Final answer:
The first step in the planning process is to define your objectives, which sets the stage for creating a specific and achievable action plan based on the 5 W's principle and making goals SMART.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in the planning process is to define your objectives. This is where you make your goal specific and consider the 5 W's: Who is involved, What you want to accomplish, Where it will occur When it needs to be completed, and Why you are pursuing this goal. It's about setting a clear direction for your actions and establishing achievable and appropriate targets that will guide you in deciding how to achieve these goals. By defining your objectives first, you create a foundation for an Action Plan that will consist of specific steps to reach your goals.
Once your goals are set and made SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), you can then move on to other steps like identifying unknowns, analyzing the problem, understanding the current landscape, and devising a roadmap for the future, which may include making sacrifices for the greater good or anticipating situations that have not yet arisen. This process is intrinsic to ensuring that your plan is robust and responsive to opportunities and challenges ahead.