WING IT OR PLAN IT?
Sometimes a theme comes up with such frequency that you feel you just have to write about it. This is such a theme.
The contrast is between being Reactive (aka “winging it”) and being Intentional (“planning it”). Clearly the world would be a better place if everyone was intentional, just like me. Hmm. Do read on.
I’ve spent time with a lot of reactive people recently. They’ve all been totally lovely. Big hearted, wholly driven by their desire to help wherever they see a need, and to be diverted from whatever route they were taking in order to serve elsewhere.
But this “winging it” behaviour can have negative consequences for those around them. And, so it turns out, for them as well.
That’s because very few adults live in isolation. We are all part of bigger systems. Those systems might be work-based, family-based or community-based. And there are others in those systems who are depending on us. So whilst we are reacting all over the place, someone in our systems is suffering.
And ultimately so are we. We either reach emotional overload, or the systems start to break down and ultimately reject us.
So maybe we should all be intentional then. That ought to fix it.
Well organised with clear goals, not to be diverted from our chosen path and plans. Diaries planned out months in advance. I know a bit about this. I am definitely more intentional than reactive.
But sadly (whoever would have guessed?) this too has consequences for those around us. And for us. We can too easily find ourselves unable to respond to the immediate need or opportunity. And we can start obsessing over our diaries. Are they too full? Are they full enough?
Hey ho. Isn’t life complicated? That’s what’s known as a rhetorical question.
The answer, of course, lies in finding the balance. The winging it/planning it balance!
If I’m too reactive, and I (and those around me) are suffering the consequences of that, then I need to start making some plans. What are the big things I need to spend time on, and how am I organising my time to do that? Rather than being so easily diverted from my chosen path. If I’ve even got around to choosing a path, that is.
And if I’m too intentional, maybe I need to chill a bit. Leave some gaps in the diary for the unexpected to intrude and take me in a different direction. One that I didn’t choose, but which chose me. That idea probably lies somewhere between exciting and frightening if this is where you find yourself.
Winging it or planning it? We can learn from each other on this. I do hope you find the balance that works best for you. And, just as important, for those around you.
GOING DEEPER
We now offer a short video programme if you want to go deeper with the types of issue explored in these short stories.
