I heard something in a book the other day (I love audio books!) that said “Sometimes a plan can stop us from seeing all other options” and it got me to thinking. While this might be a true statement does it then imply that it is a worse solution than not planning?
Perhaps it is just reminding us that while we have made a plan it is a good idea to keep our minds open to options that might come up while we are implementing our plan. I think that it is a very good reminder actually because sometimes we really get locked into an idea that, as it becomes a worse and worse one, we sometimes get more and more stubborn about sticking to “the plan”. Our ownership of the plan gets all wrapped up with our pride and then our minds close down to options.
I admit that I am a consummate planner. Where I differ from many planners is that I come up with plans upon plans upon plans based on all the different contingencies that I can think of. Then I pick my favorite plan or the one that I think makes the most sense and I go with that one. If, even before I get to pick anything, things change I quickly revise all plans and then pick again. Normally, I do that all the way along the course of a plan so that I think that I do end up seeing other options or at least being very open to adapting to changes but sometimes I get ground in for sure. So, definitely, it is nice to have the reminder.
It might be a function of how open or resistant to change that we are. Some people are incredibly resistant to change and so I can see them getting quite stuck on a plan once that plan is in place. Others rejoice in change, sometimes too much, and so then options are all they see and plans never actually solidify into plans which has its own drawbacks for sure.
Whatever way that you are, I think that it is worth taking a few minutes to think about it.
Have a terrific day!
Ella
Project 365 Photo
I don’t even know why I took this picture. I think that it was the juxtaposition of these “animals” and vase that struck me as photo worthy. I love my Frog Prince and the little silly stuffed dog sitting there made me smile (again, don’t know why).

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