Featured image by Vlada Karpovich

If you are currently reading this, chances are you are feeling a little stuck– or you’ve at least felt that way before. Most of us have been at a point where we feel like we are constantly busy but somehow never really getting anything done. Between classes, internships, part-time jobs, and trying to prepare for the next steps in your career, it can sometimes feel like too much to juggle. Whether you’re in college or starting in an entry-level job, it’s overwhelming when you’re not completely sure of what you are doing or how to manage it all. 

I had heard of action plans here and there, but I never actually took the time to understand what they were. Honestly, being a busy student sometimes makes you feel like you barely have time to do the bare minimum, let alone plan out every step. But once I finally sat down to learn what an action plan was, I realized it wasn’t just another thing to add to my workload. It was actually a way to ease it. Because instead of writing down everything you need to do, like a regular to-do list, you’re planning how you’re going to do it. 

 

What is an Action Plan? 

So, what exactly is an action plan? Sure, it sounds pretty self-explanatory, but there are some key elements that you won’t want to leave out. Think of it as a roadmap that takes those big, overwhelming goals and breaks them down into smaller, more manageable steps. 

A lot of people compare action plans to to-do lists, but they’re actually quite different. A to-do list is just a basic set of reminders for what you need to get done, without a plan on how to do it. They’re usually written in no particular order and can feel overwhelming when you don’t even know where to start. 

An action plan, on the other hand, is way more intentional than a to-do list. It helps you pinpoint what you want to accomplish, how you’re going to do it, and when you’re going to do it. 

 

Why it Matters for Students and Young Professionals

You might be wondering, “Am I supposed to use action plans instead of to-do lists all the time?” The answer is no– keep making your to-do lists. But when it comes to your bigger goals or those weeks that just feel overwhelming, an action plan can make a huge difference.  

As a student or someone starting out in your career, you’re juggling a lot. New responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations can quickly pile up. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all these new tasks. That’s when you can use an action plan. They help you organize your thoughts and create a clear path forward without burning yourself out. 

Here are a few ways action plans can help you: 

• Reduce procrastination
• Keep you focused 
• Manage your time better

At the end of the day, action plans are like your right-hand man, turning that never-ending list of things to do into something manageable and achievable. 

 

Action Plans in a Group Setting 

At times, organizing a group project can feel daunting. Action plans are a perfect starting point to create structure for the group. They help outline specific tasks for everyone involved. It allows you to set clear deadlines and assign responsibility to team members. This creates smaller, more manageable tasks that work towards an overall goal. Action plans help create an efficient and collaborative working environment for all teams!

 

How to Write a Simple Action Plan

There are six basic and crucial steps in creating an action plan. Let’s break them down:

• Project Goal: What exactly are you trying to accomplish? Make sure your goal is clear and specific.

• Action Items and Steps: What smaller steps can you take to effectively make progress? Break it down into realistic and manageable steps so you know where to start.

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): How will you track your progress? Think about ways to measure if your action plan is working.

• Resources: What do you need to reach this goal? List out anything that will help you succeed.

• Responsible Persons: Who is doing what? If this is just for you, it’s simple. However, if you decide to try an action plan in a group setting, clearly define everyone’s responsibilities to avoid confusion later on.

• Date of Completion: When does this need to be done? If it’s an assignment, you’ll have a due date. If not, set your own to keep yourself accountable.

At the end of the day, action plans aren’t meant to complicate your life. Think of them as a tool to help you become the best, most efficient version of yourself. Whether you’re trying to finish assignments, keep up with work tasks, or tackle personal goals, action plans are there to be your right-hand man!

Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to create an action plan for yourself. Remember, it’s not about having everything figured out– it’s about making sure you’re not feeling stuck anymore and giving yourself a clear way to move forward. 

What’s one goal you would like to create an action plan for? Tell us in the comments!

 

Author Bio:

Liliana Marquez is a current student at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Digital Marketing. Liliana was a 2025 intern with the National Institute for Social Media, where she had the incredible opportunity to enhance her marketing/social media skills throughout the summer.

Connect with Lili on LinkedIn!