"Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now." ~Alan Lakein
Twice last month I learned through FACEBOOK and email that three of my friends were out of the U.S. on an adventure. I was unaware of their travel plans and while I was very pleased for them, I felt a twinge of "I should be doing something more spontaneous with my life". So I called Annie and Irene to learn more about the hows and whys of their trips. We talked while they were working through the jet lag that accompanies international travel but still enjoying the warm glow of their adventure.
As I listened to Irene and Annie talk about exploring other countries, I learned taking these trips weren't a spur of the moment impulse but an opportunity they had worked on and planned for over an extended period of time. Annie said she and Michael had planned for their trip for over a year. The two of them had to make sure their lives, businesses and families were in order before embarking on a two and half month journey around the world. That's not to say everything had to be perfect but they had to feel things were in good shape so they could take full advantage of the trip. Irene explored and planned for an international opportunity to volunteer while she was still caring for her mother who was in a nursing home. Irene was able to venture out after her mother's passing. Timing and planning were key factors in making their trips a success.
Planning is instrumental to the success of any venture whether in business or in pursuing a personal dream. Once you are committed to an action and have the will to follow through planning is the logical next step. I believe the planning phase is part of the journey and if you skip that step you miss an opportunity to enhance your experience. What dream or goal is percolating in your life? Do you have a plan on how to achieve that goal? Take the time and start planning now.
Hugs,
C
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