Your plan should include:  personal mission statement, financial goals, professional goals, education goals, family/leisure goals, spirituality goals, physical health goals and mental health/attitude/value goals.

Each goal should be measurable and have a specific time limit or date set for achievement.  For each goal you should list at least one specific strategy for achieving that goal.  Some strategies may work toward several goals simultaneously.  Set goals that stretch you while building on your strengths and minimizing or improving on your weaknesses.

In setting your goals and strategies, take into consideration your strengths, weaknesses, values and dreams regarding:  communication, self-esteem, ethics, attitudes, motivation, trust, professional presence, team building, interpersonal skills, stress management and spirituality/physical well-being.

In reading Chapter 17, pay close attention to the concept of “right livelihood” (pg 414-424).   If you can define the “right livelihood” for yourself, creating a life plan to get you there is much easier.

The section of Chapter 17 titled “Planning for Changes in Your Life” (pg 427-429) will also give you some concrete skills, not just in planning, but also in implementing your plan.  In other words, “How can I change my current habits so I am more able to make my plan a reality?”