Planning: A Powerful Tool
Using it makes a huge difference.
I believe that planning is a superpower. Your own personal system for planning will depend on what works for you and what you are planning for. All planning starts with having clear goals, understanding why they are important to you, timing, necessary steps, and finally - but maybe most importantly - what could get in your way (externally and internally).
When I work with clients on weight loss, I strongly encourage them to make a daily plan for what they are going to eat. One of the biggest hurdles to changing the way you eat is to become aware of what you ARE eating (usually more than you think), and by planning you can begin to get a handle not only on quantity, but also quality and patterns of eating that are not serving you.
But planning is needed in all areas of your life where you want to accomplish something: at work, in your home, or with your health. These are questions I regularly employ in my life and I even answered a few of the ones that I personally find most problematic.
What day/time will I make my plan?
What period of time does the plan cover (daily, weekly, monthly, all three)?
What are my goals this week?
Why are these goals important?
What obstacles may arise? House or family emergencies. Appointments that take longer than expected. Lack of ideas. Simple procrastination. Feeling unfocused/lazy/tired.
How will I deal with said obstacles? Keep going. Do it anyway. Remain flexible. Put something down on paper. Focus on something on the list that is quick and easy. Change scenery.
When will I reflect on my successes and setbacks?
What about the voices in my head that pop up on any given to tell me I need to do more, do better, work harder? Get quiet enough to hear them. Call them out and challenge them. What are they saying? Is it true? What is an alternate way to look at it?
Does every week go according to plan? Of course not. But if you are not clear on what you are moving towards, why you are moving in that direction, and what can get in your way, it is awfully hard to get there.
