Whether you are setting a goal to become a cancer registrar, take your certification (CTR) exam, or you want to enhance your cancer registry skills, you will need to create an action plan.  At first this sounds like a huge project, but it really is just a few simple steps.

Grab a 3×5 index card, something to write with and sit in your favorite chair.  Now, just take a few minutes to think about what it is you want to accomplish.  Now, at the top of the card write down, in one or two brief sentences, your goal.

Now, under your goal, write down at least one, no more than three, individual action items or steps to take to accomplish the goal.  Once you’ve completed this part of the process you’re already way ahead of the “average” person.  But, don’t stop.  Keep going!

You’ve got your action plan in front of you, but who is going to help or mentor you along the way.  Just by asking someone to help you stay accountable to your goal improves your chances of actually reaching it.  Who are you comfortable with?  Who understands your work and what you want to accomplish?  Who will be honest and straight forward with you?  Think of this person and write their name on the bottom of the card.

Your last action is to ask that person to help you.  That’s all there is to it.  Just ask.  Even the most successful people have mentors and others in their life who help them stay focused and moving forward.  The cancer registry profession is complex and changing rapidly, so why would you want to do this alone or jeopardize your ultimate success by isolating yourself from your peers?

Share your card, even make a photocopy of it, or email it, to your friend and mentor.  Touch base with them routinely to update your progress and to solicit their feedback or suggestions.  I guarantee if you do this you will see benefit and feel more successful about your plan and goal.

Congratulations!  You’ve taken the first steps to achieving greater success!  You have a plan and it is something you can monitor and track.  Keep your card with you at all times and refer to it often.  Update your progress as you go along.  When you do reach your goal, celebrate you’re your friend or mentor.

At any point along the way, if there is something that I can do to help you achieve your goal please contact me.  I would welcome the privilege to be your friend or mentor.  You can also learn more about goal setting on our other blog by clicking here.

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Michele Webb creator of the cancer registrar continuing education program, http://www.RegistryMindset.com  is a nationally recognized, certified cancer registrar, committed to Cancer Registry leadership and professional education as a coach, mentor, motivational speaker and author.  You have permission to repost this article as long as do not alter it in any way and give a link back and credit to the author and this URL.