Everyone Has a Plan Until They Get Punched in the Mouth

I saw the quote:

“Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth.”

I recognized Mike Tyson’s catch phrase right away.

It was used in a newspaper article by Politico - suggesting the Biden Administration can’t carry out their vaccination plan, because they couldn't locate a small batch of vaccines that was (purportedly) misplaced.

It was a weak IFTTT (If This Then That) argument at best.

I didn’t care for the article …

But the use of Tyson’s phrase stuck with me.

Was the author saying that plans don’t matter?

Or that Plans are useless when they don’t go according to Plan?

It challenged the inner Planner in me and I stewed on it for a bit…

Having spent 20 years in the Planning space, here’s where I landed: Planning is valuable - when done right!

#1 Planning helps us Think More Intentionally

We’re busy, distracted and inundated by never ending to-do lists.

Being “busy” has become badge of honor.

But is busy taking us where we want to go?

Planning helps us think about the future, without the noise, distractions or constraints of present day circumstances

#2 Planning helps us See the Bigger Picture

“Keeping up with the Joneses” (sorry Joneses), or “with the Kardashians” (sorry, not sorry) is a trap!

We all know it’s a trap but we still fall into it every now and again. Why?

Because it's easy. It's all around us. It's contagious. It’s a short lived high.

But when all is said and done, many years from now, we’ll look over our shoulders at the life we lived.

What will we see?

Will we be satisfied by what we see?

Planning helps us look forward, backwards, and sideways in every direction to see the bigger picture of where we are and where we need to go.

#3 Planning helps us Move … In the Right Direction

Ever feel stuck? Overwhelmed? Uncertain? Unclear? Lost?

I sure have! No need to raise your hand…I’m pretty sure everyone has.

Cutting through roadblocks, overcoming challenges, and breaking glass ceilings is hard without a big, clear and meaningful WHY.

But you know what happens when a Mama Bear fears for her Cub? No matter how tired, hungry, injured or down she may be … nothing will stand in the way of her keeping her baby safe!!!

Planning helps us connect with our deeper WHY. It gives us strength, energy, courage, and commitment to move forward, in the right direction, no matter what!

So no (Mr. Author) I don’t agree with your premise.

Plans Matter!

Plans don’t have to go according to Plan to be valuable!

And being dealt a “punch” is not defeat!