How Planning For The Future Can Hurt!
Just in case.
In the future, we might need to connect our software to another app.In the future, we might need to accommodate this new type of encryption for transfers.In the future, we might need to have a data base setup for users to store this special information.
Guess what?
It’s now.It’s not the future.The time and resources you spend building something for 5 or 10 years down the road is most likely going to be wasted.Its really hard to predict how many users, clients, customers, attendees, patients, or students you will have.
In fact, you will most certainly be wrong.
Stop future proof-ing your work.Plan for the reasonable next steps, but STOP looking 5 or more years out and making tactical, EVERYDAY decisions based on what MIGHT happen.Plan for the plan.Then adapt to reality.Don’t take action on all the things that might be.
2 Minute Action
Whats 1 thing that will make tomorrow easier?It can be setting out your workout clothes for the morning.It can be responding to an email or two tonight.It can be looking at your calendar and setting up some tasks for tomorrow.Pick one thing and go for it.Front-load the work and you will hit the ground running.
The Practical Reason To Stop Planning and Dreaming
The life plan. Lots of people make them or at least, dream of them. Dreaming is fun, because you get to taste what things could be like. The only catch is when you snap back to “reality” and continue to grind the same grind.
Dreaming is fun but without action: it’s just indulgence.
And to be clear, dreaming is not planning. And to be clear, planning is not taking action. Dreaming is only useful if it inspires you to act. Planning is only useful if it helps you discover concrete actions that you can take right now. Creating the timeline for how your life will go isn’t helpful, it’s vain and imaginary. Backing into a list of specific behaviors, habits, and skills you’ll need to actualize those dreams and plans is the key.
2 Minute Action
When was the last time you had a vision for the future?If you’re a planner, what was the last benchmark or milestone you scheduled?Here’s your chance to bring in an accountabilibuddy, throw away all the junk food in your pantry, or setup an automatic savings plan with your bank. In 2 minutes you can take the first action.
The 3 Things Required To Master Life
Before I get this going, I need to say something really important.This whole thing is really simple to understand but hard to implement.This is one of those things that just takes a lifetime.That said . . .
1 - Awareness
Understand that there's a problem, a change, an opportunity. Identify and define.
2 - Acceptance
Realize that this is a reality. This does not mean you are complacent with the reality--only that you understand it's realness. Most of the battle for most people is fought here. Shortening the distance between awareness and action is one of the most critical skills we can develop.
3 - Action
These are the strategies and real-world tactics you take to move you from one state of existence to another. It happens after you make a choice to commit to action.
2 Minute Action
Pick an issue in your life right now.It doesn't matter if it's good or bad.Run that problem through this 3 step exercise.Have you used this framework or a similar one before?Let me know what's worked for you or how this new approach feels different.