An Action Plan? It’s Not Always the Answer

You make a plan – but it doesn’t help

December is often a time to reflect and look ahead. You think about what you want to change, improve, or achieve in the new year. Maybe you even create a list. You set goals. You make an action plan. Because that gives direction – right?

But sometimes, it doesn’t. Maybe you’ve experienced this before: you write down what you want to change, but it stays vague. Or it’s very specific – like wanting to be more creative at work, switch jobs, feel more seen, reduce stress, or take the next step in your career. But then… nothing happens. You keep putting it off. You’re not sure how to tackle it. Or it just doesn’t seem realistic. Maybe the leap feels too big – or too scary.

Why planning sometimes doesn’t work

An action plan only helps if you already know what you need – and where you want to go. But often, that’s the problem. You know something has to change, but you’re not sure what. Or maybe you do have a hunch, but you can’t picture what it would look like in real life. Maybe it doesn’t feel like the right moment. Maybe you’re tired. Uncertain. Uninspired. And deep down, you know: there’s something more going on. That action plan? It’s just a distraction.

You want to do more creative work – but there’s no room for that in your current role. You feel unseen at work and think a promotion will help – but you actually don’t enjoy taking on more responsibility. Or you make a list of job search tasks – while secretly wondering whether you want to leave at all. In those cases, a plan isn’t a solution. It’s an escape. You’re trying to fix something – without really knowing what the problem is.

Sometimes the answer lies elsewhere

So what does help? Sometimes, the best thing you can do is slow down. Take a breath. Pause and reflect. What’s draining you? What’s missing? What’s the longing underneath it all? What do you need to find your direction again?

That might sound like “doing nothing” – but it’s not. It’s slowing down so you don’t miss the turn that’s right for you. It’s listening to yourself, instead of asking someone else what you should do.

Sometimes you don’t need to do something – but to see something differently. Or relate to something in a new way. Or come to terms with something. Or let go. These aren’t actions you can tick off a list – but they often make the biggest difference.

And yes, sometimes you do need to take action – but your plan is just too big. A series of small steps can take you much further. And along the way, unexpected things can happen: a colleague invites you to join a project. A job opening comes along at just the right time. Or you realise you’re ready to try something you never dared consider before.

What coaching can do

Coaching helps you pause – without getting stuck. It helps you ask better questions – and find the answers that truly fit you. It supports you in exploring what you need – and whether that’s a plan, or something else entirely.

Coaching isn’t just another resolution. But it can be the beginning of something new. Especially if you don’t know where to start.

Curious whether coaching might help? Read more about my approach or book a free consultation – we’ll explore what works for you.

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