This time I want to preach atcha a little bit. I feel like I need to reinforce the idea that planning is a good, worthwhile, helpful, necessary thing to do. There are some really good reasons to plan.
Here’s one. Have you ever been up to your armpits in alligators? You know what I’m talking about. Maybe you’re there right now, my daughter is. Tyranny of the urgent is what causes this phenomenon but planning can prevent it, or at least give you some breathing room.
Planning also keeps everybody focused on the same goals and objectives. Planning won’t let you wander off on a bunch of rabbit trails. It won’t let you spin your wheels, or at least not for long. It won’t let you go on any wild goose chases.
Best of all. Most important of all. PLANNING PRODUCES RESULTS! And not just any results. It produces results you have decided in advance that you want. How cool is that?
This is a cute little cartoon (below). We have all been in this circumstance at one time or another. It can happen anywhere: home, work, church, even in our spiritual lives. Planning is great because it prevents this by fostering good, clear communication. A favorite Proverb comes to mind, 13:10. Look it up, and you husbands, who is the most important person from whom you should receive counsel?? This fits right along-side with another of my favorite proverbs although this one is secular: “If a man speaks forth in the forest and there is no woman there to hear him, is he still wrong?” Men, for your own good, for the good of the family, and to prevent future embarrassment, check with your wife. Nine times out of ten, the little sweetheart is going to be right about almost everything. Clue her in. Get her on board.
Planning is a team effort. It promotes cooperation and coordination. It’s a morale booster. Keeps everybody headed in the same direction. Motivates. Prevents passing the buck. Keeps us from wasting our time working toward results that we don’t really want. Who’s on your management team? Make a list. What are their names?
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Prov 13:10 Pride leads to arguments; be humble, take advice, and become wise. (TLB)