Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail, or Is It?
By MK Emerson
Failing to plan is planning to fail, but planning the wrong way can be just as disastrous. Traditional methods often encourage us to:
• Prioritize tasks (1, 2, 3)
• Label tasks as urgent vs. non-urgent, or important vs. unimportant
• Break large goals into small tasks
• Plan every aspect of our lives (health, self-care, errands, chores, work)
While helpful at first, these rigid approaches can quickly become unsustainable. Eventually, you might quit, which is the real form of failure. Failure in the stereotypical use of the word is just a part of growth; moments of “failure” are just moments of mistakes.
Quitting = Failure
Mistakes = Progress
Intuitive Planning Can Help
If you’re new to planning, you might find intuitive planning more adaptable than rigid methods. Resources on intuitive planning are limited, and you may stumble upon “intuitive eating” more often instead, but the principle is similar: trusting your instincts and energy levels to guide each day.
Detailed planning has its place, but forcing yourself to map out every date and time for your goals can backfire. One unexpected hiccup can derail an entire meticulous plan.
Traditional systems rarely leave room to pivot when life happens. You end up serving your schedule instead of having your schedule serve you. The key is to plan just enough for accountability while maintaining full control.
Your Rules for Effective (Intuitive) Planning:
Never plan chores unless you must prepare before guests arrive.
Never plan self-care unless it comes with a specific appointment (spa visit, therapy session, etc.).
Never plan far ahead unless the event has a fixed timeframe (doctor’s visits, flights, birthday parties).
Use a Daily Planner so you see only one day at a time—do not stare at an entire week or month.
Keep big goals separate from your planner. Don’t assign exact dates or times; just keep a running list in your Google Drive or in a desk drawer. When you have the energy and time, pick the next task from the list intuitively.
Planning too rigidly can lead to burnout, but not planning at all can leave you adrift. The sweet spot, which is an adaptable and intuitive method, strikes a balance between structure and free will. By tuning in to your energy levels and current circumstances, you’ll be better equipped to progress toward your goals without feeling trapped by your schedule.
If you ever feel trapped and that the plan is really difficult, that’s your cue to use more intuition. It really is the make or break.
If you want to explore intuitive planning in more depth, check out additional resources or articles on the subject here in my Library.
I’m here for you!
MK
This blog was written to inform readers to be careful when trying out new plans for success or reaching goals. It is not to be consider as professional advice, it is merely an opinion and experience practiced by the author. Take what you want from it and grow, or toss it away and move forward. We’re here for fun!