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Make A Plan, Change Accordingly


I am a planner.  I like to think things through and determine priorities and allot time and, in general, set my agenda each day.   I make lists.  I have a task list and I check things off.  It is a wonderful system, until it breaks down. 

The problem arises when I believe that the plan is set in stone.  Plans are just plans, not actions.   A plan is not an outcome any more than a blueprint is building.  Things change and develop.  Life happens. 

Remaining flexible requires comfort with uncertainty.  I am not comfortable with open-ended.  Still, when I allow my day to flow and my plans to change easily without angst and wringing of hands, my day goes better.  

I have learned what works best for me is to have a plan.  Truly, I don't think I could stop planning even if I wanted to do it.   It is how my mind works.  I like structure.

So, I have a plan, but it is a living document.  I think about my day and plan my workload ahead of time.  And when I wake I re-evaluate according to the time, how I feel physically, any outside deadlines or needs that impact my plans, and I adjust.  I begin the day and as things come up – they inevitably will- I readjust. 

At first, this was dreadfully difficult.  I kept worrying that things wouldn't get done.  Miraculously I learned that the more flexible I was, the more I let go and moved tasks around, the easier it was to get everything done that needed to be done. 

I learned how to let go.  I learned I wasn't  responsible for everything.  I learned to take myself seriously.  I learned to depend on the structure of a plan while knowing that it probably wasn't going to take shape as sketched.  Now, each day is a journey of self evaluation and living evaluation.  I have more energy.  I am finding more joy and having more fun.
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