The Power of a Plan

There’s an interesting place for planning, long-term and short-term goal setting, and general strategy to create the future success that you want. I’ve lately been thinking about two quotes regarding plans and wondering how they come to terms and interact with each other. Think through them with me.

If you’re not a part of your own plan, you’re a part of someone else’s.

A plan takes away the agony of a decision.

It seems to me that it may be in our benefit at times to follow the plan of other’s when the path forward is not a clear and easy to understand trajectory. Often things are not as clear as they seem, especially when we find ourselves unsure. And a consequence of being unsure is the loss of the ability to decide. But, to be fair, the decision not to make a decision is a decision. Are these quotes out of alignment with each other?

Wherever you are as the year continues, you should be aware of the value of participating in the creation of success for others as you put to the sideline what will bring you the most value. In no world is the success of someone else a guaranteed negative asset to your life and long-term friendships and strong communities are built out of collaboration.

What are your thoughts about these two quotes? How do you see their interplay? Is it easier to follow someone else's plan when you find yourself stuck?

If you measure it, you will manage it,