- Missed Opportunities. Many times I have come across great opportunities with every intention of participating. But if I don't write them down or put them on my calendar, guess what? I miss out. Dates are forgotten and deadlines are missed. Who knows what could have happened?
- Miscommunication. I have found when everyone in our household knows exactly what is going on, what is planned for the week, and what is expected of them, things tend to run much smoother. Just because I think something doesn't mean everyone can read my mind and know my thoughts. If I make my plans known and each person is aware of the details (in other words, if I communicate), miscommunication can be avoided or lessened.
- Stress/Frustration/Anxiety. This could probably be a subpoint under any of the other four, but it is a biggee so I decided to give it it's own bullet. Having a plan eliminates a lot of mishaps and the stress, frustration, and anxiety that come with them. Simple.
- Unfinished projects. Part of good planning involves scheduling time to finish projects. I have started many days with the intention of completing an assignment but not having a plan or designated time to do such. When this happens, I find myself at the end of the day with a lot of wasted time and a project still needing attention.
- Financial Hardship. There is an notable difference in how far my money stretches on the weeks I plan meals and expenses verses the weeks I don't. Poor planning can leave one at the end of a pay period with no money for gas, not enough groceries, and an overdrawn bank account.
The Bible says in Proverbs 21:5, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty." The word diligent is defined as constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything. A commentary describes "everyone who is hasty" as someone who manages his affairs rashly (acting or tending to act too hastily or without due consideration).
My Top Five list sounds less like plenty and more like poverty.
It seems it would be wise for us to take note of the instructions found in our life manual. We should be constantly attentive and persistent in our planning, not doing anything hastily or without due consideration.
(I am preaching to myself here, in case you were wondering.)
Have you suffered any consequences from poor planning (or no planning at all)?
A flip side to this post is: Top Five Consequences of Over-planning.
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Today's post is linked with Jen and the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood.
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16 friends had this to say:
Wow! I just said out loud to my husband, when am supposed to write my book? When I am supposed to make time for contests and deadlines? Two seconds later. Boom. Your blog. Yes, Lord, I hear you. I'm making my schedule now.
Don't you just love it when He does that? :) Blessings!
wow! too many true words here to count. too many good reminders. love the line about actually communicating what i'm thinking. . . rather than just leaving it up there and assuming everyone else will read my mind :-)
so convicting.
thanks for sharing!
You're welcome :) And yes, I need to remind myself daily that my family has not been granted the super power of mind reading.
I can so relate. Poor planning on my part is usually the culprit to a missed opportunity, or to unnecessary frustration.
I'm a planner by nature. God has had to do the opposite with me and teach me to just trust His plans and not my own.
I think you make TONS of great points here!
Shelly,
This is such a great list! Ever since I've planned meals, I've noticed our grocery bill drop. It's amazing. I'm a planner, but sometimes I forget to communicate those plans to my hubby, so I needed that reminder. :)
This is awesome -- so much truth in it. Lack of preparation affects even my relationship with God. Good reminder for me.
DJ...hopefully we are learning from our mistakes and turning our weaknesses into strengths :)
Thanks, Jen. I also have certain areas where I plan and have a hard time trusting God completely. I could definitely write a flip side to this post :)
Thanks, Melanie. Saving money onbut groceries and meals is an area I want to be more consistent in. And communication with the hubby....um...that, too :) We are a work in progress, aren't we?
Great point, Pamela. I have a whole other post on discipline in our relationship with God and being consistent. It truly makes a difference, doesn't it? I can tell a huge difference in my days that don't include Him. He is the source of everything we need.
Soooo true, all of them. One more that I would add: loss of esteem by other people. In time, others will grow weary of the one who plans poorly, is always late, work never done, etc., and will lose confidence in him.
Great post.
Hi Warren. You've made a great point. Thanks for adding your wisdom to this post! :)
I am thankful to find you and this post through the direction of the Soli Deo Gloria sisterhood community!
Oh! how guilty I am of poor planning, and Oh how I suffer at my own hands because of it too! And even sader is -my children and husband get held up because of it at times too :o(
It's been in the forefront of my mind to get myself organized in this area ... and I must be diligent with it, and keep PATIENCE with myself because this is a bad habit I've kept up with what seems life my whole life --eek!
Thank you for great encouragement, and I'm happy to be a follower over here at your blog too :o)
With Love In Christ!
Thank you, Deanna! It's so good to meet you! :)
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