Planning Ahead Is Better Than Improvising — Here’s 2 Rules To Keep In Mind
Become a strategic planner rather than a victim of luck
There are two types of people in this world: Those who carefully prepare for what might come, and those who improvise their decisions based on the present moment.
The latter is not very effective if the end goal is something very dear to you. Planning your steps is like a safety net; no matter what obstacles you face, you’re never too damaged to get back on track.
Sometimes, improvising gets too complicated because of the lack of preparation. It’s not easy having to come up with an effective solution on short notice, you’ll be better off having backups to your backups than having to deal with something you haven’t even thought about in the first place.
Here are 2 rules to help you plan ahead:
Rule 1: Prepare for the worst imaginable
Open your mind to what might come, and always be prepared for the worst. Read, research, and ask about past experiences regarding the subject. Get to know what you’re dealing with and what obstacles you might face. The more knowledgeable you are, the more you are prepared and the easier is your path.
The wisest among us are those who know what risks lie around, and this knowledge did not engulf them by good fortune, rather it came to them after countless hours of reading, learning, and living. Learn from the past of others, and you’ll be able to overcome the obstacles to which they, themselves, once fell victim.
Rule 2: Adapt and renew
Plans change. Circumstances change. We change. A great plan is never carved in one sitting, rather it’s one that’s modified and remolded over and over again as circumstances come by.
Some obstacles are harder than others, and sometimes difficulties come in ways we never expect. Sometimes, even the most prepared people can fall into deep misfortune, so never be too cocky and expect that your plan might need a few tweaks here and there. Stay flexible.
Long-term thinking leads to long-term safety. Improvised thinking leads to risks being taken and short-term anxiety. Keep thinking ahead, adapt to your surroundings, and always prepare for the worst. You never know what destructive force might come your way.