I'm not a big Boxing fan. But when I ....

When I saw the phrase “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 - suggesting the Biden Administration can't succeed in 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 quote 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! Don’t 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 Mama Bear fears for her Cub? No matter how tired, hungry, injured or down she may be … nothing will stand in her way 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! 

Thanks for reading

Roman