Planning and Preparation

Planning and preparation is necessary before you start any project whether it is a wedding, a trip and even your meals. The most important of all is creating a life plan. This means preparing for your future that focuses on your career, economy, family and your personal growth.

Jim Rohn quoted that success is 20% skills and 80% strategy. And there is an old saying that states that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. It shows then that planning and preparation is critical to success of any kind. Without formulating a systematic course of action for the accomplishment of a goal, you can lose your focus and direction.

The most important part of making a life plan is to know what you want and list down your life goals. Cover all areas of your life. Think of the ideal life you want to live and state your purpose or reasons. What do you want to become and experience 5 years, 10 years and 15 years from now and why? Break them down so that you don't feel overwhelmed.

Planning and preparation take up a lot of thinking. You need to think in advance how to find the resources and the people you need to help you in reaching your goals. You have to look at your strengths and weaknesses. You must look at your limiting beliefs and fears and challenge them.

Do a research, define and decide the knowledge, information and skills you need to acquire and put them in order so that you can act effectively. Put on your thinking cap and list down the activities, your time schedule, the procedures, the programs and the best approach. You must also put yourself in the state of mind where you are ready to expect the unexpected because challenges and difficulties will show up.

What is it that you will stand or not stand up for? Write a mission statement stating your intentions and clarifying your values. Your values will set your standards on how you want to function. Your mission statement with clear personal values will guide you to make the best and the right decisions. It will help you prioritize your life.

One of the advantages of planning and preparation is it enables you to eliminate activities and habits that are inconsistent with your objectives. You will devote your time and activities on productive activities instead of time wasters. Keep a diary of your actions to measure your progress.

What would you do if the road you're travelling is closed or blocked? Do you cancel your trip or turn back and look for another route? Here's when you must be flexible. You find another way. So when you face difficulties and setback while working toward your goals, plan another strategy.

The faster way to achieve your goals is to ask or learn from someone who knows what you don't or who is more skillful or experienced than you are. Your present knowledge and skill isn't enough or you would have already made it. Find someone who can guide and show you step by step on how to succeed. This is part of your planning and preparation process.

Subscribe to Jim Rohn's one year game plan covering 12 pillars of success. You'll receive weekly plans, tools, follow ups, training and support.

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