there is no absolute truth or good for anyone, access to unchanged information of what happened and freedom of interpreting it is a basic human right. This brings up the dependability value as it is the base of most of the relationships of people, including me. Dependability, for me, is the matter of knowing if someone will be there when I look for. However, it does not mean that someone I assign in my mind to be there has to be there. It means the feeling and reality of dependability that builds up in relationships among people over time. The fourth core value of mine is open-mindedness. As stated earlier in this part of the paper, change is in human nature. Although we prefer it to be slow and in control, it is a fact that exists, and it is not a choice for anyone to accept or deny. Therefore, the best thing to do is to accept change, welcoming it, and canalizing it in the best way possible. These four core values have always helped me in any problems that I faced, and I am sure that I will be able to get use of them in any future dilemmas as well. Let us see the details of what I have done and have not in the next part of the paper, which is a tale of two stories.

A Tale of Two Stories

We all would like to avoid a work accident and put an effort altogether to minimize it. However, it is a sad truth. Once I encountered a minor work accident. It was not a life or death situation. However, it required attention since a worker was lightly injured. The shift supervisor did not pay enough attention to the incident according to the occupational health and safety procedures. Besides conflicting with the work ethics and moral of being a human, this behavior was against my “values.” This is the point where I gave voice to my values. I acted up and warned the supervisor in accordance with common sense. Things did not straighten out at this point. The injured worker faced disloyalty. The supervisor did not show the expected reaction to the incident. The supervisor was more loyal to work than his workmate. The supervisor was not honest with himself, as well. Although he behaved like he completed the necessary procedure, he unintendedly revealed that he was obviously aware of the incomplete procedure.

Dependability was another issue in this situation. The injured worker did not spend hours every day in the workplace without any reason. He had spent a considerable time of his life there and shared it with his workmates. Briefly, he had worked there since he basically expected his workmates to be dependable. However, it was not the case. Lastly, open-mindedness was a quality that the supervisor lacked, and he revealed it during our discussion. The supervisor thought that he knew the best, and that is the reason that he was the supervisor. He was not open-minded, at all, about the fact that he might have made a mistake or skipped a step in the procedure. Since these facts were against my values. I stuck with my values and the procedure until the worker was fine and healthy. One other story was when I was a student in high school. It was stated in the introduction that nothing is absolute according to science, and change is a fact of life, just like evolution. However, birds did not start flying on day one. It takes a lot and a long time for drastic changes, and people do not change much in their lifetime. Maybe it was not exact me, but I was roughly the person who I am today. That means the core values, loyalty, honesty, dependability, and open-mindedness were important for me then as well. This story that I learned much about was about a disagreement I experienced. I had a deep trust in a friend and thought that the four core values were established in our friendship.

However, it came out that I was wrong. I expected loyalty, which means although we had a disagreement, I thought real friends would come over issues like this. But loyalty was not the feedback I got. Honesty was the second point of a disappointment since I thought that the friendship of us was stronger. Dependability was a lack as well since the image of the friendship in my thoughts was not met. The last point, open-mindedness, was the one that is the most related to myself. I was not open-minded brave enough back then, apparently that I did not act up and put more effort into solving the issue. However, everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is to learn from the mistakes. If I did not make this mistake, I might not have acted up for the worker in the first story.

Professional Purpose

My professional purpose is to be a fair manager in a firm that produces value, in terms of the physical or mental needs of society, in order to make life better for people. Although it seems easy, it is actually a challenging purpose to make real in today’s world. My personal goal is to be a good person without digging too much into it. Because as you dig into something too much, it gets complicated and distractive. Thus, what is “being good”? For me, being good is more of a continuous process than a stable state. For example, not voting for a president that favors sending troops overseas in order to “bring democracy” is being good, so is participating in protests against this evil idea. However, protesting or not voting for does not make anyone, including myself, good for a whole lifetime. Being a good person does not stop. Rescuing animals is my purpose of being good. Putting effort to stop child-labor is my purpose of being good.

My personal purpose of being good is not just one goal, nor is it a stationary one. My professional goal is to be creative and productive. However, not in a large company that operates in the weapon production and trade sector. Similarly, not in the economy sector that lives and dies, therefore kills, with money. I would like to create, produce and supply homes, food, and education for the ones in need, and “the ones” is not just limited to people. It also includes animals. Animal and child cruelty are the top two things that I want to be successful against. Combining these two, being a good person in a sector that creates value. I want to be a manager in my job since I believe that I have what it takes to coordinate people and workflow.,

I am a good analyst and would like to use my talent to fight against bad. Since good is more relative than bad, and bad is closer to be absolute for everyone, it would be better and easier to explain this using bad rather than good. Killing is bad; labor exploitation is bad; child and animal cruelty is bad. I want to be successful against these. I want to be in a managerial position to coordinate the intellectual or physical production against hatred.

