Good Planning Allows for Greater Spontaneity
Planning is not the enemy of spontaneity, but people often neglect to make plans because they long to live in the moment. Spontaneous living sounds exciting, but without a plan it usually ends up being extremely predictable. People who do not plan for fun typically have less fun. People who do not plan to celebrate typically celebrate less. People who do not plan for life typically experience less living. Only going where the wind blows you won’t take you very far because the wind always changes directions and most days it doesn’t blow hard enough to move you at all. A lack of good planning is a primary reason so many people feel stuck.
Good planning allows for greater spontaneity. There is greater freedom to respond to spontaneous living when you know who you are, what you desire out of life, and where you want to go. Choices made in the moment can be made with confidence when there is a plan in place to inform the decision. Good planning also opens more opportunities.
What makes a good plan?
A good plan is holistic. It considers all aspects of life…physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Avoid compartmentalization in planning by recognizing how the plan will impact you holistically.
A good plan is adaptable. Plans change because circumstances change. Establish the principle behind your plan and allow your methodology to shift as needed. Failing to do this will cause you to serve your plan instead of your plan serving you.
A good plan is reasonable. Make sure there is a good reason behind your plan and then have reasonable steps of action. A plan that has no chance of being implemented is not a plan…it’s just a dream.
A good plan is specific. Get past general notions of things being different and make specific plans. A plan’s effectiveness cannot be evaluated without specifics. Details are the gears that keep a plan in motion.
A good plan is memorable. If you cannot remember your plan, there is very little chance you will follow your plan.
A good plan is basically a budget. Budgeting creates a framework that ultimately provides increased flexibility. Budgets allow us to prioritize and create margin for spontaneity.
Budget your time. Creating a schedule ensures that time is intentionally being spent instead of wasted. We lose time when we fail to keep track of time. Do you know where your time goes? Do you feel like you are always short on time? Budget your time wisely and you will find that you have way more time than you thought.
Budget your money. A financial plan serves as a guide to ensure greater financial freedom. Being disciplined with money does not decrease the ability to be spontaneous…it simply provides some structure for evaluating financial decisions.
Budget your energy. Are you emotionally investing in the places that matter the most to you or are you neglecting them because you feel emotionally drained? If we allow ourselves to get worked up about whatever anyone else is worked up about, we will become emotionally bankrupt in a hurry. Be intentional where you put your energy. Plan for what matters the most and then enjoy the freedom of letting other things go.
Budget your creativity. People think that creativity is elusive and can only occur in random passionate spurts. A disciplined approach to creativity will allow you to create more than you dreamed possible. Plan to be creative. Devote time, space, and energy for creative pursuits.
A good plan creates margin. A good plan will help your life explode with passion, meaning, and purpose. A good plan allows for greater spontaneity.
