How to Make a 5-Year Plan & Execute It

Where have your thoughts been lately? If you haven't given much attention to your dreams for the future in a while, grab this powerful opportunity to refocus your success.

So, where to start?

Carving out a 5 year plan is a tangible and action-oriented way to begin. This helps you look at what you're doing every day that's helping your goals become a reality - as well as identifying which areas of your life need a little jolt of inspiration!

It can be easy to lose sight of an outcome we're working toward amid the busyness and distraction of everyday life, I get it...

But being intentional about where you're going in life helps one stay on track to achieving your dreams, whatever they may be.

Whether you're wishing for a more gratifying career, an international adventure, exceptional health, or something entirely unique... Take this chance to remind yourself of this sentiment:

You can be anyone you want to in just five years if you make a plan and stick with it! 

Today, let’s examine how to do just that:

Imagine Your Ideal Self in 5 Years

For starters, dream big. Try to imagine what your ideal self might look like in five years by asking: 

• Where you might be living 
• What you might be doing 
• Who you might associate with 
• The money you’ll be making 
• What you can afford to buy 
• and more... 

All of these introspective questions will help you figure out where you want to be in five years, without getting tangled up in obstacles or doubts. Because you can’t make a plan without a goal!

Write Down a List

A powerful connection happens when we write things down on paper, so it’s a great way to trick your mind into thinking “And so it is written, and so it shall be done!”

Ignore Any Doubts

Even if that “perceived danger” is simply some jitters about launching into a new project, our desire to run in the opposite direction can be overwhelming! But don’t worry, it’s in everyone's DNA, and it just takes a little life hack to overcome: 

Reassuring yourself through these moments of doubt is as simple as giving yourself an anchor thought that will power you through the tough times.

Try visualizing yourself celebrating after you’ve achieved your goal, and it’ll put the wind in your sails once more.

Set an achievable One-Year Plan

Now that you have your five-year plan set in stone, it’s time to start taking action. 

Even the most ambitious people have trouble meeting lofty expectations. To make things more manageable, break down your five-year plan into 5 one-year plans.

Short-term goals are much more achievable and can seem more tangible than your distant dreams. 

For example, if your goal is to be an attorney, start with the one-year goal of getting accepted into law school.

Break Down Big Goals Into Smaller Ones

Don’t do anything groundbreaking here: Just take a micro-accomplishment you can expand on as time progresses.  

It might be as simple as making that important phone call you’ve been putting off, opening a savings account and depositing $20, or watching a video tutorial on how to start your own business.

As small as this gesture may seem, it’ll be prepping your mindset as you open a floodgate of accomplishment habits.  

Checking off a tiny objective on your dreamer’s to-do list unlocks dopamine in your brain, the pleasure hormone. (That’s the stuff that’s going to fuel your fire of motivation and hook you into building upon your little victories!)

Tell Friends and Family Your Plan

Return the favor, and offer to be an accountability partner for somebody you’re close with.

Working toward a shared goal of self-improvement is magnified when you’re both brainstorming new ideas and encouraging each other.

Consume Media Related to Your Goals

Much like the food we eat, all the things we listen to, watch and read can also impact our mind and body.

Many of us continue to consume the same media that we always have, even if we want to change our lives. But if you want to achieve epic gains over the next 5 years, alter your media habits to reflect this.

Start consuming shows, books, and podcasts all related to your five-year plan. Shaking up your screen time or energizing your playlist with some things that’ll motivate you and propel you toward your highest potential helps train your brain think about your goals more often.

Wisdom from the world’s experts of self development is right at our fingertips, so choose what you tune into as you strive for success. 

It’s more accessible than ever to tap into fascinating content that explores neuroscience, personal growth and strategies to hack your life to your advantage!

No matter what your goals are and how far you might be into your five-year journey, remember that even the most ambitious path can only be taken one step at a time. 

So stick to your plan, motivate yourself with new ideas, and rediscover your purpose to get on track to the incredible future of your dreams!

Justin | Greens Steel BEAST fan
Maine, USA