You’ve heard it before – if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Cliché as it may sound, this phrase couldn’t be more true in terms of being successful and achieving your goals. 9.9 times out of 10, great things just don’t happen magically or on a whim. It takes planning, execution and follow through. The most common mistake that people make when embarking on a new project or venture, is failing to plan. Why, you ask? People often don’t see the value in planning because there’s no actual “doing” involved. However, planning is pretty much the most important step when doing … well, anything!

A good plan represents a light at the end of the tunnel. Small or big project, a plan allows you to see how something will get done in steps; making your project vision a little more attainable and manageable. It also forces you to think about the small details of a project, which is especially helpful when taking on large tasks. Simply put, a plan allows you to see the big picture and the small picture simultaneously.

Being thoughtful in your planning will be extremely beneficial if you ever happen to get off course on a task or project. Your plan will serve as a reference for your goal, reminding you of what you originally set out to achieve. It will prevent you from starting things and never finishing them, which is pretty easy to do when you’re juggling life and all its responsibilities.

Do yourself a favor and make sure to set time aside for planning when striving for your goals. It will make the journey more productive and enjoyable.

Written By: Chey Parker
Managing Editor, The Bobby Pen
Editor-in-Chief, Everything Girls Love