I’ve been there. A large table with lots of experts and team members giving reports and updates on the status of a project or service. The sad thing. The project in the field of disabilities is always with one outcome – creating a better quality of life for a person. The key word is “person”. So when I sat in four planning meetings and two conference calls within a three day span, the only thing I could think about was – how long will this person have to wait till we finish our plans so they can have what they want and need.
I suppose in my younger years as a Service Coordinator, I felt it was important to hear all about the person, how they are doing, what they are doing and what are the barriers we are all working on. It made me feel like I was accomplishing something – moving forward, helping the person, but was I? How long did it take that person to get their communication device, repair their wheelchair or get a job?
So when do we stop planning and take action? I have the honor of working with some of the most wonderful people in the world. They are funny, generous, kind, eager, and hopeful. I have to say, they are the most patient group of people I know. While we sit and talk, they sit and wait for pieces of their life to begin. You see, my job is to help them think about their dreams, create the steps to reach them and then take action. With such a simple strategy, you would think it would be easy to convince everyone else to move past the Plan and straight into the Do. Not so easy.
I suppose the big question is – how do we take action on our dreams to get what we want? Here are a few tips to get you started.
- Think about what is important to you. Ask – Why do I want this? What will it do for me? How will it change my life? Do I need to learn something new? Do I need to ask someone for help?
- Create the steps to accomplish what you want. Break down these steps into smaller pieces so they are achievable.
- Set deadlines for each step so you can check off what you have done.
- Review your plan with others so they can help you accomplish your goal. You can also share your plan with people you trust and ask if they can hold you accountable in accomplishing your goals.
- Take action each day to reach your deadline and don’t be afraid to get the help you need.
- If you are taking action, yet not making progress in your goals, change the plan. Come up with something new and better to get what you want.
Remember – you will never know if a plan works if you don’t take action. Stop Planning. Start Doing. Start Living.