 Taking Action
A couple of useful approaches to solving problems and attaining goals.
Think of something that is important to you – something or someone you love - a person or people, the environment, a social or political issue, animal welfare, music or arts, learning, science What would you like to happen? - Aim What can you do now that is likely to be helpful? Imagine yourself taking that step Plan a time to try it out Notice where it takes you Plan the next step Enjoy the journey We climb mountains one small step at a time, walking around or climbing over obstacles as we go
Structured process for problem solving and working towards goals
What is the goal or problem?
(Be as clear and specific as possible)
Write all possible ideas –
(Don’t exclude any ideas yet – even if they seem unrealistic – think laterally, spend time getting lots of ideas, ask other people for ideas)
What are the positive and negative points about each idea?
(Evaluate each idea fully)
Pick the best idea(s)
(The most practical and most likely to be successful)
What are the resources needed?
(Time needed, Money or resources such as tools or a car, Do I need help or cooperation from other people? Do I need to find out more information about something?)Visualize yourself doing this step
What problems may there be trying this idea?
(What difficulties do I imagine I may have trying this idea? How likely are these difficulties? What might help if these difficulties actually occur? Can some one help me?)
What are the steps involved in this idea?
(What is the first step? e.g. discussing the idea with someone or making a phone call. Write down all the steps you can think of in order and think about what doing this step might be like)
Make a plan when you will start and when you will do each step
(Write down dates and times – be realistic)
Make a time to review progress.
(Write down a date to review how you are going – you may want to do this with someone else who is helpful)
When you review your progress you may find that you need to change your goal or aim, or pick a different idea out of your list. Most important problems or aims take time and a number of attempts. . |