Forward planning? Or just in time?

Are you the sort of person who plans ahead? Or are you the sort of person who loves to wait until the moment is upon you and then decide what you feel like doing? There are merits and downsides to each, and today I share why each have their place, in both our professional and personal lives.

The case for just in time; spontaneous, flexible + timely

Just in time = spontaneous

Taking a just in time approach has been used extensively throughout the history of humankind. A number of our current tendencies, including behaviour that is often attributed to FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) are based on not wanting to make plans too far ahead in case a better, more exciting option appears. That is, not wanting to commit to something in case you miss out on something else.  

Similarly, we can take a just in time approach with our lives. We can wait and see, and make decisions at the last moment about what we want to do, where we want to go and who we want to be with. This can look like a life full of spontaneity (best case) or, like we are drifting through life without any real idea or plan (less good).

Just in time = flexible

In our career, taking a just in time approach can mean we are open to new opportunities, appear flexible, spontaneous and easy-going. Just in time can also be attributed to those occasions where feel like we were ‘in the right place at the right time’.

Just in time = timely

This approach it is also exemplified in most of the development and training we receive or pursue as adults. We are all busy and our minds are inundated with constant information to absorb and process. Just in time training argues there’s no point learning something until you actually need to use it. Otherwise, you will forget how to do what you’ve learned by the time you need to use those skills.  (Umm, yes, sounds about right!)

However if we have been taught what to do just prior (that is, just in time), we have a greater chance of remembering what’s required when we have to apply it ourselves.

The case for forward planning; careers, goals + space

Forward planning = career

The notion that you can plan your career from university to retirement no longer applies. With the pace of change, this level of planning simply isn’t possible.  Yet we can still create plans within our career, including roadmaps for the skills we are keen to develop or for the types of roles we would like to experience. (Seeking a roadmap for your career? Let’s chat)

If forward planning is one of your strengths, then be reassured, whilst you may not be able to plan your full career, you can have a career where planning is key. Planning ahead and forward planning has spurned an entire industry. Business strategist, strategic analyst and planners (of all varieties) are all careers or roles where planning ahead is the major component of the role. There are a multitude of professional people who excel in these types of roles, and plan ahead day in and day out as a core part of their job.

Forward planning = goal achievement

When we have big goals, planning ahead comes into its own. Whether you are in a corporate environment and set 30, 60 and 90-day plans and have quarterly reviews with your team or manager, or if you are running your own business or household, planning ahead has many benefits when we are attempting to achieve a large goal.

Breaking a significant or challenging goal down into more manageable chunks is key to the planning process.  

“When eating an elephant take one bite at a time” – Creighton Abrams.  

Forward planning takes a potentially overwhelming goal, and breaks it down into tangible, practical weekly steps to ensure we meet our targets and reach our desired outcome.  Forward planning in this way can take what feels impossible, make it possible and then, most importantly, make it achievable. 

This holds just as true in our personal lives as it does in our careers.

Forward planning = space for dreams

I am a planner by nature, and love to plan ahead (as my family will attest!). Dreaming of experiences to add to my bucket list, or planning my next family holiday or travel are some of my favourite planning based activities!

And so this time of year is ideal for me! I always plan ahead and design my summer to ensure as a family we have our vacation booked, and holiday gifts sorted well in advance. Which then allows flexibility and freedom to say yes to the spontaneous requests for catch-ups, or those last minute school activities. I can be present at them as I know the other things that fill this time of year are already planned for and dealt with.

In my business too, this time of year lends itself to forward planning. With some extra thinking and work now, I can gift myself a few weeks off during the summer school holidays to enjoy time with my kids. By planning ahead now, I gain a sense of spaciousness through the summer months, allowing us as a family more time for dreaming, fun and connection.

Balance is key

Ultimately, my feeling is by forward planning we create more space and energy for the just in time elements of our lives and careers. This way we have the benefits of planning, with the joy of spontaneity, creativity and fun of doing things just in time.

And so, like in much of life, a balanced approach is what suits best.

Planning ahead

Do you plan ahead for how your year will look? Or are you happy to let it happen organically? Or are you feeling ready to take charge of your career, business and life?

As a Certified Career and Life Confidence Coach, I support people feel confident, make decisions and take action to create a career, business and life they love. My coaching clients are supported to get clear on their vision, step through the planning required and take practical actions towards the changes they desire.

You can learn more about coaching with me simply by clicking through the big blue button below.