PLAN STRATEGICALLY

PRINCIPLES OF SUCCESS Series 13

PLAN STRATEGICALLY

Say your goal is to separate a Siamese twins. How do you begin. Just go do it? No, sir, you've got to plan strategically.

A goal without a plan is simply a wish. Strategic planning is the link between goal setting and goal getting. Strategic plan is the link between mentality and reality. A plan is a suite of well-thought action steps to be taken in order to achieve set goals.

It is advisable to not do anything without a plan. People don't plan to fail; they simply fail to plan.

Why plan?
1. Plan connects opportunity to give attention to details.
2. Lack of plan results to loss of energy.
3. Planning gives opportunity to think through goals.
4. Plan converts goals to actions, dreams to reality.

When you plan, do so with a working time-table. Tie every action step to a time frame. Put all areas of your life into consideration. Your spiritual life, family life, academics, career and social life - any area of your life suffer if neglected in you plans.

Plan with the same degree a general plans for war. Make it a matter of life and death. See your life at stake it you don't do it.

Planning is your sacred responsibility. God may give you a vision and make provisions. But he does not plan for you. You've got to figure out how to use natural provisions to accomplish your vision. It is your duty to plan your life. When your plan is in place, then you can show it to God for his input.

You need information to plan adequately. You may need expert advice. The wise man said, "Plan go wrong for lack of advice. Many counsellors bring success." 

Plans should be flexible. One, inspiration to change your plan can come afterward. Two, as you carry out the plans, you may see a need to edit your plans. A wise man said, " I would rather have changed plans with God's blessing than fulfilled plans without his blessing."

Review your plans regularly and you can make necessary adjustments when need arises. Someone said, "Napoleon made his plans out of gold; when they broke, he was done for. I made my plans out of rope; when they broke, i tied a knot in them ad went on."

Here are some action steps to help you plan in order to achieve set goals.

1. Decide exactly what you want. Be specific.

2. Write it down clearly and in details.

3. Set specific deadline and write it down.

4. Make a list of everything you can do to achieve your goals.

5. Organize the items on your list into action steps in order of importance, from the most important step to the least important.

6. Take action immediately on the first step or the most thing you want to do.

7. Do something every day that moves you forward toward achieving your goals.