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Are you stuck because of poor planning? 

Dr Elizma van der Smit 

What is Planning? 

According to cumberlandmd.gov, the word "planning" is hard for many people to understand because it is a concept, not something you can hold in your hands or visualize easily in your mind.  

 

At its most basic level, planning is the process we use to make deliberate decisions. It begins with a vision of what you want to achieve. You then compare the vision with where you are now and determine what you need to do to get where you want to be. 

Ahmer (2018) agrees that planning is a process of setting goals, developing strategies, and outlining tasks and schedules to accomplish the goals. Planning starts after dreams, needs, desires and ideas take birth in life. In every aspect of our lives planning play a crucial role. 

Why Is Planning Important? (Ahmer, 2018) 

Planning is important to stay focused on the goals despite the constant change of situations around us. 

  • One small and crazy idea can become big reality one day with proper planning

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  • An idea is nothing more than brain waves if there is no plan to execute it. 
  • Planning provides speed, competitive advantages, confidence, direction, flexibility to fulfil your dream. 
  • Planning helps to direct and redirect future for self and others for efficient living standard. That’s why most of the people save money, 

So that they can walk towards future confidently. That’s why planning is important to survive in life. 

Three steps on how to plan your life (Blinka in wikihow.com) 

1.Create direction in your life. Identify what’s not working in your life so you know what to change. 

You likely have areas in your life where you feel unfulfilled, but that's a fixable problem. Ask yourself if you’re using your talents fully and if you’re making an impact. Additionally, figure out the things that trigger envy, sadness, and regret in your life. Chances are, you feel like you’re lacking in these areas. 

2. Define your core values in life. Living your life according to your values can help you feel fulfilled and full of purpose. To figure out your values, examine how you spend your time and what makes you happiest. Alternatively, think about 3 people you admire and figure out why you hold them in high esteem. You could also review a list of values and check off which one’s matter most to you. You can find a core values checklist here: 

3. Make small changes at first so they’re easy to do. You probably want fast results, but big sweeping changes usually don't last. Instead, challenge yourself to spend a little time every day working on your goal. In time, these changes will become habits. Once your new habits feel second nature, take another small step toward your goal. Let’s say your goal is to start working out 5 times a week. You might start by taking a 15-minute walk after work every day. Once this becomes a habit, you could expand to a 30-minute walk. Next, you might try other exercises. 

Resources 

https://www.wikihow.com/Plan-Your-Life 

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This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.