This chapter examines the paradigm shift in general surgery residency from the traditional time-based Halstedian model to Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME). It introduces the Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) as a critical instrument for navigating this evolution, ensuring residents meet the rigorous standards of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Board of Surgery (ABS). We detail the anatomy of an effective ILP, which bridges abstract educational Milestones and Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) with concrete, actionable SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) goals. Contrary to the perception of ILPs as strictly remedial tools, the chapter advocates for a universal implementation strategy that supports the development of all trainees—from high-performers seeking career refinement to residents requiring intensive remediation. By providing a practical framework for faculty mentorship and program integration, the text demonstrates how ILPs cultivate a culture of reflective practice and lifelong learning.