Why planning isn’t always a good thing
A False sense of security
For some of us, the planning stage can trick us into feeling safe. When we plan, it can make us feel as if we covering all the bases and that this somehow will ensure a smooth process. Planning works when it is seen for what it is – preliminary preparations, not the path to a sure outcome.
Planning tricks the mind into feeling productive
I have witnessed many people who attend seminars, conferences, self help meetings and so on yet they somehow never get to the ‘action part’ of the process. We can lull ourselves into feeling that we are being productive by doing research, looking at the possible pitfalls etc. However, when the planning phase keeps getting extended and we wallow in the safety of google research and listening to influential speakers, we can end up satisfying ourselves that we are being proactive. It can lead to stagnation and an ongoing stage of limbo when no actual progress in terms of action is being made.
May encourage procrastination of the activity part
Too much obsessing about planning can lead to a mental barrier being created between planning (safe) and implementing (less safe). Many find an invisible barrier exists between the ‘safe’ planning and organising, taking courses or training stage and actually applying that planning/training.
People tend to hover round the planning stage feeling comforted that they are going in the right direction – placate themselves with this first step…often never getting to the action/implementation phase.
Being aware of the boundaries of planning and organising and not allowing that stage to delay the next phase of implementation is the right way to approach the planning phase. Use it as a risk assessment and information gathering process but once that is done, get on with doing.
Mandy X
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
