Creating Strategic Paths

Recently on my walk with our dog, I have been taking different routes based on being able to walk in the shade.  One of those paths led me down to Blue Valley from Trail West passing the tennis courts and walking across the sports courts to the trail around the edge of Sycamore Creek.  From there, we wander toward the front of the park on the backside of the pond which is nice and shady.  I have enjoyed switching up my regular routine of the three-mile loop as the scenery I encounter along these shady paths recalls fond neighborhood memories.  This particular path brought back to mind the TC5K Fun Run for the kids that was held for a few years around this very path.

We naturally stick to the paths we know.  As we roll into September, our paths say goodbye to the lazy days of summer and guide us back to grind of everyday life.  But, instead of blindly resuming our normal path of getting back on the hamster wheel called life, would it be possible to take a step back and reevaluate our well-worn paths and consider new routes?

So, before you blindly jump back into the same old fall routine, consider new ways of looking at old habits or behaviors.   Yes, there is quite a bit to do to get the fall moving forward, but is it something you look forward to, or is it a burden to consider?

I remember when our girls were in grade school, I felt the responsibility of doing way more than my share of volunteer positions.  Yes, things needed to be tended to, but it wasn’t until a very savvy and well-prepared mother, who also was part of the volunteer efforts for the school, put into place a well thought out, strategic, and long-term plan. When this plan was in place, it refined the efforts of the volunteers and allowed for more potential growth.  Because a plan was in place that was able to identify the school’s various wants & needs, the volunteers were able to logically and efficiently help create a better learning environment. The exposure to that plan allowed me to consider a similar plan in life.  

As you approach the fall, take a strategic look at the paths you’ve taken in the past and the paths that are ahead of you.  Formulate your own strategic plan for restarting the busy fall days ahead.  Having the structure of a plan in place is a good thing as it allows you to know your capabilities and limitations, not only as a school volunteer, but also as a parent, a spouse, or as a friend. And remember, saying “no” is also part of a strategic plan so that you don’t overcommit yourself.  Developing a strategic plan that will guide you to the path that will allow you to say “yes” to volunteering, and being present when you are doing those things, along with taking care of the business of your own life and preserving what is important.

Tips for creating your own personal strategic plan:

• Clarify your values. What do you value most in your life? 

• Create your mission statement. This is a brief written statement, just a sentence or two, based on the values you want to honor. 

• Analyze yourself. What are your personal strengths, weaknesses and current opportunities?

• Create your goals. Identify goals that align with the core values you identified earlier. 

• Setup your stay accountable support. Identifying an accountability partner, perhaps a colleague or good friend, can help you stick to your plan.