“An obstacle in your mind is worse than an obstacle on your path. If you think you can’t, you can’t.”

Planning is the process by which we continuously create our own future. It is not a mental exercise, a method of forecasting, or even a systematic recording of past data from which you can attempt to predict future events. It is the approach used to turn expectations into realities. Few things receive as much lip service - and as little action - as planning. We put it off because it requires digging for information, or because associates can’t agree. Often, the thought of formulating a new plan causes panic among those who “don’t want to rock the boat.” But most of all we hesitate because trying to anticipate the future requires us to THINK!

The benefits of planning far outweigh any inconveniences or frustrations that may be involved. A well-developed plan should :

• Relate individual objectives to overall goals of the organization or group.
• Offer a means of measuring costs, time involvement, people requirements, and other essential information.
• Identify problems and obstacles as well as benefits and opportunities.
• Suggest the most effective schedule to obtain results in the shortest period of time.
A good plan works backwards from the ultimate objective to the specific current action needed. Unless that happens you never really focus on the jobs that are most important.