GET CLEAR ON YOUR CURRENT STATE by reflecting on your wins and past challenges that still impact your current situation, including any recent events; 

EVALUATE WHAT'S WORKING AND WHAT ISN'T so that you know what to leverage even more and where to consider new opportunities;

DECIDE WHERE YOU WANT TO BE AND HOW YOU'RE GOING TO GET THERE by coming up with your version of the future and a plan that encompasses the milestones aligned with your overarching goals;

SIFT THROUGH PRIORITIES AND COMPETING NEEDS to ensure your goals are achievable within the timeframe (this is crucial because it sets you and your organization up for success from the get-go); or

MAP OUT HOW TO CLEARLY AND EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATE YOUR PLAN TO OTHERS so you can get the required buy-in; this reduces the wondering and pondering significantly as everyone is on board and knows exactly what to do by when.