Whether your purpose is to create a dynamic service project or achieve the highest possible grade in a given subject, effective planning can make all the difference to the outcome. 

It's easy for students to become overwhelmed by the amount of work on their plate- which is all the more reason to be able to plan effectively in order to reach yor goals.

That's where the 5-point Plan comes into effect.

Step 1 is the easy part: Purpose. That means knowing what you want to achieve. Let's say you want to get high grades for essay writing in your history class. That is a clear purpose. 

Step 2: Vision. High grades are your purpose, but how will you achieve that purpose? Now you use your imagination and inspiration: you're going to write a brilliant American History essay. You can see yourself walking out of school with a huge smile on your face, having gotten an A. Being able to visualize that outcome gives you the fuel to take the next step. What are you going to write about?

Step 3: Ideas. Now you take time to clear your mind and allow every possible idea for essay topics to flood in. You write them all down, eliminating nothing. You stop when the flood stops. 

Step 4: Structure. You have all these ideas- now comes the critical part. You're going to use your judgment and discretion to pick the best idea you have, and begin. But how to begin?

No matter what the endeavor, those who can come up with a clear, concise plan and then execute it without distraction often end up traveling the furthest.