Don’t set it and forget it

Even though it’s August and I want to have lots and lots of summer fun, it’s important for me to stay on track with my planning. It’s important for you as well. 

When you get really busy with work (or fun ), consistent planning flies right out the window. 

Or maybe it never happens. Very often I hear people say that they don’t like to do planning or they feel like setting big goals once a year is enough.

Setting goals is only part of the equation. You need a plan to make them happen. And not a “set it and forget it” plan. Does your year ever unfold exactly as you expect it to? Of course it doesn’t. That’s why you need regular planning to make sure you stay on track. 

Think of goal setting and planning like taking a road trip. Let’s say you decide to drive from CT to CA. That’s setting your goal. 

The details you lay out make up your plan – things like what day you’ll leave, what route you’ll take, where you’ll stay overnight, etc. 

But would you stop your road trip planning right there and never look at it again? Of course not. As you get closer and while on your trip, you’d do things like check the weather, find new routes to work around traffic or to make fun stops, confirm hotels and find places to eat. These are all part of your consistent planning.  

So even though it’s summer, it’s important to make sure that you are still on track so you’re not spending September scrambling to catch up. Make sure that there’s still a little planning built into your schedule and you will be much happier as you make your way through the rest of the year. Promise.