In this article, we'll talk about how to...

In a previous blog series, I talked about The Art of Steady Progress. This is the idea that we take small steps every day towards our goals.

Creating an action plan is about figuring out what those small steps will be.

We use the Pareto principle and Kaizen to plan out what steps will move them forward faster. And with more ease and fun.

Depending on the type of coaching you're doing, you might have a step-by-step plan for every client. Or you might need to co-create the plan with your client.

For example, in my one-on-one coaching program, The Coaches Accelerator, I have a step-by-step plan that my clients follow. I do this because each step builds on the one before it.

My clients choose their ONE transformation and ONE ideal client avatar before they design their ONE coaching methodology.

They design their ONE coaching methodology before they package and price their coaching.

And they don't focus on marketing until they have their niche, coaching methodology, and coaching packages in place.

They do it in this order because each step builds on the one before it.

I created it this way because it's the fastest and most effective way I know of to build a coaching business.

Your coaching might not need such a step-by-step building process.

For example, if you're a weight loss coach, it may not matter if you work on exercise or nutrition first.

You may have your recommendations, but it may be more important to let the client decide. And then co-create the plan from there.

You may have projects that you and your client work on. These may include meal planning, building good habits, and developing an exercise routine.

Then the action plan would include deciding what they'll work on first, second, and so on. And creating projects from those priorities.

Whether you create the same step-by-step action plan for every client or co-create the plan with each client, it's always important to have a plan.

This will help your clients make steady progress towards their goals.

And most importantly, get to the other side of the transformation.

When you're mapping out the action plan, keep in mind that small chunks of doable action work best. Overload your client and they'll get discouraged. Don't give them enough action steps and they'll get bored or distracted by other things.

For example, in The Coaches Accelerator, Step 3: Design Your ONE Coaching Methodology is a bit of a beastie. And I let my clients know that. 

But I also do my best to lay it out step-by-step so they can create a coaching methodology that is unique and allows them to stand out. And help them become the best coach they can be.

And once they dial in their coaching methodology, they can create magic. Because it's also the foundation for all their marketing and sales efforts.

As you map out your plans, ask yourself the following questions to help you create action plans that are doable and fun for your client...

These questions will help you create plans that are perfectly aligned with the transformation you provide and the best way to help your client make that transformation.