The 4 Necessities of Having a Plan

Spontaneity has certainly had its time in the spotlight.  After all, being spontaneous usual has associations with creative, open-minded, and maybe even ingenious.  The ability to think on your feet, create from scratch, or even pivot into entirely new strategies when faced with necessary decisions is critical, but definitely not biased just towards the spontaneous.  Succeeding in any number of tasks or duties, requires at minimum, an initial plan towards achievement.

Yet, often times, that first essential step is overlooked.  We could blame the fast-paced work life most of us lead.  Or the instant gratification that is the cultural norm.  This “results-now” mindset usually results in haphazard work that is not only unproductive, but not of the highest quality.  This is especially true for longer projects and larger decisions of course.  I don’t know what it is, but when a major decision is made, rather than plan out a course of action, we usually jumped to the first assumed step – whether the right or wrong one.

Creating a plan, even in its simplest form, is unbelievably effective, for four critical reasons or necessities:

1. Gives us an end goal – Maybe the most obvious, but knowing the intended end result is the first step towards it. If the goal is wrong, the plan doesn’t make sense.  Without a goal, there is no point in a plan at all.
2. Sets milestones – If planned correctly, the path towards your end goal inevitably leaves markers along the way. Milestones which, when reached, confirm that we’re on the right track.  If we find we’re not hitting them along the way, it usually means we need to reassess in order to reach the goal.
3. Provides guidance – When not working on (or towards) our intended plan, there will certainly be telltale signs that we’re off path. And vice-versa, confirmations that we are on point as well.  Further, working on a plan can also reveal if we need to pivot, or change directions, based on the results we’re getting along the way.
4. Tracks our progress – The summation of all of the above, but definitely equally essential. The ultimate benchmark along the way.  How are we progressing towards our goals, what have we achieved thus far, and what do we need to change to hit the target at the end.

Starting with a plan gives a solid foothold to begin.  It proves that accomplishment is a reality if we stick to it.  And, one thing not mentioned at all yet, is that planning definitely helps alleviate some of the stress that comes with the working-without-a-plan mentality.

If the case were made against having a plan, and that it is a waste of time, look at the above list and remove the four points.  The absence of any one of them could be detrimental.  It might work for a little while, but eventually, without planning, we’re on the road to nowhere.  Plan out your work, execute it, and the results will follow.

The Fuel Your Mission Launch Guidebook can help you get a plan for your work.  With an essential Launch Path providing the layout for your success, and an interactive guide to work through, the Guidebook will help you discover work that truly matters.  You can get your copy now for just $2.99 on Amazon!