If you're a keen or seasoned planner, then you probably don't need to read this. But if you're like so many others, and planning is not one of your strong suits, then read on; this may be just what you need to hear to make the change.
Planning is like a secret tool that helps us get things done, whether it's sorting out our daily tasks or aiming for long-term dreams; planning is super helpful.
However, the strange thing is that so many of us still don’t plan.
So if you are one of those that don't plan, then understanding the reasons why could be very helpful. At the end of the day, most of us would like to live our best life, and in order to do that, having a plan is an excellent place to start.
So firstly, let's look at what happens when we don't plan?
Not having a plan is a bit like navigating a ship without a map – you might end up going in circles, getting lost, or worse, not reaching your desired destination at all.
When we don't plan, important tasks often get pushed aside or forgotten, leading to frustration and unfulfilled potential.
We may find ourselves feeling constantly stressed and overwhelmed, struggling to keep up with life's demands.
Without a plan, we risk missing opportunities, failing to reach our goals, and feeling like we're constantly chasing our tails.
Does any of this sound familiar?
So why do so many of us not plan?
Well, here are a few reasons why and how we can overcome these hurdles:
Instant Gratification Bias
One reason people skip planning is because they love quick rewards. We all do! But planning takes time and patience, so we often choose instant fun instead.
Overcoming It: Start with small tasks that lead to big rewards. Treat yourself when you complete your plans. Also, realize that the act of planning can be really fun and can take you exciting places in your business and life that you've never been before. ✨
Fear of Failure
This is a biggie. We're scared of setting goals and not reaching them. That fear can stop us from planning altogether.
Overcoming It: Firstly, realize that by failing to plan, you are much more likely to fail. Change your mindset. Think of failures as lessons. Make small, achievable goals to build confidence.
Fear of Wasting Time
Another biggie! We think we could be wasting valuable time planning, and we're eager to dive into action. However, this can often be counterproductive because without a clear plan, we often find ourselves moving in circles, tackling tasks randomly, and spending more time fixing mistakes or backtracking. In essence, taking a little extra time to plan upfront can save us a lot of time, energy, and frustration down the road.
Overcoming It: Simply use your spare time to start planning, and you won't feel you are 'wasting your 'valuable time' planning. You will soon realize the power of planning and will start prioritizing it.
Overwhelm and Decision Fatigue
Modern life is crazy busy. We make tons of decisions every day, and it's exhausting. Sometimes, planning feels like just another choice to make.
Overcoming It: Reduce daily choices. Create routines to make life easier. Save your brainpower for planning.
Lack of Time Management Skills
Some people aren't great at managing time. They might never learn how to plan effectively.
Overcoming It: Learn time management tricks. Use a planner to stay organized. Ask for help or read books on the subject. The MY PA Planner System is so simple and so effective. (We have attached the planner in case you don't have)
Procrastination
Procrastination is a big enemy of planning. We delay important stuff and tell ourselves we'll plan later.
Overcoming It: If you are a procrastinator, then first identify the reason why you are putting off something. You will often find it comes down to fear. Then try and rationalize the fear and highlight what will happen if you keep procrastinating. Fight procrastination with techniques like short bursts of focused work. Set deadlines and stick to them. Break tasks into smaller steps. Reward yourself for completion. Use the 5-minute technique to just help you get started and see where that 5 minutes takes you. You may be surprised. 😀
External Factors
Sometimes, life's too crazy to plan. We have too many distractions and not enough time.
Overcoming It: Find a quiet place and time to plan. Often getting away from the office and going to a new space can really help you see things much more clearly. Make planning a priority.
Lack of Clarity in Goals
If you're not sure what you want, planning feels pointless. You might skip it altogether.
Overcoming It: Think about your dreams and what's important. Set clear goals and break them into smaller steps. Imagine your success to stay motivated.
Fear of Deviating from the Plan
We're afraid things won't go as planned. Life is unpredictable, and that can make us anxious. Also, often things don't work, so we may need to change ways in which we do things.
Overcoming It: Remember, plans can change. Be flexible and adjust when needed. Plans are like guides, not strict rules.
Planning is a fantastic skill. It helps us achieve our dreams, manage time better, and handle life's ups and downs. But sometimes, we avoid planning due to different reasons. The key is to understand these hurdles and find ways to overcome them. Even when life doesn't go as planned, a well-thought-out plan can be our compass, guiding us toward success.
In case you don't have a planner you can download The MY PA Planning system and Planner Here. https://www.mypplanner.com/download