Planning – ah, a phrase that inspires us or shuts us down! As the end of the year draws near, let’s think about plans we have that we’ve yet to complete, those we’ve completed and those we’ll add to the 2019 list!
We develop plans to reach overall goals at home and work. It is useful to separate planning into phases to allow you to track immediate improvements while evaluating progress toward eventual goals and targets. Breaking down plans into different time frames allows us to place focus on time-sensitive aspects important to you, your family and/or your colleagues based on the time frames of the input and expected outcomes.
Let’s take a peek at the short-term, medium-term and long-term framework. Short-term usually involves processes that show results within a year. Medium-term plans at results that take several years to achieve. Long-term plans include the overall goals of the company set up to five years in the future and usually are based on reaching the medium-term targets.
Planning helps you complete short-term tasks while keeping longer-term goals in mind.
- Short-Term Planning: When we outline our plans for the year, tracking allows us to measure progress and identify strategies for improving our results. Tracking weekly, monthly and quarterly progress is a quick way to see what’s working, what’s not and make adjustments along the way. Example – when we have equipment issues, do we need a “repair” or a service contract?
- Medium-Term Planning: We can apply solutions to short-term problems with adjustments made in response to problems we have encountered. What may we do in response to problems and reduce the impact? Take stock in both internal and external variables when considering the 2-3 year mid-term time frame.
- Long-term Planning: Solving/eliminating problems completely and reaching overall targets consistently is the goal long-term. Keeping up with the changing needs and requirements of all involved at home and work is a big deal! Some issues are within our control, others not whether we like it or not! Consider how best you are positioned to preserve accomplishments and ensure continued progress with the utmost of flexibility.
People are the core of any plan. It’s easy to forgo the “emotion” of planning and concentrate on deliverables only. While this sounds good on paper, it is difficult to achieve. Personal and professional responsibilities intersect throughout our lives.
Life hands us expected and unexpected surprises along the way. If I’ve learned anything over the years it is this. Plans change and when we least expect it – situations can change out of the blue. Planning allows us to build the framework of life while understanding adjustments are part of the planning process.
Take stock of where you are now and create your plan from this place. If you’d like to discuss ways to prepare for and/or respond to personal and professional responsibilities intersecting, reach out. I’ve walked in the unique shoes of this perspective when you’re ready for some help for your family or your business.
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