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We’ve all been there: you create a strategic plan with every intention of making this the year your business takes off. But a few months later, that carefully crafted plan is buried in a drawer, collecting dust alongside last year’s resolutions and your gym membership card. Creating a strategic plan is great—but only if it actually gets used! Let’s look at how to build a plan that stays front and center, not lost in the clutter.
1. Set Goals That Actually Matter
One reason strategic plans end up in the “forgotten” pile is that they’re filled with vague, uninspiring goals. If your plan includes gems like “improve everything” or “make more money,” it’s destined for the drawer. Instead, focus on goals that really matter to your business and are specific enough to track.
For instance, “increase website traffic by 25%” or “launch a new product by Q3” are clear and motivating. Specific goals make it easy to measure progress and, more importantly, give you and your team something tangible to strive for.
2. Break It Down (No, Not Like That)
We’ve all been overwhelmed by a huge project. Your strategic plan is no different: if it’s packed with lofty, long-term goals but lacks actionable steps, it’s intimidating and easy to ignore. Break down big goals into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of “increase sales by 30%,” list specific actions like “hire a new salesperson,” “run three promotional campaigns,” or “improve customer service response time.”
Think of it like building a Lego set: one brick at a time. Breaking down goals into actionable steps keeps things moving and makes the big picture feel more achievable.
3. Put It Somewhere You’ll Actually See It
If your plan goes straight into a drawer, it’s out of sight, out of mind. Instead, make it visible! Keep a copy on your desk, pin it on the wall, or save it as a prominent file on your desktop. Better yet, create a one-page version with key goals and actions for easy reference.
Seeing your plan regularly will remind you of what you’re working toward, making it far harder to forget about. And if it’s visible to the team, even better—shared accountability keeps everyone on track.
4. Schedule Check-Ins (Not Just for Emergencies)
Your strategic plan isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation. Schedule regular check-ins to review your progress, adjust goals if necessary, and keep everyone aligned. Think of these meetings as taking your plan out for a little exercise—keeps it fresh, updated, and far from that dusty drawer.
Monthly or quarterly reviews work well, letting you see what’s working, what’s not, and where you need to adjust. Plus, it’s an opportunity to celebrate any small wins along the way.
5. Celebrate the Progress
A surefire way to keep your strategic plan from becoming a forgotten relic is to make it fun! When you hit milestones or complete tasks, celebrate them. Take a team lunch, give a shoutout, or share a victory gif in your Slack channel. Recognizing progress keeps everyone motivated and makes the plan feel like a living, breathing part of your business.
Conclusion: Keep It Active and Dust-Free
A strategic plan doesn’t belong in a drawer—it’s meant to be a roadmap, not a relic. By setting clear goals, breaking down tasks, keeping it visible, scheduling check-ins, and celebrating progress, you can build a plan that drives real action. Say goodbye to the dusty drawer and hello to a strategic plan that works!
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