{"id":6061,"date":"2011-03-05T02:24:05","date_gmt":"2011-03-05T09:24:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/svapm.org\/?p=6061"},"modified":"2011-02-26T15:48:17","modified_gmt":"2011-02-26T22:48:17","slug":"putting-your-plan-into-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/svapm.org\/?p=6061","title":{"rendered":"Putting Your Family Plan Into Action"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Stage 3 \u2013 <\/strong>Plans are great fun, but without action it\u2019s just a waste of a bunch of postnotes. Take a small step forward each day in the direction of your goals and you\u2019ll certainly be farther along than the family that just spends time perfecting their plan. Here are a few strategies that will increase your speed on your journey.<\/p>\n

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Step 1. Anticipate Change<\/strong><\/p>\n

One things for sure, things change! Don\u2019t expect life to unfold according to plan. It\u2019s been said that no battle plan survives contact with the enemy. Expect change \u2013 in your family, your situation, and the world in general. When change happens it\u2019s helpful to ask \u201cWhat does this make possible that wasn\u2019t possible before?\u201d Then look for the gift hidden in every seemingly negative occurrence. Losing a job sometimes brings the family together, with everyone pitching in to conserve cash or share the responsibility to earn income. Ultimately a better job may be on the horizon, perhaps including a move to a new location that opens up even more opportunities that weren\u2019t previously imagined. Of course a change can signal nothing but bad news, but interpretation is reality, and considering what a negative event makes possible can open up new possibilities not previously imagined. When the startup company where I worked went completely out of business in 2001 I never imagined it would lead me to my dream job, which it most certainly did.<\/p>\n

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Step 2. Manage Expectations<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although sustained commitment to your family\u2019s fabulous future has a high probability of leading to success, disappointment is a hazard that you\u2019re likely to face along the way. Things take longer than we imagine, setbacks delay progress, and we\u2019re tempted to give up from time to time. That\u2019s perfectly normal! Manage your expectations, and anticipate that there will be times when your goals and dreams seem a long way off, out of reach, or even receding. Achieving your family\u2019s dreams is more of a marathon than a sprint. Commit to staying in the race of the long-term, and prepare to weather the inevitable storms that may tempt you to give up before reaching your destination.<\/p>\n

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Step 3. Learn From Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n

Along the way you\u2019re sure to make mistakes or operate in a less than optimal way. Don\u2019t despair, that\u2019s evidence that you\u2019re in motion towards your goals! Learn from experience. Take time to pause and reflect on the following questions from time to time:<\/p>\n

What\u2019s working well? Keep doing it, or do MORE of it!<\/p>\n