Why You Don’t Plan

Planning seems to be a hard thing to do for many people. Are you one of them?

For achievers, it’s much easier to take action. We get dopamine hits for solving problems and conquering challenges. This is one of the reasons why it is rare to find an executive who sets quarterly goals consistently. That requires planning.

However, the benefits of planning are undeniable. You don’t want to work hard going up a ladder only to find out it’s leaning on the wrong wall. Goal setting makes sure you are leaning on the right wall, headed to the desired outcomes. It saves time, money, and energy.

But in the moment, planning feels inconvenient. It’s human nature to blow it off. I don’t know why, and it doesn’t matter why. What matters is how we can shift it.

Begin by taking your eyes off yourself and putting them on others. As a leader, you are willing to do more for others than you are for yourself. Without setting goals, without planning, without taking the time to set expectations, your people will lack clarity and are less likely to succeed. Do it for them.

If you don’t plan, you are too focused on yourself. Think of the benefit to your people and you will find it easier to block out regular time on your schedule to do what you know is necessary.

When is a good time to schedule a planning session? Why not get it on your calendar now?

Until next time, Sherif