Planning Requires Laser Focused Attention (Part 1)

Planning is a broad topic the requires laser focused attention. Here are a few core concepts to aid in business planning. If you are new at this, start by creating a few simple measurable goals. For each goal write two or three objectives.

Sample Goal
by June 2016 to expand our operations by adding 20 more volunteers.

Sample Objectives
create a volunteer handbook including volunteer job descriptions
identify and train and develop six supervisors from our existing core of volunteers
recruit, train and assign new volunteers

Evaluate and improve goals and objectives. The plan must always be in alignment with performance. If its not, change the plan, or improve performance so it is aligned with the plan including the time frames for completing them.

The next post will be on how to write a three year plan.

Persistence: How to Keep Going

Persistence is the quality of continuing in the face of criticism, or discouragement. It is to be undaunted by setbacks. This may be to pursue a dream, or be driven by a moral or ethical stance. It is to believe in what is right even when it is unpopular.

Examples:
Applying for scholarships, although students murmur saying no one ever gets them and succeeding.
Standing in line for two days in order to pay instate tuition. Many students have more time than money, but few will take this kind of initiative.
Pitching an idea that no one believes in until someday they do.
Developing a prototype and obtaining a patent in the face of criticism.
Becoming a writer or artist instead of obtaining a traditional job enduring years of hardship.
Staying in a marriage and deciding to be happy even when there are disappointments or setbacks.
Giving up your hopes and dreams to care for someone with a disability, because they are your new calling.
Investing in years of independent study with no financial return, because you know one day those skills will prove invaluable to others.
Staying home with your children and living on less, because they are what is important.
Applying for disability benefits and advocating for someone in need despite many obstacles.

What obstacles will you face in 2016? Are you ready to take the challenge? Persevere. 

Perspective: What's New in 2016?

Perspective. Perspective isn't everything, but it is a lot. Developing perspective takes a life time. Living out that perspective requires a lot of practice. Athletes, story tellers and musicians know that mental rehearsals improve outcomes.

Perspective when well developed is like a motto. Motto's help guide our beliefs about the world.
Beliefs can be correct or incorrect, rational or irrational, rigid or flexible. Some beliefs tend to transcend those boxes. Our perspectives also serve as filters. Filters help us evaluate information.

Here is an example:

No prescription reduced suffering of someone close to me. I read an article about a 5000 year old Chinese remedy for a closely related problem. To our amazement it did not help neuropathy or other neurological problems, but stopped intense nerve itching almost immediately. Most of the articles in the magazine sounded like quackery, but that article made a certain amount of sense.

It took flexible thinking to consider something we didn't understand might be of benefit. Rational thought was it was unlikely to cause harm, and had been in use 5000 years. Most remedies would not last if they were of no value whatsoever, so this became a risk-benefit decision. Belief came with experience, which was repeated and re-confirmed throughout the year.

We all have perspectives. Some are like closely held beliefs. While I can respect another opinion, I cannot agree. Other perspectives are more malleable. Both have protective characteristics.

The first group underscores the importance of character-some things are not for sale. The second group fosters learning, growth and maturity.