Ponderings (December 2006) - “PLAN”

According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary …

Plan is “… a method for achieving an end; a detailed formulation of a program of action; goal; aim; an orderly arrangement of parts of an overall design or objective; a detailed program”

Sharing my thoughts …

As 2007 draws near I imagine the possibilities for the new year and I create a vision of what could be.  Of course, little will happen with my vision if I don’t have a plan of action.  So after I create my vision, my next step is to create a plan.  The plan acts as my map, helping me to stay on course and get back on track when I encounter roadblocks and detours along the way.  Creating and following a plan provides focus and helps me to be proactive, rather than reactive, with my life.  Some years I have used a plan and some I have not.  Without a doubt, the years I have followed my plan have been much more successful and satisfying than those that I’ve skipped.  It takes a bit of effort and time to plan; but, it’s worth it in the long run!

Questions to ponder …

1. What prevents you from planning?
2. How and when will you plan for 2007?
3. Who is or can be your role model for planning?
4. How can you make planning a regular part of your life?
5. When was the last time you created and followed a plan?
6. How do you know if and when your plan needs to be modified?
7. What do you see as the benefits of creating and following a plan?
8. How often do you check in with your plan and measure your progress?
9. Approximately how much time do you spend planning each year, month, week?
10. What written format can you use that will motivate you to create and follow a plan?

Related quotes …

Always plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.  [Richard C Cushing]

If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan.  And guess what they have planned for you?  Not much.  [Jim Rohn]

Happy people plan actions, they don't plan results.  [Dennis Wholey]

Reduce your plan to writing.  The moment you complete this, you will have definitely given concrete form to the intangible desire.  [Napoleon Hill]

I would rather have a good plan today than a perfect plan two weeks from now. [George S. Patton]