Tactical Action Plan
​Build a Roadmap for Focused Recovery Success​

• Self-Assessment: Evaluate current physical, emotional, and mental health status through structured questionnaires or journaling to identify strengths and areas needing support.
• Energy Audit: Track daily energy levels to understand patterns of fatigue and peak performance times, critical for pacing activities during recovery.
• Perceived Stress Assessment: Use tools like the Perceived Stress Scale to gauge stress levels, identifying triggers such as medical appointments or social pressures.
• Values Assessment: Reflect on personal values (e.g., family, independence, health) to align recovery goals with what matters most to the survivor.
• Health and Medical Context: Review medical history, current treatment plans, and side effects with healthcare providers to ensure the plan aligns with medical needs.
• Resource Inventory: Assess available support systems (e.g., family, support groups, healthcare access) and limitations (e.g., financial constraints, mobility issues).

• Task List: Translate SMART goals into specific tasks, such as scheduling physical therapy, joining a support group, or practicing mindfulness for stress reduction.
• Transform Goals Into Key Performance Indicators for Recovery: Define measurable indicators, such as number of steps walked, hours of restful sleep, or reduced stress scores, to track progress.
• 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle): Focus on the 20% of actions (e.g., nutrition, rest, gentle exercise) that yield 80% of recovery benefits to maximize efficiency.
• Assign Responsibilities: Involve caregivers, healthcare professionals, or support group members for tasks like transportation to appointments or accountability for goals.

5. Create a Timeline

• Daily Startup Checklist: Develop a morning routine checklist (e.g., hydration, light stretching, medication reminders) to set a positive tone for the day.
• Calendar Integration: Schedule tasks, medical appointments, and self-care activities on a calendar, ensuring balance between activity and rest.
• Milestone Planning: Set weekly (e.g., complete 3 exercise sessions) and monthly (e.g., attend a survivorship workshop) milestones to maintain momentum.
• Flexibility for Recovery: Include buffer time for unexpected fatigue or medical needs, adjusting timelines based on energy levels and treatment schedules.

6. Allocate Resources

• Resource Identification: Secure access to recovery tools, such as nutrition plans, physical therapy, or mental health resources like counseling or meditation apps.
• Support Systems: Engage family, friends, or cancer survivor networks for emotional and practical support, ensuring clear communication of needs.
• Financial and Medical Resources: Work with healthcare providers or social workers to access financial aid, insurance coverage, or community resources for survivors.
• Resource Monitoring: Track usage of time, energy, and funds to avoid overextension, prioritizing energy allocation for high-impact recovery tasks.

7. Implement the Plan

• Task List Execution: Use a daily task list to guide actions, focusing on small, achievable steps to build confidence and momentum.
• Pacing for Recovery: Start with low-effort tasks (e.g., short walks, journaling) and gradually increase intensity based on energy audit results.
• Communication: As appropriate, share the plan with healthcare providers, family, and support groups to ensure alignment and encouragement.
  
• Regular Check-Ins: Schedule periodic meetings with a healthcare provider or support group to review progress and address challenges.

8. Monitor and Evaluate

• Tracking Progress: Use a chosen Tracking App or system (e.g., journal, mobile app like MyCancerCoach, or spreadsheets) to log daily activities, energy levels, and stress scores.
• Review KPIs: Regularly assess progress against KPIs, such as improvements in physical endurance, sleep quality, or emotional resilience.
• Feedback Loops: Collect input from healthcare providers or support groups to refine the plan, addressing any setbacks like treatment side effects.
• Post-Action Reviews: After each milestone, reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how to adjust (e.g., reducing task load if fatigue persists).
• Document Lessons: Keep a recovery journal to note successes (e.g., completing a week of exercise) and challenges (e.g., managing stress triggers) for future planning.
• Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge small victories, such as completing a daily checklist or reaching a monthly goal, to maintain motivation.