The beautiful thing about a plan is that it creates certainty - makes something real.  

I used to have a boss that would insist on plans being printed out, nicely drafted, complete with dates, objectives, metrics - you name it!

I've also traveled with people that like to plan out every stop along a trip - where we go, what we see, where we eat, when we sleep, when we wake... ugh! 

I say we stop planning what we'll do in the future!  

Do away with the whole concept, all together, goodbye!

Instead, let's plan for HOW we'll act in the future.

• Instead of planning for what we'll do 30 days from now, let's plan on what we'll hope to learn 30 days from now, and how we'll figure out whether or not we've learned.

• Instead of planning for each vacation activity, let's plan how we'll make decisions about what we'll do and when.  

• Instead of planning for what steps we'll take to execute recruitment, let's plan for how we'll decide what steps to take at different milestones.  

Why is this better?

• Because life changes! #hellocovid19

• Because life changes! Maybe our customers don't want that product anymore?

• Because life changes! Because Disney no longer has "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride!" (biggest disappointment ever...)

• Because life changes! When you have the wrong expectations, you risk frustration.

• Because healthy expectations lead to productive work!

• Because to do work that matters requires your ability to change and adapt.

• Because you will learn, grow, and come alive during the course of work.

• And, because that growth is only meaningful if you can lean into it! 

Next time you're ready to sit down and list out your next steps, make sure you're planning for the right thing ;-)