Planning Progresses

Over the last few weeks I’ve written about iterating. I’ve talked about how even though it’s not the ideal or perfect version of what I envision, I’ve been able to move forward, knowing I’ll iterate and work towards the ideal version at a later date. The same is true with planning. It’s been one of my shortcomings, deficits, or deficiencies. Pick a word, they’re all about the same for this situation.

My history includes an unwillingness or inability to properly plan. Mostly unwilling since I believe I have the ability. This time around, since my accident, I’ve put pen to paper. I’ve mapped out the organization, content, workflows, and a few other things. I’ve yet to set dates for completion, mostly because everything I’m doing is new and there's a learning curve for it all. More important than the deadlines are the actual plans. I’ve neglected to do those things previously. I’d chosen to live more carefree, less structured, or undisciplined. As a parent administers consequences for a child that doesn’t obey and adhere to the rules or code of conduct, my Creator has done the same for me.

There’s the yin and yang, light and dark, up and down or any other way you’d like to look at things. Basically, when I follow the code of conduct, the rules of the game, I’m rewarded and handsomely. When I do not follow the rules, I face the consequences. It’s simple. It’s straightforward. It’s also timeless. These types of relationships have existed throughout time. Before either of us were on the planet, they existed. After we’ve both completed this journey and are no longer here, they will still exist.

A friend of my Dad’s often says, “Junior, if you’re gonna play the game, you’ve got to know the rules.” It’s true, but knowledge alone isn’t enough. I’ve learned you also have to follow or adhere to the rules. If you don’t know the rules, we’ve got to learn them, then we’ve got to follow them. Following them brings rewards we enjoy and not following them brings about consequences we do not enjoy. One of the rules is planning. Having said all that, I’m getting better at planning.

Planning, like just about everything else, is something that the more you do it, the better at it, or more proficient you become. When I did these things in the past, I often struggled, then delayed, then abandoned the planning altogether. Today, I can envision where I’m going, what it’ll take to get there, and the steps needed for each of those steps to get accomplished. It’s less time consuming. I won’t go so far as to say it's enjoyable, but it’s not as unpleasant as it’s previously been.

Picture a toddler learning to walk. In the beginning they’re barely able to stand without falling. Then they can’t take small steps then fall. A bit more practice and they’re able to walk unassisted and without aid. Before too long, the little tyke is running about the house or yard wreaking havoc to the parents and delighting themselves. I’m far from Usain Bolt, but I’m also not struggling to stand and maintain my balance with planning. It’s progressing and so am I.

Today, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, I am grateful that:

I’ve got the first 50 projects identified. The plan is

This is the first part of the entry.