Plans are useless, planning indispensable

We're only two weeks into 2014 and already I have to change some of my plans for the year.  Things happen and we must adapt.  

I'm not upset about it.  I think of the words of Eisenhower and Churchill and revisit my planning.

Dwight D Eisenhower said “In preparing for battle, I have always found that plans are useless but planning is indispensable” and Winston Churchill said “Plans are of little importance, but planning is essential.”

We can so easily be disheartened when our plans are derailed.  When our plans suffer a setback, we most often revert to the status quo.  We go back to the default and bemoan our bad luck.  We come up with excuses and we assign blame.

What we must do, is plan some more.  When a plan turns out to be less than perfect, it doesn't mean the goal is unachievable.  Don't give up on the goal.  

Plan from this point forward.  The starting point is different to the starting point  of the previous plan.  There's new perspective and lessons learnt that will benefit the new plan.  

Execute the new plan without fear of failure.  Until the new plan fails and requires you to adjust the plan or come up with a new plan altogether.  Keep in mind that failure shouldn't be feared but received enthusiastically as an opportunity to learn.

Then plan again and execute without fear of failure.  Until you have to do it again.  With each iteration the goal will be closer, the experience gained invaluable.

I must admit, I rather enjoy the process of re-planning.  The hindsight educates, the foresight exites.