Do you want to know a little secret to success? You want to know how to focus and prioritize your work? You want to know how to get yourself or your organization out of a funk, and increase success many fold over? Start planning. Planning isn’t sexy, it is often grueling, tiring, and frustrating, which is why many people and organizations, fail to create proper plans to make themselves or their business more successful. There are plans of many types. Strategic Plans, Annual Plans, Quarterly Plans, Monthly Plans, Sales Plans, Marketing Plans, Life Plans, Success Plans, Execution Plans, and the list goes on and on… In the next week of posts, more or less, I’m going to dive into this topic of planning. I’ll be sharing the elements of a good plan, how planning can save a bad strategy, the lies and myths of planning, and different types of plans, as well as what needs to be in them. Before we dive into that, one must have a desire to take themselves or their organization to a new level, they have to not just plan for success, but plan well. If you have any doubt on the importance of planning, take a gander at these 25 stellar benefits.
25 Stellar Reasons to Start Planning Now!
- A plan helps you stay focused
- A plan helps you assess our progress
- A plan helps to avoid unnecessary risks so they can be overcome or avoided
- A plan helps drive creative and strategic thinking
- A plan provides clarity on activities, terminology, and methods
- A plan reinforces your proposed budget and gives it teeth
- A plan helps to overcome shortcomings
- A plan helps to avoid over commitment
- A plan helps you to be proactive, instead of reactive
- A plan helps you say no
- A plan helps you prioritize activity
- A plan puts you in control
- A plan provides motivation
- A plan provides understanding
- A plan provides accountability
- A plan solidifies what you want to accomplish
- A plan provides a road-map
- A plan helps you understand your ideal client
- A plan helps you understand your market
- A plan helps to identify gaps
- A plan saves money and time in the end
- A plan increases execution
- A plan separates the kids from the adults (figuratively speaking)
- A plan gives you freedom
- A plan sets you up for success
If you still have doubts about planning, stay tuned for the rest of the week. Lots of good stuff to come.
Please let me know if you have any other great reasons why planning is important, and also let me know any questions you have on planning, or anything about planning that frustrates you in the comment section.
Hi Todd! Welcome Back!
A plan helps me stay on course & course-correct when needed. It also keeps me from sitting/standing at my desk for too long….making/letting (depending which day it is) me get out and have time for life.
And, with a plan – you can check things off – that feeling of accomplishment and ongoing growth & progress feels great!
Well said Lora. You are exactly right.