PLANNING CHANGE

Managing an action plan begins by setting some specific, attainable goals (or, "objectives"), and then doing some testing of the pros and cons of your projections. It is only then, that you can begin to see whether or not your dreams for the future are based on realistic, achievable, and, possible changes.

As you begin to set your goals, test your dreams, and initiate the proposed changes consider the following. Walt had (and still has) the overall plan of increasing his musical repertoire. (After all, he wanted to go beyond fiddling "Father's Whiskers," which is the sample song you can access from Grandfolkies main page). But, in the example given, please note how he sets a very specific goal, and works toward it, to arrive at a successful conclusion.

Our example: (Walt): I like to play folk music on my fiddle,

and when I hear a tune that I especially like and want to learn, I begin to visualize myself playing it. I can almost hear what I want from musical back-up accompaniment.

I make a conscious plan: I acquire a recording that includes that tune. I make a copy of the melody on one of my "Fiddle Tunes" tapes. I listen to it many times over. As the tape plays, I begin to "scratch" it out on the fiddle. Then, I start to play each section, always checking back with the recording, until, finally, I have mastered it (or, at least, can play a passable version of it!).

Eventually, I try it out with my musical friends. If they like it, we work out a rendition together. (If they don't, it then remains one that I enjoy playing just for myself!) Finally, we include it in our repertoire, and work it into a performance program.

My state of "musical equilibrium" returns, until I hear another tune which I "must" learn!

Goal-setting is an essential step in planning change successfully. Your goal(s) should be realistic, to some extent measurable, and always results-oriented.

A sound goal is a very specific statement of the end result you want to achieve. There are overall "grand" considerations, as well as the many "nuts and bolts," practical factors which must be taken into account.

Most important of all, of course, is the basic question:

Is your desired goal a sound one? Is it attainable and realistic? Will it fulfill the vision of change you have in your mind?

Having visualized a change or changes you would like to make, your next step is to plan your change by defining and clarifying one or more sound goals.

MOVING INTO THE PLANNING PROCESS:  Nuts and Bolts:  Defining a Sound Goal