Q4 plans are underway. Plans and planning are often lumped into the same “bucket”. Over the years, I’ve discovered the main difference between plans and planning is that planning is the process of thinking about how to achieve a goal, while a plan is the documentation of that process.
Separating the how from the execution is different. Through execution, it’s easier to spot what is working and what’s not. Q4 ends in a little over a month, how are your plans coming along?
A Key to Better Planning
Planning is effective in the hands of people who have reasonable knowledge about what is happening, and why. Knowledge is more than technical information. It also includes social, political, economic, and ethical types of knowledge. Knowledge of the issues is the key to building trust in society.
Information is everywhere 24/7. We’re in changing times. The vetting of information to help you consider the variables to impact your planning process takes time and diligence. Here are a few suggestions that may be helpful.
- Check your own biases (this is my first step to make sure I’m keeping open-minded)
- Author’s credentials and expertise (I look for factual record vs. opinions)
- Verify through sources and citations
- Read beyond the headlines (clicks can be lucrative and headlines can be misleading)
- Dig into the details (This can be by reading, watching interviews, attending meetings, etc.)
Finland is leading the way globally by tackling media and information literacy beginning in Kindergarten for their population, Their goal is to build a resilient society by helping all make educated decisions. Here is a link to their efforts: https://finland.fi/life-society/educated-decisions-finnish-media-literacy-deters-disinformation/
Plans for Personal Life and Work Life
Whether you have had quarterly plans personally or for work or not, if you’re like me, some things seem to take up “head space”. I’ve found it helpful to jot down items as they pop into my head!
If you work, keeping up to date on social, political, and economic issues takes center stage if you work nationally and/or internationally. Business variables are impacted by what’s going on around us and impact our planning and plans.
Remember the only thing constant is change, thus the importance of reviewing your plans often. As much as it feels good to do what you do, consider making time to review what is on the horizon that may impact you.
For business owners, please check if you have filed your BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information). Too many I’ve talked with of late were surprised it was announced 1/1/2024. For specific information, here is the link to learn the details. BOI
Photo by Mark König on Unsplash
Looking Ahead
Have you heard the metaphor about life the rearview mirror and the windshield? Because the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror – meaning where you’re going is more important than where you’ve been.
Planning can help reduce uncertainty and set ways to measure your progress. It can also help you prepare in your mind and be able to respond to the unexpected.
Does looking ahead for you include considering your personal and work contingency planning? You hear me talking about this often. While it’s tough to predict when and how outside events may impact you, it is a comfort to know that “in case”, important variables for you have been considered.
My work is personal, helping you identify variables in your life that can impact you and those you love. I invite you to reach out to me personally or check out my website for resources to assist you.
Send me an Email or Message if you have any questions. For additional information about my work check out @ The Living Planner or @ The Living Planner.
If you’re up for planning for your life’s administrative side, my book is a resource for you. The Living Planner What to Prepare Now While You Are Living © Check it out HERE.
This quote is a reminder for us all “The wise adapt themselves to circumstances, as water moulds itself to the pitcher.” – Chinese Proverb
Be gentle with yourself and others❣️ Lynn
#PlanfortheUnplanned #Can’tPredictCanPrepare