My current impact in the sector that I would like to contribute is being a prospect. The impact on the future in the sector is helping it to level up. Any idea on possession of means of production or the economic theory to be applied could be adopted in the company I work for; I hope to achieve helping more. For me, the more children smile, and the more animals live in peace, the more worthwhile my professional career is. As discussed earlier in this paper, worth and value depend on how one defines them. In my opinion, it means that I add worth to my personal life and professional career as I am able to go after my passion. One animal saved from animal experimentation means that my career is worth one life more. I do not want to be in a race to have a higher title or make more money. As I am doing my job, my aim is to feel content, knowing that I give my maximum for the good, and being able to sleep peacefully at night. My wish for the time after I ended my professional career is being able to see that the company or the sector that I entered as a prospect is above the level that I entered. The thing that would make me feel fulfilled is knowing to have contributed.

Having my purpose in professional career told, it is a good time to give an example of a conflicting issue along with a story. I was raised up by a family that had no economic problems. My parents have never been millionaires, but they did not fail to establish a content life. As a family, we even had some minor luxuries. After I reached the age that I could legally drive, I was always after my dad’s car as a young boy. It was exciting, cool, and fun.

Soon after, I asked my parents to have my own car. They were not against it. However, they thought it was unnecessary. Feeling upset, I kept on asking for it, bringing them formulas to own my own car, and trying to bribe them with some sacrifices until the day that I had adopted my first pet from a shelter. This taught me the feeling of responsibility and the urge to care for life.

As I established the emotional bond, I realized that personal luxuries are much less important than the lives of others that are in need. Finally, I let my passion for a car out and started to spend my time and money on animals in shelters. This formed the base of my career goals. The main goal of mine for my career is not to make a lot of money and have a life of luxury. Therefore, after I advanced in my career if I were in a position to choose between a better income and saving more lives. The choice is clear. Long story short, the moral of the story is, “no one needs a Ferrari to survive. It would be just an amusement if everyone has a chance to experience it.”

Self-Assessment Regarding Voice

My core values obligate me to stand up for the oppressed, aggrieved, and suffering. I take a stand after I decide what is wrong. Once again, the right is more relative, but wrong is more common. I put effort into the solution for the issue of the worker that was not taken good care of. The reason I choose my professional goal is that I think that staying silent against cruelty and rage should not feel right to anyone. I speak up in such situations after a good observation and a complete analysis of what happened and why it did happen. Logical arguments are my first step into a discussion. Independent of the setting of the moment and the person I am trying to persuade. I keep calm and try my best to explain the correct logic of peace.

Being confrontational is an important reason that I am successful at what I wish to do, and my core values, along with logical argumentation, are my path to follow. If I have the chance, I face with people since I believe that it is the most effective way to get your point across and stand your ground. Keeping calm and thinking about a way to make things better is always a reason for the choice. However, if I am clear enough of the wrong, and I feel that I have completely decided what would be better, solving issues at the moment is a better idea. After creating a path in my own mind for the correct thing to do about the issue, I find it more efficient to ask correct questions in a friendly manner and try to make my opponent see his mistake. This strategy does not only helps me to rationalize the solution to the problem, but it also helps the one I try to convince.

Reasons and Rationalizations

The most powerful tool I use to decide whether to speak up or not is my conscience. Factors like social proof, false consensus effect, overoptimism, self-serving bias, cognitive dissonance, and sunk costs and loss aversion are just effects to delay the solution for me. Whatsmore, obedience to authority is only a factor that would put me in a self-contradictory state. Ethics and moral are relative; do what you believe is correct (Camacho, Higgins, & Luge, 2003). Even if I were to follow the bias or other factors that would prevent me from telling the truth, I believe, than all the words in this paper would be of no importance, and the four core values I placed in the center of my aim would not actually be the core values that I live up to. Therefore, as long as I believe that there is something wrong, I observe it, and I have solid proof, I do not hesitate to speak up. Political correctness has never been the path that I follow.

Ethial Action Plan Essay: Conclusion

In this paper, the core values of my personal and professional life were listed, along with my personal ethical action plan and examples. Loyalty, honesty, dependability, and open-mindedness are the core values that I live up to, and I totally agree with the thought that political correctness is the illness of this century. Although the absolute good or correct is not scientifically reachable, it should be our duty as humankind to try going after it as much as we can.

Camacho, C. J., Higgins, E. T., & Luger, L. (2003). Moral value transfer from regulatory fit: what feels right is right and what feels wrong is wrong. Journal of personality and social psychology, 84(3), 498.

Gentile, M. (2010). Giving Voice to Values: How to Speak Your Mind When You Know What’s Right. New Haven; London: Yale University Press. Retrieved November 3, 2020

Morris, S. (2001). Political correctness. Journal of political Economy, 109(2), 231-265.

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