Monday, January 4, 2016

Planning or Procrastinating?

I have a confession to make...I really like to plan. I love lists, sticky notes, calendars, etc. It absolutely drives my hubby up the wall. You see, he’s definitely NOT a planner. He’s more of the “fly by the seat of your pants” kind of guy.


I have learned in our livelihood (ranching) that all the planning in the world can get wiped out in a moments notice. Animals get sick, markets change and weather wreaks havoc with the best laid plans to name a few.


Yet, I still try to plan. Day to day stuff. The monthly outlook. Yearly livestock plans. You name it I will find a way to plan it! So the first of the year is a bit of a planning junkies mardi gras.


I had a new calendar, goal sheet and sticky notes all laid out and ready for the magic to happen. I thought and I thought a little more. Ready to take on the new year with gusto.


Nothing came. So I tried to just jot down old plans I hadn’t succeeded at yet. A do over of sorts. Yet something was still nagging at me. So I walked away from my pretty planners and took a walk in the fresh air with my dogs.


I cleared my head and had a good talk with Jesus. A phrase ran through my mind that I had heard somewhere, I think it was Michael Hyatt, “over planning is just a form of procrastination”. Ouch! That one stung a little as it sure hit home with me.


Isn’t it sometimes easier to plan than to move forward and DO? I’m sure there are many people out there shaking their heads at me at this point but I’m just being honest.



God kept speaking to my heart, DO more - THINK Less!

Do you have assignments from God that you know He’s called you to but are still in the planning phase as a way to avoid moving forward? I get it, I really do. God has called me write a specific book but it isn’t easy. I’d much rather plan how I’m going to write it then actually write it!


As I sat and wrote down what God was calling me towards for the new year I was continually reminded that to plan is good but are we willing to let God interrupt those plans? Are we so attached to our to do lists and planners that we’re not willing to lay down our own agenda for His?


So let’s go forward this year ready and willing for God to interrupt our days with His plans. He always has the best ones for us anyway.




I’m going to take Him at His word and believe what He says! Will you join me?

8 comments:

  1. Oh, how I can relate to this! I love to plan. I think because in the planning, everything meets my expectations, but the reality rarely measures up. Think less, do more--good plan! Joining you from Intentional Tuesday.

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    1. Glad to have you joining me in moving towards doing more and thinking less this year! Blessings to you.

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  2. Wow Laura! Your post spoke to me today. I have always been a planner and I love "to-do" lists. I was in sales and mktg for 20 years and it was all about planning & projecting. However, I know that I sometimes feel paralysis from analysis. I love your phrase that God spoke to you. "do more..think less." I am going to remember that as I begin to think about how God can use me in 2016! Thank you for sharing on IntentionalTuesday and blessings to you and yours in 2016!

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    1. Analysis paralysis describes it so well. Thanks so much for stopping by. Blessings to you and yours as well.

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  3. Hi Laura,
    I love your blog. Here's one of my favorite quotes from a country Western song, "If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans." Your blog is a great reminder to listen to God and then ... trust and do. Thank you.

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    1. Oh isn't that the truth about telling God OUR plans Laurie! Thanks for the kind words about my little place here on the net. Thanks so much for stopping by. Blessings to you!

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  4. Hi Laura, I am a half way planner. I like to think that I have a well laid out plan but being a perpetual procrastinator, my plans usually fall by the wayside.I have become a doer when it comes to blogging when I feel like God is laying things in my path I am just trying to get them done. Thank you for sharing your honesty. Would love for you o link up with us at Sitting Among Friends on Wednesdays. We can share your journey with you. This weeks's linkup is at http://youresewtrendy.blogspot.com/2016/01/Jesus-sitting-among-friend-blog-party-6.html

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    1. Hi Jaime. Thank you for the invite to the linkup. I will head there right now. Blessings to you!

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