Lewis Carroll wrote of a sea captain who “Had only one notion for crossing the ocean and that was to tinkle his bell.” His map was “…a perfect and absolute blank.” It really does not matter how you get there if you have no idea where you are going. Bad planning ensures a waste of time. Impulsive drifting from task to task can be exciting, but it leads to waste. All tasks that involve use of people’s time deserve the use of planning. Setting out goals and objectives with a monthly, weekly, and daily plan is the best way to avoid wasting precious time. However, just setting goals is not planning. You must define the most effective way to achieve the goals and then review your progress on a regular basis.

Anticipation reduces stress. The best way to anticipate is to plan. Do more than ringing a bell.