Create A Plan for Your Project
Not everyone needs a project plan. A yellow pad with a numbered list is enough for many people. If so, jump and get going!
But if you’re someone with a lot of ideas, like to be organized and keep things in their lane, a simple written plan might be perfect for you.
Here’s the outline below for a great MAD Plan. You can copy and paste this into a Word doc, and you’re ready to go!
All you need to do is answer the questions in the plan as simply as possible. Ultimately, you may do several drafts of this plan. But the idea is to make it so simple that you can get started with one or two actions right away.
Planning is often simpler than it appears. All you are doing is taking an idea and then fleshing it out until it’s something you can move forward with. Don’t make this any more complicated than it really is!
I also suggest you dedicate a folder to your M.A.D. Plan on your computer and the simply place the files related to this project in that folder. This makes it easy to keep track of things.
Your M.A.D. Plan:
Name of Your Project:
What do you want to call this effort? Give it a name that inspires you.
1. What’s the Difference I Want to Make?
Describe the change or impact you want to see—no matter how big or small.
Examples: Help one neighbor feel less alone. Clean up a local trail. Start a community meal night.
2. Why This Matters to Me
Write a few words about why you care. This will keep you grounded when it gets tough.
3. Who Might Benefit?
Who are you hoping to help, serve, support, or uplift?
4. First Tiny Step
What can you do this week to begin? Keep it doable.
Example: Call someone. Send one email. Write out your idea in more detail.
5. Milestones or Checkpoints
What are a few key steps or goals you’d like to hit over time?
These could be dates, tasks, or events. Keep it flexible.
6. Support Team
Who can support or encourage you? List 1–3 people you can check in with.
7. Potential Obstacles
What might get in the way? Time, doubt, confusion, overwhelm? List it—and be honest.
8. How I’ll Stay on Track
List what will help you stay connected to your purpose.
Examples: Weekly check-ins, reminders, joining the MAD Zooms, journaling, rewards.
9. How Will I Know I Made a Difference?
What will be the signs that your project is working? Don’t overthink it—trust your gut.
10. Notes & Inspiration
Use this space for ideas, names, places, quotes, or anything else that keeps the spark alive.
Again, just copy and paste this plan into a Word.doc and start filling it in.
Overview of the MAD Team Process
Plan your MAD Project