Plan Ahead Or Plan Your Back Up Plan

Do you like surprises?

I do not like surprises – of any kind. The only effective way I found to avoid getting surprised is planning ahead. When not planning ahead expect surprises. Then plan to handle the surprises.

I In “The 21 irrefutable laws of leadership” John C. Maxwell outlines how to plan ahead:

Adopting and adapting this technique helped me achieve better results in each life project I care.

Results – myself

I invest my efforts in developing self control, blogging, and body. My goal’s to control my emotions, post 2 times a week to each of my 2 blogs, and loose weight to 86 kilograms. So far I keep up with the pace - I am calm, 4 blogs a week, and 86 kilograms.

Results – family

Planning ahead helps my wife and I balancing our duties. No surprises. Our kids know when they get their daddy systematically. Fully dedicated - no interruption. I have quality time with my parents to absorb their wisdom.

Results – work.

I am aware where I am at with each project. What the next action is. When to expect to be praised or criticized. No surprises.

Results – social cycles.

I manage to keep up with monthly meetings with my old friends. Having a good laugh during lunch time - is not it a great achievement these days?

“A man who does not plan long ahead will find trouble right at his door” - Confucius

Proactively planning is small investment with huge ROI. Plan ahead, even when not planning or get your back up plan handy.