PLANNING.

There’s nothing worth pursuing in this world that does not need careful planning. From space adventure to building an edifice, to name a few, every task worthy of the name needs careful planning. I’m yet to come across a man who does not want to prosper. Alas, not all men will succeed in life. Call me a prophet of doom, but see what I mean…

Let’s look at the erection of a building, as it should be, together. Before a block is ever laid on a site, a surveyor does the survey of the land. Afterwards, based on the intention of the owner and upon consultations with an architect, the architect comes up with a plan for the house. Not until after the plan is finished can construction commence on the site as even the digging for the foundation requires consultations with the plan. From a detailed plan of a building, you can tell where the toilet will be on the site without seeing two blocks on each other. Simply put, the plan guides the erection of the building from the foundation to the finishing. Imagine there’s no plan to work with, though the house may be built anyway, but it won’t be what it should be if it was properly planned. As it is for the erection of a building, so it is in our individual lives. If you fail to plan ahead, you might forever be at the mercy of the future; life will toss you wherever it wills. However, having a plan for your life gives you the opportunity to take charge of your life. Thus, it is imperative for those that desire to thrive to have an effective plan for the future.

The axiom “If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail” cannot be truer. The universe was not structured to favour the frivolous. From time immemorial, human wants has always been insatiable and the resources for satisfying them has always been limited which brings about the need for effective planning. To wrest the best from life, you must learn how to plan your resources; time, money, name it. Some things can wait till your dreams and aspirations come to fruition! You must learn to say ‘no’ to some luxuries for the sake of your future. No matter how little you earn, learn to save or invest to fund your plan. Learn to always distinguish between an asset and a liability. Be wise enough to secure your future.

In as much as you should carefully plan your steps ahead, care should however be taken not to be too resolute. You must know when to strike a balance; when to act on instinct when an opportunity presents itself. As Robert Greene advised “your plan must include alternatives and have a degree of flexibility. If you are locked into a plan too rigidly, you will be unable to deal with sudden shifts of fortune.”

If you don’t take charge of your life, who will? Take a break to reflect on your life. Are you satisfied with where you are? Where are you going from where you are presently? What do you desire from life? Are your dreams attainable? What plans do you have of achieving your dreams? Are you prepared to pay the price? Are you committed to follow through if checkered by failure? All these demand reckoning.

Whatever your situation may be, however tight your schedule may be, however little your pay may be, however hopeless the odds are, I have good news for you: it’s not over yet! That higher ground you covet so much is still attainable, but you must accept responsibility. Stop living a lie. Fix a goal, devise a plan and follow through. Challenge fate to it; redefine your destiny!

I conclude with the words of Robert Greene, I quote “The ending is everything. Plan all the way to it, taking into account all the possible consequences, obstacles, and twists of fortune that might reverse your hard work and give the glory to others. By planning to the end you will not be overwhelmed by circumstances and you will know when to stop. Gently guide fortune and help determine the future by thinking far ahead.”