How often have you got everything in your head about what you need to do but there is just no time to get it all down? When I present at a conference or create voice workshops I have a wealth of ideas in my head but getting it down in a list seems so much like a chore. Enter the “planning circles” Many of my clients have now adopted this technique to help them to get focus and clarity.

Ideas are the life blood of any business. They allow you to imagine the possibilities and explore the opportunities available. They are also where many people stumble and fall. Why is this? In many cases the ideas fill your head so that in actual fact nothing gets done at all. You are inspired, you feel great but those vital steps to get you started just never happen. “This idea is good but so is this one…what if I created both that would be amazing. I could …..”and so on.

I saw a great presentation once that ended in someone lighting a candle and then asking the audience “So I’d like you to close your eyes and imagine blowing out this candle” Everone closed their eyes. “Now, keeping your eyes shut really believe you can blow out the candle” Then when the audience opened their eyes they saw that the candle was still burning brightly. “Well,” said the presenter “You can think and believe things will happen but it’s only when you take action that things will really change - phuff!” (He blew out the clandle)

Creating a design with each section divided into small chunks can be very liberating. All those ideas suddenly become focused into a plan of action. You begin to see clearly which steps you need to take first, which ideas link into others and then you’re head becomes less cluttered. You have a real plan that works for you and keeps you focused.

Think about what kind of design would work for you to create your ideas on. I choose circles but several of my clients chose blocks, clouds, petals etc. Then place them one on top of the other leaving spaces in between and joining them with arrows asending. Leave enough space in each circle (your design) so that you can write about 5-6 bullet points. I divide mine into months using about 4-5 bullet points for each week.

I am looking at my asending circles as I write this. It is pinned to my corkboard in front of me. I have written goals for each month so that I keep to my schedule. Some ideas are colour coded as this helps me to link my ideas and see the progression.

Ideas, possibilities and projects need not be a chore. You can achange your designs to suit your mood or a particular project. One of my associates liked the simplicity of planning circles and now uses them to help his staff focus their ideas and plan projects. The applications are enless. Give it a try - turn your possibilities and good ideas into a planning design of your choice.

Jackie Arnold