Summarize next steps quickly with this simple layout to jot down tasks, owners, and due dates
An action plan is your personal roadmap to success — turning ambitious ideas into clear, manageable tasks. Rather than wandering through vague concepts, an action plan sharpens your focus, keeps you organized, and ensures consistent progress. Whether it's for a big project or a personal goal, this is your step-by-step guide to turning vision into action.
Mural’s action plan template helps you track progress, set deadlines, and stay accountable. It’s the difference between saying “someday” and actually making things happen. Ready to get started?
Benefits of an action plan
With an action plan, you’re able to set clear goals and break them down into actionable steps everyone can get behind.
Use an action plan template to help prioritize tasks and set realistic deadlines so you can make your team more efficient.
Since 95% of people believe their businesses could improve their communication, your team can use an action plan to boost your alignment on project goals and strategic direction.
How to use Mural’s action plan template
Step 1: Set your objective
When creating an action plan, clearly define the goal using the SMART method.
Step 2: Break down tasks
List tasks and subtasks in the action items section.
Step 3: Assign and schedule
Assign team members and set deadlines with sticky notes and color codes.
Step 4: Track progress
Use icons and status markers to monitor progress and adjust timelines.
Step 5: Collaborate and review
Collaborate with your team in real time, review your action plan template regularly, and celebrate completed tasks.
Here’s an example of a completed action plan in Mural.
Tips on how to make an action plan
Define clear goals: You can’t achieve anything if there aren’t clear goals around it. Make sure to sit down with your team to solidify your goals so you can make a sound action plan.
Track your progress: As you’re implementing your action plan, don’t forget to track your progress against what you’ve set out. That way, you’ll be able to strategically plan your next move.
Start with a vision statement: Craft a brief vision statement that encapsulates the "why" behind your goal. Don’t be afraid to create a vision board if you need it!
An action plan is like a roadmap for achieving a goal. It outlines the steps you need to take to get from where you are now to where you want to be. Think of it as a list of tasks, deadlines, and who’s responsible for each task. It helps you stay organized and focused, making sure you know exactly what to do next.
Here are several action plan examples:
Project Launch Plan
Objective: Successfully introduce a new product to the market.
Action Steps:
Establish product specifications and scope within the next week.
Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy, identifying target demographics and messaging, to be completed in two weeks.
Create a detailed project timeline, highlighting key milestones from development through to launch.
Schedule weekly progress meetings to ensure alignment and address any emerging challenges.
Risk Management Plan
Objective: Effectively mitigate project risks.
Action Steps:
Conduct a risk assessment workshop to identify potential risks within the next month.
Categorize and prioritize risks based on their impact and probability.
Develop mitigation strategies for high-priority risks and assign ownership for ongoing monitoring.
Review the risk management plan bi-weekly to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
Team Development Plan
Objective: Enhance team skills and overall performance.
Action Steps:
Perform a skills gap analysis to identify areas for improvement within the team.
Organize targeted training sessions or workshops based on the analysis, to be scheduled quarterly.
Implement regular team-building activities to foster collaboration and improve communication.
Collect feedback post-training to refine and enhance future development initiatives.
Budget Management Plan
Objective: Maintain financial control within project parameters.
Action Steps:
Finalize the project budget by the end of the first month of the project.
Monitor expenses on a weekly basis, comparing them against the budgeted figures.
Conduct monthly budget review meetings with stakeholders to discuss variances and necessary adjustments.
Update forecasts based on spending patterns and project developments to ensure accurate financial planning.
Ready to see what everyone’s talking about?
Over 95% of the Fortune 100 use Mural to get things done.
No credit card required
