When you create a plan, the likelihood that you will be successful multiplies. Your plan will act as your roadmap to success. Once you’ve created a plan, you will know exactly what you need to do to be successful and how to go about to achieve it. Success comes to those who plan. Successful people are consistently setting goals and taking steps to ensure that they accomplish them.
“Planning can be defined as thinking in advance what is to be done when it is to be done, how it is to be done and by whom it should be done.” – Importance of Planning;
In simple words, we can say, planning bridges the gap between where we stand today and where we want to reach.
“Planning involves setting objectives and deciding in advance the appropriate course of action to achieve these objectives so we can also define planning as setting up of objectives and targets and formulating an action plan to achieve them.” – Importance of Planning
Another essential ingredient of planning is time. Plans are always developed for a fixed time as no business can go on planning endlessly.
“A good plan is like a road map: it shows the final destination and usually the best way to get there.” – H. Stanely Judd
“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” – Alan Lakein
Planning is a huge part of our success, and a lack of planning is a common reason for failure. We cannot get around it.
Proverbs 16:1-3 (TLB) We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God’s hands. We can always “prove” that we are right, but is the Lord convinced? Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed.
Luke 14:28 (TLB) “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first getting estimates and then checking to see if he has enough money to pay the bills?
Why is planning important? Planning helps you set appropriate goals. Planning helps break down the issue into smaller pieces and distribute tasks when applicable. Planning reveals weaknesses and strengths. Planning increases certainty and confidence. Planning increases efficiency. Planning reduces risk. Planning increases your credibility. Planning encourages creativity. Planning improves decision-making. Planning produces peace of mind.
“If you don’t know exactly where you’re going, how will you know when you get there?” – Steve Maraboli
Proverbs 24:27 (NRSV) Prepare your work outside, get everything ready for you in the field; and after that build your house.
I conclude with “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will lead you there.” – Lewis Carroll