These two phrases are closely related yet far apart. I’d like you to ‘listen’ to them as you read each.
Read slowly so you can really take them in.
Ready? Here they are:-
- Plan for the future.
- Plan the future.
Do you hear or feel a difference between the two?
If your internal response to “plan for the future” felt like a burden, that’s because it is a very reactive statement.
“Plan for the future” assumes that you must know and consider all possible outcomes that are most often out of your control.
But phrase 2 – “plan the future” – is highly proactive and sparks creativity. Your brain accepts there is no way of knowing the future so it’s better to create one!
Action – If you are struggling with a project, take a look at it and determine what actions and outcomes are outside of your control. Let go of them and stop planning FOR the future.
Instead, plan the future and then make it happen!