Planning Ahead

Planning ahead. That's what we think we should always do when it comes to traveling, having events, doing a project, College, our job or just life in general. Most human beings think that planning ahead gets you ahead, but do we really do it? And if so, are we doing it right?

The most basic example that needs planning ahead is traveling. When you travel you need to find cheap plane tickets, a cheap but clean hotel that serves good food at reasonable prices, and the perfect destination. Unfortunately, most of the time we only begin to plan about three weeks to a month before we need to go. Thus, ruining the budget! You see, I've noticed that the best way to plan for a vacation is to do it at least six months to a year prior to the vacation, especially if it's a big vacation. You should also keep in mind that when you're planning way ahead, keep yourself excited about the prospect of the vacation, or else you'll find yourself rushing a month before you need to go! However, I understand that not a lot of people are comfortable with doing this because there are so many variables that could affect your advance planning: "Will I get to leave work then?", "Will the weather be okay?", "Will my flight get changed?". Here's my advice, take the risk! Besides, you can always move your plans when things get rocky. It's not a life or death situation after all... But you know what is?

Our life! And that's something that shouldn't be taken for granted because to put things simply, planning ahead gets you ahead on the right track. However, the hardest thing to plan ahead for is our life, but we do it anyway! 

Real planning usually starts before or after College, because really, that's when our lives truly start. Why do I say this? Well, that's the time we're usually aware that we're growing up and going nowhere so we need to start planning! And then the list starts to get longer: "Where will I apply for a job?", "When will I get married?", "Should I have two kids or no kids?", "Maybe I can travel the world?", "When will I retire?". So many possible plans, and yet, so many possibilities of it not happening, too! 

Planning ahead is a great thing, but you should always keep in mind that when planning, keep yourself open to other possibilities! What will happen if you don't get to that College that you've planned for, for the last five years? And what if you do get the job that you've had your eyes on for your whole life but find that you don't enjoy it? You should always keep an open-mind when it comes to planning for your life because the success or failure of your plans can greatly affect your life--it can become a life and death situation! Take time to ask yourself, "Am I really planning ahead?", "Should I plan ahead?", "Am I doing this right?", "What is my back-up plan?". When and if you plan ahead without even considering a back-up plan, you'll surely meet a lot of disappointments.

So as your virtual friend, allow me to state one plan that never gets old: Keep on making your plans, but remember to also keep multiple back-up plans and always have an open mind! The moment your find yourself doing this, you'll eventually discover that planning ahead with back-up plans makes your life a whole lot easier!

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