The Planning Process-Friend or Foe?
By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. ~ Benjamin Franklin
I am working on an exciting new project that gives a simple practical approach and straightforward tools to the business planning process. Simple…but not easy. As I was considering embarking on this training journey, I started really doing some research into the collective 
consciousness about the planning process and how people approach the topic. I also have been looking at taking a more focused approach to my own biz planning-and in the process finding some interesting things about myself. Zig Zigler, author and motivational speaker offers these words that are far more profound than my own. Zigler states, “You need a plan to build a house. To build a life, it is even more important to have a plan or goal.” If we agree that we want to feel in control of our life, of our future, why does the biz planning process seem so foreign and daunting?
Part of the work of this training course I am completing is to write and refine biz plans for fictitious companies as well as a couple of drafts of your own plan. Why do so many people experience some inner hesitancy about this process? Is it a fear of putting a stake in the ground? I wonder if it sounds like, ‘If I really state my intention, what if I fail?’ What is holding you back from articulating your business vision and mission? Are you so busy working that you have no time to write a plan? Lorraine Ball, of Round Peg in Indianapolis, says, …”you will never have enough time unless you make the time. The busier you are, the more you need a plan.”
What holds you back from putting your thoughts into writing? I am so grateful to be learning about this planning tool-not just from a practical perspective, but also from a psychological/sociological one. There is definitely an emotional component to ‘getting it out and putting it on paper’-I can feel it myself!
I sign off with this thought-“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” ~Alan Lakein, writer. (Alan also is credited for stating “Time = Life, Therefore, waste your time and waste your life, or master your time and master your life.”) I know I want to do my very best today so that my future will unfold as a result of the foundation I lay today. What are you doing to lay your foundation? Please share your questions, thoughts and tools!
I love the idea of posting your goals so you can be visually reminded of ‘your best thinking’ every day.
I’m one of those people who has to have a plan! I have a plan for today, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, and I’m usually working on a 5-year plan, too. I make lists, and I cross things off them as I get them done. I have my goals for the year posted on the bulletin board beside my desk where I see them every time I sit down. That keeps my “eyes on the prize.”
Fantastic blog, my dear! I particularly like the way you bring the emotional component. I think you’re right about putting a stake into the ground and DEFINING what your goals really are means that if you continue to ‘do it like you’ve been doing it’ you will most likely fail. These documents always require change and personal accountability from us. bottom line, I believe it’s about being honest with yourself!Thanks for being such a rich asset!~Toni*(your new fan)