The Importance of Planning

Imagine you are given a series of tasks to complete over several days. What do you think is the best way to handle these tasks?

This brings up the subject of 'planning' and why it is important. When we plan, we put into place certain guidelines we can follow to reach our goals or objectives. Imagine tackling a task without any thought or idea; it would be helter-skelter indeed!

Why Should We Plan?

You will find that when you take time and effort to plan something, it fosters discipline and develops in you a good habit.

These traits will become even more important and useful when you eventually start working. As a student, you will find that planning reduces stress and cuts down ineffective study habits such as cramming.

It may take some time before you see the fruits of your labour, but if you are consistent, you will see how planning can richly benefit you.

Time Management

Do you know that time management is actually a form of planning? Time management can be hard to master at first, but it becomes easier as you begin to understand yourself and the way you work.

Time management involves recognising the difference between 'urgent' and 'important' matters. For example, an urgent matter needs your immediate attention, such as finishing a school report by a certain time. Important tasks are less urgent, and the time factor is not that crucial.

However, it does not mean you should not pay attention to it. One example is to set aside time daily to revise for your exams.

Procrastination

Procrastination is known to be one of the biggest obstacles to getting things done, as it wastes a lot of time. If you find yourself making excuses and putting things on hold, you should ask yourself why. Some may lack confidence in doing the task, or some may have such a great dislike for something that even thinking about it makes them feel upset. Talk to your family, friends or even your teachers to see if there is a way to help you overcome procrastination.

Budget Planning

When it comes to planning, you will find that it applies even to your money. When you are given your allowance from your parents, how do you decide how much to save and how much to spend? That also requires careful thought and planning, which can help to instill good money habits. You can start learning to save by doing something as simple as putting aside some money from your allowance. There are even budget planners on the Internet designed to help you learn the importance of budget planning. This creates a sense of responsibility and accountability for your own money.

Planning In Your Everyday Life

You will find that you need to plan for simple everyday things as well. In fact, you probably have been performing small planning tasks which are so second nature to you that you may not even be aware of them. It can be something as simple as preparing the clothes to wear when you want to go out. However, a meticulous planner can go one step further to check the weather forecast before deciding what clothes to wear.

There are many ways to plan something, for the present or the future. It can be something as simple as creating a checklist, drawing up a

schedule or tracking something on the calendar. The basic principle is that having some guidelines to follow can be useful to all of us.