Are you failing to plan or planning to fail?
Planning to Fail?
"plans are useless, but planning is indispensable"
Dwight Eisenhower
A short thought from me this week on the virtues and villainy of the plan.
Whether it's your daily to do list or your bucket list, chances are at some point you've lived and died by a list.
I am one of those people. Playing the role of 'The Organised One' in most of my friendship groups, my plans, lists and spreadsheets are numerous and renowned.
But recently I've experienced great angst by some of the lists I wrote earlier this year, ones where I haven't achieved what I set out to. All of which is leaving me feeling a little flat and struggling to plan for future for fear of not achieving those things either (because obviously I've 'failed' this year...).
So when I came across the above quote from General Eisenhower (who knew a thing or two about planning) I felt relieved.
The fact I had a plan in the first place allowed me to start and move in the right direction, even if the path ultimately deviated. I just need to get better at revisiting plans and coming back to original goals/objectives to make sure any deviations are the right ones.
So whether you're planning your career or your next BBQ, focus on the process of planning; the act of setting your objectives, critically examining options, deciding on different paths and creating timelines.
Break the plan into mini-milestones and come back to revisit this regularly - are you still on track? Have you succumbed to shiny-object syndrome? What needs to stop/start/continue to get you back on (and stay) on target?
But whatever you do, don't stop planning.
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."
Chinese Proverb
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