When one of my coaching clients wants to start a business I often help them brainstorm a one-page business plan to get down the essential elements of what they need to do to set themselves up for success. We talk about the vision, mission, objectives, strategies and action plans for the business and capture the key elements in short-form in writing. Each element builds on the next with vision setting the context for mission, which in turn sets the context for strategies and finally action plans. Almost universally people understand that for a business to be successful it must have a plan. Yet often people are much more casual about how they conduct their lives. Rather than creating their futures they watch to see where life takes them – they are reactive rather than proactive – they have no equivalent one-page plan for their lives.

I think that one key reason why people don’t attempt creating a “life plan” is the same reason potential business owners panic when they first think about creating a business plan – it seems like such a complex and overwhelming project. However, having at least a top-level plan (e.g., a short one-page plan) is better than having no plan at all and it is often a great place to start whether you are trying to build a business or a life. You can always fill in the details later – the important thing is to have at least a basic structure in place for moving forward. This structure will help provide you direction and let you see and measure your progress.

In the paragraphs below I will share with you a set of key questions to ask and answer to create a one-page plan for your life. (Your plan may actually end up being two or three pages but the idea is to keep it very short). As you ask yourself these questions I encourage you to think deeply and enjoy the inquiry. There is no right or wrong answer and the goal is to get something down on paper – not to have it be “absolutely complete and perfect.” I ask that you set aside any perfectionist tendencies that you may have and jump in. You will note that while the sections of the Life Plan mimic those of a business plan they differ in their focus and orientation.

Vision

Your vision is the big picture outline – the global context. It draws you forward and keeps you focused. Many people have trouble creating a vision for their lives because they try to focus on themselves and what they want to accomplish – which really comes later in the “Objectives” section. So here is another way to start. Think big – think world view. Think about what is really important to you in the broadest sense and then write down what you would hope to see in the world in your lifetime. As a simple example let me share with you my own vision for what I want to see in the world: “Everyone has the awareness, tools, and support they need to succeed.” Other possible visions: “Every child has the life skills and character to succeed.” “The elderly are honored and supported contributors to society.” “The environment of our planet is clean, health giving, and sustainable.” “People have access to products that are well made, functional and easy to use and that significantly contribute to their wellbeing.” “There is physical beauty in the world that nourishes and inspires the soul.” “Everyone has the food and clean water they need to be healthy and flourish.” “Everyone has one person in their lives that provides them the physical, mental, emotional support and long-term committed partnership they need to flourish.” “Each person has the ability to bring their unique talents and abilities into the world.”