Any well-executed project starts with a good plan.
Many people want to go back to school, start a business, or maybe even retire early. Spending time mapping out a solid plan will definitely help you reach all of those goals.
But what happens when you spend too much time planning?
Is It Possible To Overplan?
Yes! Definite Yes.
I have a friend who wants to some day own his own physical therapy clinic. He listens to podcasts about how to start a business, how to grow your own physical therapy company, and how to get clients. EVERYDAY, he visualizes his big goal and how he will make it happen.
He spends SO much of his time looking through programs, and analyzing the costs and benefits of each program. He is certain of what his passion is and has clear goals in mind.
There's just one problem……. He’s been researching “next steps” for 3 years.
He has spent more time planning out his future than he has actually acting on his plan to get there.
He doesn't have the credentials to be a licensed physical therapist. He hasn't gotten his doctorate (which you must have in order to be legit). He hasn't even started studying for his GRE (a test required to get into many of the best physical therapy doctorate programs).
But... I Want To Be SUPER Prepared To Succeed!
While planning is the first step of any successful project or goal, it can also be the part that many people fail.
It is easy to convince yourself that you’re making steps forward because you are planning towards your goal, but you also have to set time aside to actually make things happen.
Planning is nothing without execution.
Also, all the planning in the world won’t prepare you for everything you encounter once you actually get started. (Just ask any women who’s been pregnant. Birthing plan? Ha!)
Most of the time, you have to get started on the path towards your goal and just start learning as you go.
How Do You Know It’s Time To Start?
YOU’RE RESEARCHING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER
How many times do you have to google “how to get started” before you get started? If you’ve googled this a few times, it may be time to quit researching and start doing.
YOU KNOW SO MUCH ABOUT A SUBJECT YOU CAN EXPLAIN IT TO SOMEONE ELSE
Have you ever met someone who knows literally everything about real estate but they’ve never bought their first home? If you are that person, than you need to start walking the walk. Consistent action will get you so much further than endless planning.
YOU CLEARLY KNOW THE FIRST STEP
All you really need in order to start….. is the first step. If you’re writing a book, pick up a pen. If you’re going back to school for your Master’s, apply to a program. If you want to get a new job, revamp that resume! If you want to start eating healthier, make a meal plan for the week. If you want to start working out, block off some time on your calendar to take a class.
Once you know what the first step on the path is to reach your goal, you have enough information to take a tiny step. Steps will soon turn into miles.
YOU’VE MOVED YOUR END DATE MORE THAN ONCE
Next year, I’m really going to start that meal plan. Like, for real this time.
The only way to really fail is not to even start. Take a chance on yourself and start that big goal. Your dreams are in good hands….. the best hands even - yours.
xoxo
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cyrene is a fun and accomplished workshop facilitator, learning and development guru and Human Resources professional. Being at the helm of Thrive Lounge has been a long-time dream. Through vision board workshops she plans to accomplish two-way learning. Sharing her vast years of knowledge to motivate and encourage others; while simultaneously getting the reward of great energy, ideas and questions to ponder back from each group. A super win-win. Please join our Thrive Lounge community so you too can benefit!
