PLANNING CHANGE

Managing an action plan begins by setting some specific, attainable goals
(or, "objectives"), and then doing some testing of the pros and cons of your
projections. It is only then, that you can begin to see whether or not your
dreams for the future are based on realistic, achievable, and, possible
changes.

As you begin to set your goals, test your dreams, and initiate the proposed
changes consider the following. Walt had (and still has) the overall plan of
increasing his musical repertoire. (After all, he wanted to go beyond
fiddling "Father's Whiskers," which is the sample song you can access from
Grandfolkies main page). But, in the example given, please note how he sets
a very specific goal, and works toward it, to arrive at a successful
conclusion.

Our example: (Walt): I like to play folk music on my fiddle,
and when I hear a tune that I especially like and want to learn, I begin to
visualize myself playing it. I can almost hear what I want from musical
back-up accompaniment.

I make a conscious plan: I acquire a recording that includes that tune. I
make a copy of the melody on one of my "Fiddle Tunes" tapes. I listen to it
many times over. As the tape plays, I begin to "scratch" it out on the
fiddle. Then, I start to play each section, always checking back with the
recording, until, finally, I have mastered it (or, at least, can play a
passable version of it!).

Eventually, I try it out with my musical friends. If they like it, we work
out a rendition together. (If they don't, it then remains one that I enjoy
playing just for myself!) Finally, we include it in our repertoire, and work
it into a performance program.

My state of "musical equilibrium" returns, until I hear another tune which I
"must" learn!

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Goal-setting is an essential step in planning change successfully. Your
goal(s) should be realistic, to some extent measurable, and always
results-oriented.

A sound goal is a very specific statement of the end result you want to
achieve. There are overall "grand" considerations, as well as the many "nuts
and bolts," practical factors which must be taken into account.

Most important of all, of course, is the basic question:
Is your desired goal a sound one? Is it attainable and realistic? Will it
fulfill the vision of change you have in your mind?

Having visualized a change or changes you would like to make, your next step
is to plan your change by defining and clarifying one or more sound goals.

Last revised: 28 October 2016. Conditions of Use.
Copyright © 2001-2016 by The Jack Horntip Collection.

1: http://www.horntip.com