Reasoning behind "The Plan!"

I would like to use a very simple example to explain my reasoning behind having a "plan" in life.

When you need something specific from the shopping mall - say, you need a broom for the house - then you drive there with the plan to buy a broom. You might have an idea of the type of broom, price range, what your budget will allow and a few other options too (which shop has the best selection; hard brush/soft brush; etc). Your main plan (A), therefore, is to buy a broom. Your options are your plans B and C. Wouldn't you agree that driving to the mall with this in mind, helps the process of only looking for that specific item. Of course, once you get to the mall, you might be distracted by a clothing store, a music store or the like. This is where discipline comes in: giving yourself a time limit; and very specific plan to only focus on buying the broom. If you stick to what you set out to do, it will be a quick, efficient and successful task, completed.

The analogy between buying a broom at the shopping mall and the human recipe for success is very important. The underlying message is also to have discipline, however, it starts with the plan. If you can create a "to-do list" for the mall, then why can't you make one for your own life. If you can organise your day at the office, then why can't you organise how you'd like to achieve your goals & dreams. It really boils down to the same principle: planning. And discipline. But start with the plan. And don't just think it, or say it, WRITE it down, damn! It couldn't have been easier, yet so few of us actually do this!

My tips on writing your plan should include these steps:

* Write down 5 things that you currently do/are involved with in your life;

* Adjacent to this list, list those that you currently enjoy the most, with the first one being ranked the highest in terms of fulfillment;

* Then, make a list of the 5 things you wish to be doing and don't currently do;

* Finally, a list of 5 ways to achieve the 5 things you wish you'd rather be doing;

From these lists, you should have a better understanding of what you NEED to be doing with your life in order to ENJOY your life again.

The next step is to add a time frame to each activity. An action plan that is linked to a disciplined process.