Why Bother With A Plan?

The first business plan for my coaching practice was written on the back of a placemat while waiting for a lobster in an out-of-the-way shack in Maine. It was 2004, and I was on my way to visit some friends for a little R&R. I started thinking about my business and made a few notes:

- How much money I wanted to make in the next year

- How I would price my services to meet my income goals

- How many clients that meant I needed

- What kind of programs that meant I needed to offer

- What kind of additional training I would need

- How I would talk about my services

While I deconstructed a delicious lobster, I noodled on my plan. And when I removed the very attractive bib from around my neck and paid my check, I had a strong, workable direction for my business.And I put that one-year plan in my purse and didn't look at it again for six months.Surprisingly, though, in that six months, I had done everything on my plan. Ahead of plan.That's right - I didn't obsess, or over-think. I just executed.Because the mere process of creating the plan - just putting my to-dos top of mind - catalyzed my action.Now, there are those who detest plans. Maybe because they think plans are too rigid, don't allow for creativity, aren't that spontaneous, won't accommodate serendipity.[These people tend to - in Myers-Briggs talk - have a strong preference for "Perceiving", the dear darlings. They value flexibility above all and will do anything in their power to preserve their ability to go with the flow. And I completely get it. That's why I started this post of with the lobster story - just to show all those P people that planning can be easy. And tasty.]A great plan, though, is not judged on how many tabs, tables and cross-references it includes.A great plan is judged on how well it works.With a plan, you know where to put your energy.With a plan, you have a direction.With a plan, you know what to say a whole-hearted "Yes!" to, and what to put in the "When There's Time" file.And planning can be easy. Easy-peasy.Want to do one yourself? OK, take out a placemat-sized piece of paper. [lobster bib always optional.]Answer these prompts:

- What do you want right now, more than anything?

- What's your life going to be like when you get what you want? What's it going to look like?

- Who are you when you're at your best? What elements are in place? Which of these things already support getting what you want?

- What's the first thing you need to do?

- Whose help do you need to do it?

- When can you start?

Focus, and put your best effort into these questions. When you're done, you'll realize that you have a plan, sugar.Then fold it up and put it in your pocket.And I'll bet you, in six months, you've accomplished everything that needs doing.Bet you a lobster dinner. 

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If you need a little help getting your plan together, there are still a few slots available for this Friday's Get Yourself A Plan Retreat in Arlington, VA.  If you live outside the DC-area, you can sign up for the Virtual version of the Retreat.  Registration closes for the live event on Monday, February 27th, and on Wednesday, February 29th for the Virtual Retreat.