Monica is a free-spirited individual who likes to operate “by the seat of her pants”.  But sometimes her lack of planning results in unanticipated setbacks that put her into “overdrive”.  Unfortunately, Monica’s mode of operation creates a lot more stress in her life as well.

Successful companies create plans, and so do successful individuals – whether they’re planning an event, writing a book, or managing a family.  Planning gives you a roadmap for achieving your goals.  Therefore, you’re more likely to achieve your goals and achieve them more quickly.

Some people reject the idea of planning because they think it takes too much time.  However, in reality it’s quite the opposite.  When one fails to plan, they can experience unanticipated delays, may not complete the task or project right, and then have to do it over again.  Therefore, by not planning, a project can take much longer.  When I write a book, I spend more time researching and writing the proposal and outline, than I do writing the chapters of the book.  By planning my book project, the actual production phase goes faster.

Plan for the short-term as well as the long-term.  Planning on a daily and weekly basis will help ensure that you focus on your most important priorities.  Planning for the long-term, say a monthly or annual basis, will help you achieve your long-term goals.  Set deadlines and measures for all you plan.  By selecting a measure, then you’ll know whether or not you’ve been successful.

Then review your short-term and long-term objectives periodically.  Break the big projects into smaller, doable steps.  Schedule the tasks in a realistic way – within the available time in any given day, week or month.  Anticipate any obstacles you may encounter, and come up with a back-up plan.

By following these tips for planning, you’ll avoid crises and last-minute time crunches … and the added stress that goes with it!