CombinedNSP Site Admin
Joined: 13 Dec 2006 Posts: 1406 Location: Cleveland, OH
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Posted: Dec Sun 17, 2006 1:32 pm Post subject: Plan Your Day Before You Begin |
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Plan Your Day Before You Begin
Planning often is forgotten when things get hectic and busy. Actually, it's at these times that it's most needed. Beginning each day with a personal planning session is key to becoming more effective. Plans lead to achievement.
1. Everyone has the same number of hours in the day.
Those who achieve more make better use of their time. Planning magnifies time. There are always people who seem to achieve more. They achieve because they are directed and driven. Plans provide the direction.
2. Planning the day out intentionally directs daily objectives to contribute to the overall mission. Time is well spent. Activity for its own sake is minimized. Idle moments during the day figuring out what to do next are time wasters. The map not only defines tasks but also makes sure they contribute to the mission.
3. It's easier to focus and stay on task.
Lots of time is wasted fire-fighting and on less significant tasks. Plans provide priorities and direction. Deadlines and schedules are part of planning. Time is a valuable resource that should be budgeted.
4. If you don't value your time, don't expect anyone else to.
Missed deadlines, lateness and bad scheduling project an unprofessional image. Plans enhance productivity.
5. Planning organizes priorities.
The important can be separated from the urgent. More significant activities can be allocated the time to perform them well. Less time is spent between tasks trying to figure out what to do next. Time is best organized based on contribution to goals. This facilitates both long and short-term thinking.
6. Lack of planning generates higher levels of pressure and stress.
Life is simpler and easier when planned out. Panicked? Worried? Feel like you're living in a pressure cooker? You're not planning well enough.
7. You either get to be a pitcher or a catcher.
Planners are in control. They take an active role. Catchers simply wait for what life throws at them. Planning puts you in the driver's seat!
8. Daily planning serves as the tactical block to achieve long-term goals.
The habit of short-term-planning yields long-term success. Planning shapes destiny. Good habits can perpetuate themselves.
9. Empowerment is attained. Planning contributes to a positive attitude.
It's much easier to visualize your success when you've laid out the road map. Planning provides power. It's easier to see victory when the proper steps are laid out.
10. Self-esteem is enhanced when you see yourself as directed and meaningfully investing time. Life is measured in time. By valuing your time, you are valuing yourself. The foundation of positive, possibility thinking, of a winning attitude is planning.
Submitted by Robert G. http://http://sites.netscape.net/rjerus ©1997, 98, 99, by Coach U, all rights reserved. |
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