“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much” Jim Rohn

Anyone that starts their own business knows the importance of having a business plan. It doesn’t have to be a fancy, elaborate, or grand plan, it can even be on a napkin, but there is a plan. The best businesses have a foundation and that foundation is built upon to create your empire. Okay so maybe you're not aiming for an empire, but do you know what you arer aiming for?

Having a life plan will help you determine what you truly want from your life. It will help you determine which path you should take when you have several options before you. When you know what you desire in your life it becomes easier to make the choices that correspond with your life goals and values Many people go through life taking whatever comes their way, changing directions with each decision.

There are many ways to create a life plan. The basics include a changeable action plan for each area of your life that you feel needs direction and change. Write out your plan using the following five steps and you can have a working life plan in a matter of hours.

Step 1.

Determine the areas in your life that you need or desire a change.. Examples are family, career, finances, education, spiritual, etc. When you break down your life into areas you are able to be specific about your goals.

Step 2

Once you determine the areas that need improvement write a few sentences about where you are now. You can write a sentence about why you want to change this specific area to help keep your motivated when times are tough. Example: Area-Career I currently work 40+ hours at xyz making $123 annually. I want to make more money doing what I love.

Step 3

Now that you have a clear honest look at where you are, write out where you want to be.
Example: I work 30-40 hours a week in my own business, ABC, and am making $4567 annually. I am doing what I love and am able to spend more time with my family.

Step 4

Make a list of everything you need to do to get from step 2 to step 3. All the supplies you need, all the education or classes you need to take, even all the conversations you will have to have with employers, family and friends. As you write this out, remember that this is a fluid plan. If something doesn’t work, change it. Don't throw it all out, change whatever aspect that needs changed and continue on. When you have to make a decision make sure the outcome corresponds with your life plan goals.

Step 5

Now take action. You have an ultimate to do list for several areas of your life. Decide how many things you want to work on each week and add them to your planner. When you add it to your to do list and check them off as they are done you will start to see your life going in the direction you want to go.

Planning out your life can seem intimidating but it doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming.. People make plans for vacation, for grocery shopping, for throwing parties. Why wouldn't you have a thorough plan for your life?