Planning is an important part of putting your mind at ease. Whether you are planning to make your day more successful, planning a family vacation, or planning a loved ones long-term care; getting a plan in place and acting on it is the best way to achieve your goals. In fact, Proverbs 21:5 (NLT) says, “good planning and hard work lead to prosperity.” To make your plans succeed, we encourage you to put these steps into practice:
1. Prayerfully consider your end goal and write it down.
What do you really want or need? Do you need to feel more successful in your day? Do you need more rest or more joy? Do you need a solution to a parent’s living situation? Be clear on your goal, and write it down. As The WORD encourages in Habakkuk 2:2 “Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.”
2. List the steps you need to take to achieve your goal.
Again, this takes prayer. Begin listing out all the things you know need to happen for the goal to occur. Do you need to research care facilities? Do you need outside help with your household or business? No matter how small the step may be, list it.
3. Get wise counsel.
If you don’t know the steps you need to take, then turn to trusted leaders, spiritually mature friends and even industry associations for suggestions. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors, they are established.” Whether you need help coming up with strategies for relaxing during your busy day or help caring for an aging parent, you can find support and guidance from others who have experience in that area.
4. Create a day-to-day or week-to-week plan.
Now that you have your to-do list, begin listing it out in order. Choose three things that need to be completed by a certain day –either per day or per week. If you are looking to feel more successful from day to day, then choose the three things that would make you feel most successful each day if you were to accomplish those and do them first. If you are planning for a parent’s new living situation, then plan the three things that need to be completed this week and do those. Taking small steps will quickly add up to success.
5. Be realistic and patient.
It may take time for you to experience the benefits of proper planning, but don’t give up. Be realistic about what you can accomplish from day to day, week to week, and be patient to know that God will bless your efforts. As The WORD says in Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established.” Through godly planning and patience, the results will come.
Begin putting these steps into practice today! Don’t let difficult situations and chaos rule your life. Take a godly approach to planning and enjoy a more peaceful and productive life!
As always, if you need agreement in prayer, please call our prayer ministers at 1-877-480-3388 or submit a prayer request. We’re here for you!