Planning

We all heard a goal needs a plan, and that a dream without a plan is just that: a dream. How do we make this idea more than a dream?

The action is in the planning. The greater action is in breaking down the planning. The greatest action is in the doing. The “doing”, I will save for another article. Here we will talk about planning.

When it comes to planning, I like to break it down in three categories to plan for:

• The good

• The bad

• The uncertain

Simple enough, right?

On our plate (in our head) is a goal. We created a due date of that goal to be six months from now. Today, we decide what actions to take towards that goal and tomorrow we start with the actions.

First, the good.

Here is all the work that needs to be done, connections that need to be made, knowledge that needs to be learned, etc. Essentially, the work. Our ultimate goal is going to bring about good, so, this is the good that needs to be done to get there. A plan is made on what tasks will be needed to achieve the goal, how these tasks will be achieved, and when they will be achieved.

Your overall “good” plan is your Plan A. Whether you are into having a Plan B and so on, or not, it all stems from plan A. That is what you attack. Before attacking though, there are two more categories to plan for.

Second on the list, the bad.

It would be great if everything went according to plan. Unfortunately (or fortunately!), there are “bad” happenings. This is what we do about them - a plan is made now so we are ready to pivot later if need be. No need to go into a list of roadblocks that can happen in the next six months, we can think of them and we can plan for them. Quite frankly, they do not have to fall in the bad category either. For example, a wedding or new addition to the family, is the best news! At times though, these may interfere with our planned to path in achieving our goal.

The exercise now is to come up with instances that can possibly derail your Plan A, AND a plan of action that will be done if they occur. In this exercise, spending less time on the possible derailments, and more time on the pivoting actions, is what will be most beneficial in planning for the “bad”. Now you are so close to taking that first step on day 1, just one more occurrence to plan for.

The uncertain.

We know what needs to be done to get through to the finish line, and we know what to do if there is a barrier along the way to continue on through to the finish line, as well. Last planning exercise, one cannot think about it or plan for it because we simply do not know what will come our way. That is life, and life happens.

So, what do we plan for? Our mindset. Our empathy. Our compassion. It is inevitable that something is going to pop up in the next six months that we did not account for. We take this time to realize that we did our due diligence in planning. We appreciate the fact that we are ready to set out for an admirable. We acknowledge our courage in that. We acknowledge that we are human and will make mistakes. It is ok to have an off day because we already had those, and we had and will continue to have great days. We make the day.

With the uncertain, it is important to believe in yourself before even taking that first step towards the goal and believe that whatever unforeseen occurrence comes along the way, we will believe in ourselves then as much as we did on day 1. And if maybe one does not fully believe in themselves, here is a secret: the simple fact that this goal is in your head means that you are capable. Take a step.

Planning has been done and one is now ready to take that step and has a solid playbook with them for the road ahead. Notice how all of this planning is an action in and of itself – one that you spent a great deal of time and energy on. This means it can be followed without hesitancy. Of course, continue to gather new information and apply it towards the plan, but know you have a great foundation.

The goal may be six months away from now – to get there we need today, then tomorrow, and so on.

A plan is made – go get it.