Planning constructively

Fri, Aug 10, 2012

There is a time when we must firmly choose the course we will follow, or the relentless drift of events will make the decision – Herbert V. Prochnow

Editor: Trying to keep up with the tasks presented by everyday life, one can fall into a spiral of unprecedented events, which, if left unattended can lead to unpredictable results. To guarantee the consequences are pleasurable, the idea of effective planning should be entertained.{{more}}

Daily, much planning is done: arrangements for a trip, building a house, meetings, weddings, parties, menu for the day, clothes to wear, work schedules, plans for the future and how one intends to change his or her life are just a few. Despite the many efforts involved in planning, much is not adhered to and instead, following one’s mind can seem like the better idea. Therefore, why plan?

Planning is normally done to make things easier, as it serves as a guide that can hopefully be followed to promote efforts at being proactive. However, even though these plans are made, things begin to fall short and the road towards a well deserving goal becomes a rugged one. The trick to an effective plan is to be simple.

How often have we carefully thought out exactly what we are going to do for a designated period and eventually end up ‘scrapping the plan’? The problem may have been that we were too ambitious from the start, so we painted the ideal picture of how smoothly everything would transpire without careful analysis and knowledge of the other affairs we must take care of. Slowly, the plan ended up being pushed aside and finally rejected, because it required too much time and attention. Like one would encourage a fussy eater to, it’s to execute the plan in bits and in a manageable but adequate time frame.

While this can be a cause of failure of many plans, other scenarios can promote their demise. The influence of unforeseen changes such as those around and the situations they may place us in, one’s lifestyle and the presence or lack of moral support can alter the sequence of events for better or worst.

Many can attest to undertaking the construction of a house. Before the house can even be built, one’s income must be suitable enough to facilitate the commencement of such a project. Of course, there must be available land, which was either obtained by inheritance, purchase or kind (of course, all well thought out plans). Then, the house must be designed to show those in charge of building affairs and receive their feedback whether to proceed or not and to give workers an idea of their duty. However, before designing this house plan, care must be taken into what exactly is going to make this proposed house a home, while keeping in mind any financial limitations. The cost of manual labour, material, fittings and finally furnishing must be carefully considered before diving into a venture that may turn out uncontrollable and uncertain. If a family is on the way, then even more attention must be paid in dealing with the many responsibilities that come with it.

On the contrary, some make plans as a way of keeping things in order. They may never fulfil a single objective outlined, as it only plays a role of keeping them on track with their responsibilities. Despite the approach taken to promote oneself or those of interest, a quick but meaningful thought should be kept in mind. Before commencing any activity, mentally challenge and encourage yourself that you must succeed and prioritize carefully what you hope to achieve.

Elizabeth Bullock