Planning to Plan

Planning to plan is a critical part of the process. But if it lasts more than an instant, you’re doing it wrong!

I’m not talking about the time spent in quiet contemplation of an idea, or even the prudent pause of taking a day or so after having a brilliant idea to ensure it’s as great as you first thought (many are like cheese…leave it out for a day and what was once delicious now reeks).

I’m not talking about saying “I’m planning to do __________” when what you mean is you’re wishing you could do ___________ but have no means or intent to do anything about it.

I’m talking about the moment that you move from thinking about something and start to build an actual plan of attack to make it happen. It’s the spark that happens when you move an idea out of your head and onto paper (or whiteboard or napkin, whatever).

Everything before that spark is intangible and ethereal. Everything after, is the process of planning and execution.

Having a plan doesn’t mean it will be implemented or successful. It just means it has a chance.

Plans can be complicated or simple. But they all have a start.

Plans don’t even have to be finished before getting started. Strategy is nothing more than thinking more than one step ahead. I simple plan will get you moving and most of the time, you can adjust along the way.

So what are you doing today to move that big idea from wishing to planning?