Don’t Look for the Plan
Planning is great. It’s what responsible adults do. In life, it’s necessary. In business, it’s vital for success. We meticulously create business plans, set ambitious goals, and strategize to conquer the market. We often pride ourselves on a well laid plan.
We become attached to certain outcomes. We set goals and expectations and become deeply invested in seeing them materialize. Our identity may even become wrapped up in surpassing them.
Yet, sometimes, we spend so much time planning and mulling over every minute detail that we don’t actually get to the point of doing. We become paralyzed by the need for a perfect plan. Or, we become hyper-focused on the wrong things.
We live in a world that values control and predictability. I love a neatly plotted project plan or 5-year business strategy as much as the next person. Preferably, color-coded with fancy charts and graphs—something that’s visually appealing.
Yet, the best laid plan can’t control and account for every possible scenario. Case in point: Who wrote a global pandemic into their business plan in 2020?!
When that business plan becomes our only focus, the success of that plan becomes gravely limited by our own human capabilities and power.
The key to success isn’t in the plan. The key to success is in looking to God.
Have you gotten lost in the details of your own business plan or strategy? When was the last time you popped up for air? Or, when was the last time you stopped long enough to consult God about your plan? He’s the unfailing wellspring of wisdom and strength, discernment and resilience. So, why wouldn’t you want to include Him in the planning process?
In reality, any control we think we have is just perceived control.
This isn’t an “either/or” situation. Planning is responsible. We should all do it. But, we should start by looking to Him, first and foremost. I guarantee you, any plan you come up with after seeking His wisdom and discernment is going to be more fruitful than anything you could have accomplished by yourself.
If you’re too attached to your plan and outcomes, maybe you need to release your grip, even just a bit. When we come before Him with open hands, we’re much more able to receive His good and perfect gifts. If our hands are clasped shut, we can’t receive what He’s trying to give to us.
Maybe you’re in need of a posture check:
Open hands is a posture that enable us to thrive in the midst of uncertainty and adversity.
With open hands, we’re better able to receive unexpected opportunities, which may lead us to even greater success.
If we’re too focused on the plan, we miss out on the learning and growth opportunities along the way, which, ultimately, can enable even greater success in the future. If we’re only focused on the plan, we may miss out on the joy and gifts along the way.
Maybe your plan totally blew up, even after looking to Him. That’s okay. That doesn’t necessarily mean you did something “wrong.” We aren’t guaranteed success by any worldly standards; your efforts weren’t for naught.
How about a reframe: Can you view those results in such a way as to garner even a sliver of gratitude for lessons learned or a change in path?
Don’t just look for the plan. Look for God.
Be free,
Lani
