Strict or Flexible: Sometimes a Difficult Question
I love going for walks at our local park. There’s a one-mile loop, and I usually commit to three laps for exercise. Recently, I planned to take my walk at 5:00 pm. As the time approached, I glanced at my desk, noticing a stack of papers and unfinished tasks. I found myself at a crossroads: stick to my plan and go for the walk or stay home and tackle more work. Reminding myself that "it will never all be done, and there will always be something to do tomorrow," I chose to go for the walk.
A few days later, I had the same plan for 5:00 pm. But this time, as the clock ticked closer, I wasn’t finished with a project that had taken longer than expected. It was time-sensitive, meaning I couldn’t afford to put it off. So, in this case, I stayed home.
Two similar situations. Two different decisions.
I’m a firm believer in establishing plans and intentionally sticking to them. Here are three reasons why it’s a powerful habit to cultivate:
Prevents Procrastination: When you operate without a plan and simply do "what comes next," it's easy to gravitate towards tasks that feel comfortable or require the least effort. This often leads to procrastination on more challenging or essential tasks, stalling your productivity and progress toward meaningful goals.
Provides Clarity and Focus: A well-thought-out plan serves as a clear roadmap, helping you prioritize tasks and allocate resources effectively. It minimizes distractions and keeps you focused on your goals, ensuring that your efforts align with your intentions.
Builds Confidence and Motivation: Having a plan boosts your confidence and sense of grounding, giving you a clear direction and sense of control. Tracking your progress and celebrating small wins along the way can also serve as powerful motivation.
However, while sticking to a plan is important, flexibility allows you to adjust when unexpected challenges arise. This adaptability helps you stay on course without getting discouraged by setbacks.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to follow through on what you planned—exactly when you planned to do it. Other times, it’s wise to give yourself grace and shift to a revised plan. The key is to be confident in your decision.
Trust yourself—you know what’s best.
Now it’s time to do that thing.