How to Create Your Five-Year Master Plan

Some of you have asked me, what does my five-year plan look like? Initially, I was hesitant (hence the several weeks of waiting).

Then, I decided: What am I afraid of sharing with the rest of the world? My plan is not the secret Coca-Cola formula. Since I’m such a big believer in speaking our dreams over our life, so that they become our reality, I knew that I had to follow my own advice.

I was overwhelmed with the positive response and demand so I decided to share all of it with you. I’ll list the step-by-step details of what I recommend first, then, at the bottom of the email, I’ll list all of my specific information for each step, as well as my plan.

Understand, my plan is rooted in the core values I strive to live each day. I’m so passionate about this subject, I wrote a book on Values. I’ve also written a book on emotional intelligence that has helped me achieve the results of my plan much faster. I hope you will build your life on a values structure that is true to who you are.

These values, along with this plan, have given me the clarity and direction I need to achieve anything I set my mind to in life. I have every confidence and faith the same is possible for you.

You can choose to make this plan as inclusive or focused as you want. I chose to include all the things that affect my life: Family, Health, Financial, Personal Development, Faith Life, Job, Writing, Coaching, Fun, Responsibilities, etc. I like doing an all-inclusive approach, because our personal lives affect our professional lives, as well as our personal ambitions. Here you go!

1. Start Writing

Spend Day One or Week One writing. Don’t get caught up in thinking — especially not over-thinking!. The best way to begin is to do a basic “SWOT” (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. I’ve listed my strengths at the bottom of this article, but I did all four (just chose not to list all of them for the purpose of time).

Don’t hesitate, don’t question yourself. JUST. START. WRITING! As Sean Connery’s character, William Forrester, says in the movie Finding Forrester:

“The first key to writing… is to write. Not to think.”