Gain Better Return from Planning
Courtesy CAROL MARAK
A long-range planner has an infinite number of options for the future . What gets in the way is the stress of choosing the best one . And many times , people use uncertainty as an excuse to postpone altogether . As a whole , our society is reactive , especially when dealing with life events and emergencies . No one wakes up thinking , “ Today I ’ m going to put a plan together just in case I need it .” People do need one , they just don ’ t know where to start . The following steps will help people to plan for a favorable tomorrow . This process mentally prepared me to live well today and into the future .
1 . Mitigate Stress and Worry
Planning is a thought process that requires mental effort free of stress . This is important because stress affects the ability to concentrate and to focus on the matters at hand . A few tips to mitigate stress that postpones action : Identify the signs of stress such as fidgeting or tense muscles . Know the situations that impact stress like financial or personal problems , and finally , Practice well-being activities , for example , exercise , eat healthy foods , and learn new skills . A therapist reminded me , “ The simple step of acknowledging a problem or issue positions the person for solving it .”
2 . Shift Mindset from Problems to Possibilities
People are trained to focus on the problems when making decisions . But ultimately planners need to see possibilities — that ’ s where magic lives and where trends are born . Embracing a possibility mindset adds value to almost everything ; life purpose , the community , family and friends , a supportive environment — restoring hope , in what we can do and who we are as people .
Components of a Problem Focused Attitude There ’ s a feeling of disempowerment in problems , a feeling that all doors are shut . When planners fixate on worries , they ’ re preoccupied with reducing and resolving threats , emotional distress , fears and worries , and barriers .
about yourself . Reflect on and pay attention to choices that expand improvement such as , What do I do well ? What ’ s unique about me ? Where do I excel ?
Examples : Resourceful , adaptable , manage money well , self-directed , and resilient .
Similar to strengths , identify the weaknesses by answering : What areas in life are underperforming and why ? What could improve ? What resources are needed ?
Examples : Low quality of life , unsatisfying friendships , poor budgeter , and unfulfilling relationships .
4 . Research Available Options
Quality research is doable , replicable , and based on logical rationale . It must generate new questions , and address problems . Start with provoking questions and searching for answers on the Internet and within the local community such as : What would it take to create a change in my overspending ? How to get a budget under control ? How to stop spending more than I earn ?
Questions inform the planner . It ’ s the secret sauce for creating something better .
Grab a pen and pad . Pick one thing to improve — say it ’ s saving money .
Answer : What does it look like right now ? Am I putting money away in an emergency fund and if not , why not ? What do I predict will happen to my money if I don ’ t make any changes ?
What are the variables that influence my finances the most ? Is it saving more , overspending , or not following a budget ?
Describe your finances in one , three , and five years . List the actions you ’ ll take . The outcome depends on the amount of control you have . Have fun with this and don ’ t hold back . Fifteen years ago , that ’ s what I did . Started small . Broadened expectations overtime . Do that and you ’ ll have more money !
Components of a Possibility Mindset Even the smallest shift can create exciting possibilities . Start by asking , “ What ’ s the possibility that I see in this situation ?” Ultimately , spend time on the options and positive interrelationships , insights and choices , replacing expectations with plans , collecting information , and finally , focus on what you can control .
3 . Evaluate Strengths and Weaknesses
A simple but powerful framework for leveraging strengths and rectifying weaknesses is to concentrate on what feels right . Become more self-aware and pay attention to what behaviors make you feel good
Author Carol Marak is a native Texan who lives in Dallas . She ’ s the author of “ Solo and Smart - The Roadmap for a Supportive and Secure Future ” which is based on Carol ’ s plan as a single adult . “ Solo and Smart ” can be purchased at www . Amazon . com . Her work has been featured in The New York Times , Washington Post , USA Today , PBS , NPR , AARP , USNews , local newspapers and radio shows . www . CarolMarak . com .
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