The best laid plans…
How many times have you scheduled your day and had nothing go according to plan? It’s something I have experienced more times than I’d like to admit. We hear so much about the importance of having a plan, but what do we do when the plan falls apart?
In the past, there have been times where I simply gave up on the plan when things didn’t work out. I used to be one of those people who viewed the first sign of trouble as a red flag letting me know that the goal I was working towards wasn’t meant to be. Instead of being faced with more defeat, I would just quit.
What I realize now is that those goals that I have given up on in the past were simply things I was never truly committed to achieving. When I have been determined to make something happen, I find a way. The plan may be reworked and revised a million times along the way, but when I want something bad enough, quitting isn’t an option.
This realization has been a major “a-ha” moment for me. Even when it comes to daily my daily plan, I’ve realized that I stay committed to the plan when I’m clear on my priorities. Yes, the unexpected happens. There are always going to be things that you can’t plan for. There are going to be times, however, where you’re presented with an opportunity that takes you off track. When you’re clear on your priorities and are committed to your goals, sticking with the plan is much easier.
Instead of giving up on the plan when it doesn’t work, take time to review it and see why it didn’t work. I’m a firm believer that the challenges and obstacles we experience along the way to realizing our goals is simply a test of how bad we want it. Think about the times that you have experienced difficulties when working towards a goal. Remember how impossible things felt at times. You survived though, didn’t you? Even if the goal didn’t manifest the way that you expected to, I’m willing to bet you learned a lot from the experience. If you did achieve the goal you were working towards, then you know that it was all worth it!
Plans are simply guidelines. They aren’t the only way to achieve your goal. Successful plans are organic. They evolve constantly because we are always learning new things and connecting with new people that show us things we never even knew existed! Don’t give up on your plan just because things aren’t working out. Stay committed to goal, be flexible with the plan.
Sandra Dawes is a certified life coach specializing in helping women who feel unfulfilled with their 9-5 follow their dreams and pursue their passions. She holds an Honours BA, an MBA as well as a certificate in Dispute Resolution. She has completed her first book,Embrace Your Destiny: 12 Steps to Living the Life You Deserve!
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