Having a Plan is Not Enough

Having a plan does not guarantee success. Nor does it guarantee that you will do everything exactly as is laid out in your plan. That is okay.

The purpose of a plan is to guide you forward toward a desired goal. Oftentimes along the way as you work your plan, you learn something new- new information or a clearer understanding of circumstances. Sometimes, something that your next step depends on has changed, forcing you to change your plan. Sounds frustrating doesn’t it? Often it can be, but it doesn’t have to throw you into overwhelm with the plan completely tossed out the window. (That is what makes life interesting, those unexpected smooth gradual dips in the road that curve back up just enough to make you lose your stomach a little! Weee! But I digress…).

That is what I really like about having a plan. When I learn something new or when life changes- and it will- I don’t have to start from scratch, but rather I can refer back to my plan and make adjustments. Then I can proceed forward.

Two weeks ago I wrote my 2012 business goals and last week wrote out my plan to achieve them. It feels great! I am energized about it and I also accept the idea that things might change, and as a result so might my plan. It reminds me of when I have researched hiking trails and found maps that were helpful, but upon arriving at the trails realized there had been some development of the area which was not reflected in the map.

Life is an adventure and we get to create our map. Stay keen to update your map periodically to keep it relevant and helpful to your interests and desired, intended direction.