If you want to create a personal development plan that helps you to actually achieve your goals, solid preparation is the answer.

Preparation already starts with your interest in reading this article, so you are already a good step ahead! However, there is a bit more to it.

So, what if I showed you how to use some great preparation techniques to create a powerful personal development plan that guides you along the way to your goals?

UPDATE: For a little personal development plan 101, check out this presentation first.

You ask: What is a personal development plan?

The official Wikipedia answer on the process around the personal development plan is the following: Personal development planning is the process of creating an action plan based on awareness, values, reflection, goal-setting and planning for personal development within the context of a career, education, relationship or for self-improvement. (source).

In my simple terms: A personal development plan is an action plan that gets you from where you are right now to where you want to be in future. This can incorporate learning hard skills (like project management skills) as well as soft skills (like active listening).

Is this a bit clearer now?

Is it complicated to create a personal development plan? It can be. Everything can be complicated. For me, it is also a matter of mindset. So.

Think of two benefits right now. Ready?

There can be huge benefits, both for you as well as your employer, if everything works out as planned. In case you finish this course as a project management professional, for instance, you can be referred to as the project management expert within your company and be engaged in different interesting projects. Added values for both parties.

In general, there are three types of motivation to create a personal development plan:

But the question remains, how can you do it?

When I create a personal development plan, I use the following questions as a guideline to prepare myself best and to make this plan as useful as possible. Otherwise, I risk to lose the red thread. No matter how much motivation I have, without a logic plan, I am not getting very far.

Refer to the top of this article, if you need some tips.

There are commonly five to seven main categories of a personal development plan:

If business related, this will likely depend upon the circumstances. Is this plan related to your annual objectives? Has it been triggered during a training? During a 360 Feedback process? In all cases, you should be informed in advance.

Finally, yes, I believe plans should not only consist of words and numbers. Make a drawing on a separate page, just for your personal use. Draw an image or a symbol that you link with your desired outcome of the plan. It does not have to be pretty.

Follow the planning, aim for some progress, not perfection by tomorrow. You will be more satisfied and therefore more motivated to keep going.

If you are wondering what you need to succeed with your plan? You might like to read some techniques that I put in place. Last, but not least, do not forget to reward yourself every once in a while!

Has the question on What is a personal development plan? been answered for you? What do you think about such a detailed preparation? Does this make sense?

Leave a comment!

Image credit: iStockphoto (claylib)

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