The Plan

The Plan  

Topic for February "Women in Rodeo" Business Segment.

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Truer words have never been spoken. I mean, how do you start your day? What are your daily goals? Are you in control of your day? How do you handle change? How many times do you get sidetracked each day? Do you have a long-term plan or goals?

I’m a planner. A dreamer. A go-getter. I make plans and do my best to see them through.

But, life doesn’t always follow plans, no matter how remarkable your plan may be. We’re all works in progress; so we should avoid being hard on ourselves when our square day doesn’t fit into the round peg we envisioned. Dealing with major changes or pursuing a goal is a journey; you’re investing in yourself for eternity. Please have patience with yourself.

Along that journey there are bumps, sometimes outright roadblocks. There are things that sidetrack you. Maybe it’s social media—constantly checking and posting on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. It can be addicting and a colossal waste of precious time.

Or having a friend call, just to chat, but you end up talking and talking about…nothing really. But, before you know it, it’s noon and your day has consisted of an enormous pile of fluff, there’s nothing to show for your time.

So, you go to lunch and spend the entire time checking emails, because you know you’re behind. But then you’re not enjoying lunch and you’re not recharged and you’re really not ready to dive back into work after that. Because, these things just plain get in the way of productivity. Be aware, be proactive, and if you have a crazy-busy day of work, tell yourself: No Facebook, no Instagram, no email, no anything until I get this work done! Then, follow your own rules.

I love to read, and I love to read books about business and life and how to make me a better me. Some of my recommendations are “The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More With Less.” It’s about how to make the absolute most of your time…what I’ve been talking about!

“Who Moved My Cheese: An Amazing Way To Deal With Change In Your Work And In Your Life” is an easy read and great for starting change in your life. It addresses one of man’s biggest fears (yes, change) and how to conquer that fear. Change is inevitable, so, how will you cope?

“The Oz Principle” was written in 1994, and the authors have published an updated version. It’s great read for when things go wrong, and it outlines how to stop blaming others and accept your own responsibility.

One I wouldn’t recommend is “The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape 9-5 Live Anywhere Join The New Rich.” If I had to sum it up in two words they would be: it sucks. I couldn’tresist checking it out; I mean, look at the title! But, complete baloney. The only way to succeed is to be passionate about your goals and work like hell to achieve them. And four hours a week will not get you where you want to be. Ever.

So take some time to meditate on what your purpose in life is and what your goals are to get you there. If you lack purpose, or a plan, then what are you moving toward? What great things to focus on and pray about. Because with a plan, and productivity, you’re improving your life and influencing those around you to do the same.