The Art of Planning

Planning is the art of putting future-oriented things in place so that your mind has less to worry about. It’s true that there are people out there who love to plan and are good at it. It’s also true that if it doesn’t come naturally to you it doesn’t mean “it’s not who you are”.

 Anyone can learn anything, if you have a method or system. I’ll share this quick formula for you to try so you can give your mind a break every now and then.

1. Identify the objective and the goal/s.
2. Give it structure (when is it due? How long will it take?)
3. Give it detail (what does it involve?)
4. Give it actions (what must I do to get it done?)
5. Execute (get through one action at a time)

Let’s take minor house renovations / maintenance as the objective. The goals are yard landscaping, and interior house repainting. Starting with the yard landscaping:

The structure:

I want this to be done across 10-15 working days in February (summer season). I want to spend R20-30k only.

The detail:

It’s going to involve appointments with landscaping companies to determine suitable fit, the workers on-site to do the work, materials and supplies; and a vision to bring it together.

The actions:

• Get inspiration images.
• Reach out to various companies for quotes and alignment.
• Confirm which company to pursue.
• Confirm costs.
• Confirm the plan.
• Confirm working period.
• Clear the yard to prepare (declutter, organize)
• Purchase any materials/supplies not included in scope.
• Purchase water bottles and snacks to provide for team during working period

Execute:

I am planning this in September, which gives me four months to execute. Confirming the company is top priority. Followed by the plan alignment with the company. This must be done by end of October. In November for black Friday sales, I’ll grab the water bottles, so I know it’s ready for the workers as well as purchase any materials/supplies that are needed. In December and January when companies are closed, I’ll declutter and organize the yard. In February I’m ready.

 

Full disclosure: I have never hired a landscaping company to do work and have never renovated a yard. This information is created by following the formula. You don’t have to have experienced something before to be good at planning. Granted, it does make you better at it. If I were to landscape an area I’d also reach out to family and friends for advice to make sure I’m not missing anything. 

You can apply this process for your next weekend trip away, the staff party or bridal shower you’ve been assigned to plan or even your own house maintenance.

 Use a plain notebook or excel file – whatever works for you! I’ve got a project management template in the Digital Templates package if you want something ready-to-use - Project Management Template.

 

Let me know if you try it! Happy Planning!