Why do I even need a plan?!
So, let me start by saying I had no intention of writing a post leading into the new year about direction or plans. Mostly because I am a firm believer that we already know the things we need to do, but we need the motivation and safety to pursue them (feeling safe enough to grow is a thing, trust me). But as I am sitting in this coffee shop (that closes in two hours and I’ve been here an hour already) with none of the things in my head completed, the thing missing from my “writing day” is a plan.
Now, if you know me, you know that I am a grade A procrastinator. I mean, “churn out a 10-page paper for class in the night before” type of girl. My most creative moments come from me thinking on my feet because I do somethings (most things) so last minute, but I still need them to look great. Any other creative procrastinators out there?! Just wave your hand and imagine that I can see you right now.
I can also be a little bit of free spirit, meaning that I’m not the biggest fan of structure (which also isn’t earth-shattering news). I’m typically only a fan of structure (and rules) when it’s mostly beneficial to me. I know that sounds extremely selfish, but I’m honest with myself and y’all; because this is a blog for growing people, not perfect people (that was my disclaimer for this post).
Nevertheless, if I keep with the spirit of honesty, I’m not a fan of structure because it’s not something that comes easy to me. Because nearly 30 years later, I’m still trying to figure out exactly what it would take for me to wake up and just do it (cheesy rip-off from Nike, but it fit). Whatever “it” is, what would it take to tackle it head on and not let every single due date be a surprise?! I know the answer to that question is discipline, but we’ll get to that a little later.
Now, some (a lot) of you may be in the same spot. You have great ideas, but little follow through. You have great starts, but nonexistent finishes. You have all of the excitement, but no plan. And depending on how many times you’ve been through the same cycle, you may be level one frustrated with yourself or level “I’m about to throw in towel TODAY” level frustrated. So, my two bits of encouragement are, don’t quit, plan…and then be committed to the plan.
Like most things in life, the Lord won’t let something leave my heart/mind when it’s time for me to learn a lesson (and we know I’m stubborn, so we go through this often). And this lesson is clearly on proper preparation (say that five times fast). Also, like most things in life, Jesus already told us a story to help, but we ain’t listen or forgot. But this is why we have the Bible, our never ending reference guide (that was such a teacher statement to make). So, with that being the case, what exactly did Jesus say?! Got you covered!
“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’
Luke 14:28-30, NLT (Also, Luke 14:25-35 AMP provides more context)
Now, I don’t know what the individual plans will look like for each of us, but I am more than certain that we each need to have one. Because until we do, we’re not living at the level of our potential, we’re living at the level of our preparation.
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