Mapping Success: The Significance of Planning Your Actions

INTRODUCTION

Achieving success is a universal desire, yet the road to it remains shrouded in mystery. Each individual has their own subjective definition of success - be it financial prosperity or emotional fulfillment. However, the million-dollar question remains: how exactly does one attain success? Sadly, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Despite what many self-proclaimed gurus might claim, there is no clear-cut formula or hack that guarantees success. It remains an enigma, an elusive and abstract concept that is different for everyone.

It's undeniable that certain philosophies, such as Napoleon Hill's classic 'Think and Grow Rich' (a personal favorite of mine), advocate for identifying a clear and attainable life purpose, and devising a well-defined plan to achieve it. The word 'plan' may seem daunting and unappealing to many, but the reality is that this four-letter word has the power to completely transform your life. Whether you're planning for the short-term or the long-term, the act of deliberately mapping out your actions can yield a plethora of benefits. So, let's dive in and explore HOW planning can revolutionize your journey to success.

WHY PLANNING EVERY BIT OF YOUR ACTIONS IS IMPORTANT

It's a well-established fact that meticulous planning a task is equivalent to doing it. When we plan with precision, we gain clarity on our short-term goals and pave the way for long-term triumph. Merely identifying what needs to be done can already be considered half the battle won. Planning helps us streamline our thoughts and channel them towards a common objective. In addition, planning is also an effective way of conserving our willpower. As Cal Newport mentions in his book 'Deep Work', willpower is akin to a tank of water with limited capacity. Inefficient use will only drain the tank faster, leaving us empty before the day is over. Planning our actions in advance allows us to utilize our willpower efficiently and conserve it for the tasks that require the most attention.

A Day Not Planned Is A Day Wasted

LONG TERM - SET OBJECTIVES

It is imperative to establish long-term objectives that align with our desired accomplishments in life, such as becoming a doctor. Jotting down this goal in bold letters on an A4 sized sheet and displaying it in a prominent location where it can be viewed daily serves as a constant reminder of our aspirations. Now you have to set a path upon 'How can i become a doctor?

MEDIUM TERM - WRITE DOWN GOALS

As we strive towards our long-term objective of becoming a doctor, it is crucial to consider the requisites that will lead us there. Planning for these requisites, which fall under the medium-term category, is of utmost importance. For instance, one must complete an MBBS degree, followed by an internship program, before being able to practice medicine as a licensed doctor. Determining the precise date on which we can commence practicing medicine is psychologically essential. This can be achieved by constructing a flowchart, which illustrates our current position and the destination we intend to reach. By interacting with the flowchart, we can quickly access the depths of our subconscious mind and keep our objectives in sight.

SHORT TERM - PLAN EVERYDAY

Short term planning is a critical component of achieving medium-term goals. To effectively plan for the short term, PERSISTENCE is key. You must be determined and committed to accomplishing what needs to be done. Once you have defined your medium-term goals, you can start breaking them down into smaller, more MANAGEABLE TASKS. Every morning, take some time to plan your day. Write down what you need to achieve that day and make sure you are clear about your objectives. Visualize yourself achieving your goals and motivate yourself by saying, "I am going to crush these goals before the sun sets." When planning your daily goals, BE REALISTIC and don't expect too much from yourself in one day. This will help you avoid disappointment and frustration if you don't accomplish everything on your list. Remember, you are not flawed if you don't complete everything you set out to do. It may be that the tasks were too much to handle in one day.