This is not easy. It is simple but not easy. You need to refine your goals and get very clear about what you are aiming for. Then you need a clear timeline and plan to achieve them. The more precision you add now, the higher the probability of hitting your targets!
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You’ll spend less, feel better and reduce stress if you can plan ahead.
Christmas cards are a great example. If you plan ahead, you’ll have time to make or buy cards that you love to send. If you’re making your card, you won’t have to pay for instant production. You can opt for the cheaper 2-3 day production.
Also, you will pay less for postage with a lot of lead time. You won’t have to use a courier, express service or overnight delivery. You can pay the least and know it will get there in time.
Not planning ahead, and acting on it, will cost you more time, more money, more stress and many missed opportunities. You may even have to pay penalties or fines. (Think about parking tickets. You pay less if you pay quickly. A good incentive).
A great life is a wonderful mix of both spontaneity and planning. Although one must be aware of how you use them. Too much of one can be detrimental though the opposite could be beneficial. Spontaneously eating while planning to lose weight will not be helpful. Whereas spontaneously going to the gym frequently might benefit your plan.
You are where you should be based on those things that have come before. You may prefer to be somewhere else, but you’re on track at the moment.
Everything you have done in life has lead you to this moment. Decisions you have made, and the decisions of others, have all contributed to getting you here. It’s a strange concept to consider sometimes. It can invoke different feelings about the control you have over your life and circumstances.
If you like where you are, you may feel confident and happy. If you do not, you may feel anxious, frustrated or concerned. Either way, you are where you are.
The great news is that you can change things. The quickest way to make a change is to look at things anew with fresh eyes and an open perspective. Gratitude will help quite a bit here. Right now may not be perfect but it is probably better than a Guatemalan jail cell.
You can also look five years ahead and decide that you will be at a different destination at that time. Write the story of what your life will be like then. Note down your age, your relationships, your occupation, wealth, fitness, health and lifestyle. Then decide what you will start to do differently from today to get there in time.
It’s ok. You’re on track.
