Value of Planning

Have you ever planned out a future desirable state, and then had the plan become obsolete when circumstances change? Perhaps you planned your presentation, only to find out as you walk in the room that furniture is arranged so that you cannot use a projector?

Well, take heart. Although Ben Bayol said "Most plans are just inaccurate predictions", I have found that planning forces you to gather more information than you would gather if you had not planned. Project managers refer to this process as the 5 P's. Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

Continuing our reflective mood over this weekend from yesterday, I recall a quote by Graeme Edwards "It's not the plan that is important, it's the planning." When you plan your activities you are better prepared to adjust the plan if the circumstances change and render your current plan obsolete.

Dwight D. Eisenhower confirmed this viewpoint by saying "In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable".

These words encourage me to create plans to reach my objectives in life even though I am aware that the plan may not be used - the process of planning holds the value. I trust that these quotes will also encourage you to plan and reach your goals.

I am attending a two day seminar with Alan Weiss on Oct 29 and Oct 30, so I will not be blogging for the next day or so.