Plan Your Escape

I'll be the first to admit that I spend a lot of time planning things. For each project I'm thinking of undertaking I like to research and map out what I need to do. I like to keep going back to the plan and modifying little bits here and there, adding new pieces and taking away others. I've found that there is a problem with too much planning though: I never get anything done. So, recently, I've been trying to switch my focus away from planning and shift myself more towards action. So far, I like the results!

The Problem With Planning

I've found that plans exist in the hypothetical world. In general, this is fine. That's where plans belong. The problem with the hypothetical world is that everything and anything can happen in that world. As a result, plans can become very complex and time consuming. You always have something else to investigate and account for. If you place too much importance on the plan, you'll be stuck trying to account for everything and you'll never be done planning.

Don't get me wrong, it is important to have a plan before you jump into a new project. In fact, this site is all about planning your escape. Just don't get stuck planning. You should have a clear goal in mind before you start. You should take some time to determine what you need to do to accomplish that goal. What you should not do, though, is try to plan everything before starting.

Life Happens

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." - John Lennon

The other problem with a long planning stage in a project is that circumstances always change. You might lose your job. You might get a raise. You might meet the person of your dreams. You might become ill. You might buy a puppy. Every time something changes you'll be tempted to go back and update your plan. If you are waiting for a perfect plan before starting, you'll never start.

Action!

Once you've got your goal set, instead of spending a lot of time building the perfect plan, focus on making things happen.

• Make a quick plan that covers your general requirements for meeting your goal.
• Start doing little tasks that slowly bring you closer to your goal.
• Plan as you go and learn by doing.

The great thing about taking action is that you start to see results. Seeing results can be one of the best motivators around.

Do Something!

Next time you've got a great idea or a lofty goal in your head, try to come up with a list of small tasks that you can do to get things started. Then start doing them. Once they are done, cross them off your list. Once you have got a handful of items crossed off your list, you'll have no trouble figuring out what to put on the next list. You'll be learning by doing and you'll be getting things done.

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