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Adam Smith | July 31, 2013 | Leave a Comment

Prepare Before It Comes

make_a_planPhoto Credit: jurvetson via Compfight cc

Everyone talks about having a plan in place, but how many actually make the time to create one? People like to analyze, think and talk about the idea of developing a plan and speculate whether it is valuable to put into place or not. But, the benefits from taking the time to prepare, having a plan and sticking to it are guaranteed to be great.

Here are two reasons to put a plan in place more often:

1. It saves time.

A plan keeps you focused and on-track. Without a plan it is more difficult to focus on the action items that you need to accomplish. A plan also makes it more difficult to make bad decisions that you end up having to go back and correct, saving time again. A plan increases your odds of success.

2. A plan allows you to get it out of your head and onto paper. 

When you have a to-do list going on in your head and not written down anywhere else, that’s all you can think about, right? It is also easier to forget what you need to be doing when things are only in your head. Getting it out on paper actually allows you focus on other important things at hand. You can come back to your plan later on in the day and pick up where you left off much easier this way.

Here are two ways to make sure you actually put your plan into place: 

1. Have a reason big enough to put a plan into place.

It is easier to take the time to make a plan when the end goal is huge. You will work longer and harder for goals that you are passionate about. Learn to word your plans in such a way that entices you to read the plan on a weekly or even a daily basis. Set aside a time slot in your schedule to read your plan, so you ensure this time to actually happen. Take in the words and let the plan itself inspire you on a regular basis.

2. Tell other people close to you about your plan.

This one step hopefully encourages you to prepare more than any other. Tell those encouraging people you know around you the plan that you intend to carry out, not only for encouragement, but also for accountability. This allows relationships to strengthen and also allows you to see what goals the people around you have that you may have never known.

Hopefully this encourages you to take more time to prepare and create better plans for your life. Remember, plans increase focus and also helps save you time in the long run. You can begin planning today.

What in your life is big enough to create a better plan for? You can leave your comment below.

Filed Under: Focus, time management

Adam Smith

I teach people how to have a greater impact through their work and their time. You can read more about me on my about page.

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Hi, my name is Adam Smith and welcome to asmithblog.com. I am the author of the book, The Bravest You. Because of my work as an entrepreneur, consultant, writer, and speaker, I have been named a top industry influencer by American Genius. I live with my wife, Jasmine, and three children in Shenandoah, IA.

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