The five-year plan is dead. With the pandemic and other uncertainties, many individuals are questioning what this means for career, and for those who plan years into the future, it can make them feel like they’re floundering.

Fortunately, you don’t have to leave planning behind, even in the face of an uncertain future. With micro-planning, you can plan for the future in smaller chunks, allowing you to reassess at set points throughout the year and readjust to circumstances as necessary. To micro-plan, start with identifying your compelling purpose for your career. Then, make a plan for the year that aligns with this purpose. Each quarter, reassess and reflect on what you’re working on, and each month, break those goals and projects down into distinct phases. At the start of each week, have a broad view of what you need to do. Finally, each day, track your energy and see where you can improve to reach your goals.

There are six elements of micro-planning:

  1. Purpose:  Identify your compelling purpose.
  2. The Year:  Make a plan for the year that aligns with your purpose.
  3. Quarters:  At the beginning of each quarter, reassess what you’re working on and how you’re working.
  4. Months:  Each month, take your quarterly goals and assess where you stand with them.
  5. Weeks:  At the start of each week, make a weekly to-do list.
  6. Days:  Track your energy on a daily basis – emotionally, mentally, and physically.

To learn more about how to use micro-planning to reach your goals, check out this article published by the Harvard Business Review.

 

References:
Harvard Business Review (2021, February 11) Kate Northrup: How to Plan Your Life When the Future is Foggy at Best