Calling all Soldier Girls, it’s WAR, Write-Act-Review!! It’s a method used in life planning however if you have a to-do list WAR works because of the sheer nature of the process, it’s cyclical.
Each time you begin you Write out a plan. This can be as simple as a list. The next step is to Act on the plan. After a period of action it is time to Review. Once the review is complete you begin again by writing out a new plan. See what I mean? It is the sheer nature of the process that will help you accomplish your goals whether they are weekly chores or life long dreams.
Now let’s talk about how WAR applies to life planning and what it means to plan. Creating a life plan is similar to creating a business plan. It is a tool designed to help you focus your goals and provide a written reminder of your direction. If you keep it simple, clear and realistic there is a chance you will actually work at it.
I think a big part to a successful life is balance and in an effort to reach it I recommend compartmentalizing your life into four components (self, relationships, work and play) and focusing equally on each. I realize that equal effort isn’t always realistic but if you make the effort towards equal you have a chance of reaching a balance.
As I have already said, WAR is cyclical and you decide on the pace by how quickly you cycle through it. The faster the pace the quicker you will see results and move onto new goals. I recommend weekly, monthly or quarterly. Keep in mind that short term goals are this years and long term goals are over the next five years.
WAR only works if you apply yourself and in many cases if something is out of sight it is out of mind because of this I recommend adding your goals to you calendar. Your plan needs to work with your life and if it becomes part of your calendar you will be consistently reminded of your goals.
The point is to create a plan you will actually work at so keep the goals clear and specific. Don’t write a novel, create a list. Something you can refer to that will jog your memory. I recommend starting with one or two goals for each component (self, relationships, work and play) in both the short and long term. Remember you will need to work at your goals to get results. Be realistic at what you can handle and what you are willing to work at improving.
I want to believe that you will add a life plan to your calendar and work at creating your dream life but if not at least try WAR to move along those pesky projects that never seem to get done. Begin by writing out everything that needs to get done. Once you have your list it’s time to work at the tasks. After a period of action take time to review and begin again with a new and updated list. Write-Act-Review, Write-Act-Review, Write-Act-Review!!
Ladies it’s our time. Soldier on!
Stephanie Creech
