Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Planning and Holding Your Plans Loosely

This is the time of year when we begin reflecting on what has come to pass and what the future holds. We reflect, evaluate and adjust. As you take stock and begin planning for the coming year(s), remember that plans are guidelines for our business and personal lives. They are not unchanging steadfast rules for what we can and cannot do.

Too often, people set their plans and when life throws in an unplanned event (which it often does), they loose their way or resent the event's occurrence. This leads to frustration, anger and sometimes a need to micro-manage one's life, events or other people.

I love the saying, "We make plans, God laughs." If we hold onto our plans too tightly, we'll forget to laugh when the unexpected occurs. If we were to hold onto our plans more loosely, the unexpected may be viewed as an opportunity to improve upon the plan, view the plan from a different perspective or include others in the plan. A tightly held plan can be squeezed until it is devoid of life.

As 2008 comes to a close, remember to hold your 2009 and beyond plans loosely. Whatever you do, know that the best made plans can be great in the moment they are made, but the future may hold a few surprises. In an instant, our circumstances can profoundly change. What we currently view as important, can instantly become insignificant.

Remember to laugh. The unexpected is bound to happen, and when it does, know that God is laughing with you.

What plans do you have for 2009? How do you plan to manage the unexpected?