Have you experienced going out of the house yet you don’t know what you are going to do, or even where you are going? Have you experienced being called to do a presentation, but it didn’t
turn out well because you were not prepared?
How did these situations make you feel?
Embarrassment? Regret? Irritation? Anger?
Having a plan is important, and we should take it seriously. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
I know that sometimes we find ourselves in situations where, instead of planning for the day, we just go ahead and breeze through it without thinking much about how we are spending our time.
Or perhaps, we come to the point where we think we are so capable that we can deal with the challenges we may face, and thus we don’t need to plan for that marketing presentation or that job interview or that client call.
WHY SHOULD WE PLAN AHEAD OF TIME?
- CALCULATE THE RISKS
Planning ahead will help us identify the risks. When we know the risks, we can know how to approach it and respond to it with lower chances of making mistakes. It helps us see risks as opportunities, rather than obstacles which can motivate us even more to finish the task.
A good example of this is the Manila Shake Drill. Planning for this enabled us to identify what else needs to be done when such a disaster strikes.
- TO BE PROACTIVE
When we plan we are able to respond, instead of reacting to a situation, because we are able to anticipate the situation beforehand. To respond involves the ability to think through a situation, while to react is more of an emotional response.
- IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
The success of our presentations or retirement savings all begins with proper planning, because you have time to think and prepare for what you’ll need as you deal with the challenges ahead. It helps us to make smart choices, and avoid mistakes.
- MINIMIZES CONFLICTS
Whether it is your relationship with your family or with your officemates, impulsive decision-making because of poor planning can cause conflicts and fights. In the end, it will ruin your relationships. Planning ahead shows that we are considerate of the people around us.
- IT IS REWARDING
We plan because we want to succeed. We succeeded because we planned ahead. Planning ahead helps us to execute our goals and fulfill our vision, even with obstacles or challenges along the way. Planning ahead will make life easier, happier and more rewarding for us in the end.
THINK. REFLECT. APPLY
What prevents you from planning ahead of time?
Do you plan also your spending or your budget?
If you want to know how to plan it the right way, please visit www.moneykit.com.ph.
