Why Planning

Plan-- To intend.  Method to achieve.  Program to accomplish.

Going shopping?  Make a list.
Need to be at work early tomorrow?  Plan to go to bed early.

Even spontaneous actions seem to be executed with a plan.
Let's run after the seagulls gathered on the beach NOW!!  As you run you think about when you'll slow down.  They start to fly off in obvious fashion.  If you can find any beach wood you can chuck it for additional harassment. Is there any other way you can get any closer, cut them off, really outwit them?  No, they are birds, but it was fun to be foolish. ...at least I thought so last week...

-{Sunset right before the seagull chasing}-

There is a basic law out there about planning.  You've heard it a million times.  I won't even say it.
But here's the reality:  Without plans we are aimless.  Life just happens to us.  Most of us can plan to eat because there's a relatively immediate consequence if we don't.  If your somewhat disciplined, you'll do the laundry every week so that you have an unbroken supply of clean garb.

Now let's take it to the next level.  Those who plan and execute consistently enjoy accomplishments of every type.  Want results?  Make a plan.

How you plan and how you like to execute determine the kind of results you produce.  Everyone's MO is different.  But here's me...

I have a 10 year plan and a plan for the evening.  But I also have plans for HOW I'll do something because I take joy in having done something well.  I don't want my parsley to just grow, I want it to thrive.  When I purchase my next vehicle I plan to buy a year old, focus on safety and utility, and really find a 'deal'.  I learn a tax planning technique and it gets put in a document that goes in a folder that will be accessed at tax time.  I decide what features I need in a blu-ray player and document them for when I eventually upgrade to one.  How many plans do I have?  A lot.

With so much planning, how do you remember it all?  What if I forget the intention to wait for an oil change coupon?  How's an OCD-ish, detail freak, going to get anything done in the nonlinear reality of life?

That's where tech comes in.  No no no.  We don't fill up our day using tech (if you're still playing Mafia Wars please consider seeking help).  We use tech to track, remind, organize, archive, market, research, and measure.  Stay efficient.  Stay organized.  Stay tuned....for another post...