As I get down to write another post, I know I have to oblige my friends who are eagerly waiting for the NEXT post on “Tenacity” soon after “It is TENACITY, My Friend...” post.

Then, why this post?

In fact, what I am going to talk about today will set the stage for the much-wanted post on developing “Tenacity”.

I will no longer beat around the bush. Planning plays a key role in ensuring success.

But, let us first be clear about the purpose of planning. It is a human tendency to assume that if the planning is complete and the resulting plan is a good one (how do you know?!), things (as planned) are likely to go your way. 

It is this assumption that leads one to believe that it does not make sense to plan the events/actions/activities of one’s life when the run of the life is unpredictable. Yes, it does not make sense at all if you look forward to a fail-proof plan!

There has never been a plan that was fail-proof, nor will there ever be. 

And, I will put it this way – it is all the more imperative to plan when the turn of events is unpredictable.  

Plan while accepting this inevitable truth that you will have to change your plan. Thus, the purpose of planning is not to solely develop a good plan, but, it is to plan or re-plan to ensure your objectives are achieved even in the face of uncertainty!

What must you plan for? – Everything.

-          I am aware that too much of planning tends to kill spontaneity. However, those who achieved success through spontaneous demonstration of brilliance actually planned some or all aspects of their spontaneity!

What needs to be planned? – Time and Timing.

-          When you determine what you need to do (actions), plan those in the Time available and also plan the Timing of your actions.

When is your planning complete? – Never.

When your plan is called a “Good Plan”? – Only after you have achieved your goal on or before time!

Will something not go according to your plan? – Almost always. When that happens, make suitable changes to your plan.

More on planning later...

Remember: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.