Month: February 2023

The difference between planning and execution

Planning and execution are two important aspects of achieving success in any endeavor. While planning involves creating a detailed roadmap that outlines the steps required to achieve a specific goal, execution involves putting that plan into action. In other words, planning is the process of thinking about and organizing the tasks needed to accomplish a goal, while execution is the actual act of carrying out those tasks.

In many ways, planning and execution are interrelated. Without a solid plan, execution can become disorganized and chaotic, making it difficult to achieve success. On the other hand, even the most detailed plan is worthless without effective execution. In this article, we will explore the differences between planning and execution and how they are both essential for achieving success.

Planning

Planning is an essential part of any successful endeavor. It is the process of identifying the goals you want to achieve, determining the steps required to achieve those goals, and creating a timeline for completing those steps. Planning requires a lot of critical thinking and strategic decision-making. It is an ongoing process that begins before execution and continues throughout the entire project.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of planning in several places. For instance, Proverbs 21:5 states that “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” This passage highlights the importance of taking the time to carefully plan out your goals and strategies to achieve them. In addition, Proverbs 16:3 states, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” This passage reminds us that planning should be done with the guidance and support of a higher power, and that by committing our plans to God, we can achieve greater success.

Execution

Execution, on the other hand, is the actual act of putting a plan into action. It is the process of implementing the steps identified during the planning phase and making progress towards achieving the overall goal. Execution requires discipline, focus, and perseverance. It is the point where all the ideas and plans become real.

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of execution. James 1:22 states, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” This passage highlights the importance of taking action rather than simply talking about what needs to be done. In addition, James 2:17 states, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” This passage reminds us that without taking action, our plans and goals will remain just that – plans and goals.

The Relationship between Planning and Execution

Planning and execution are two sides of the same coin. While planning sets the foundation for success, execution is what makes that success a reality. Planning and execution are interdependent, and both are necessary for achieving success. Without planning, execution can become chaotic, and without execution, planning is simply an exercise in futility.

To illustrate this point, consider the example of a construction project. Before any work can begin, a detailed plan must be created that includes blueprints, material lists, and timelines for completion. Without this plan, workers would not know what materials to order or how to begin the project. However, a plan alone is not enough to build a building. Workers must execute the plan by following the blueprints, using the correct materials, and meeting the timeline for completion.

Similarly, in our personal lives, planning and execution work hand in hand. For instance, if you want to improve your physical fitness, you may create a workout plan that includes specific exercises and a schedule for completing them. However, unless you actually follow through and execute that plan, you will not achieve the desired results.

Conclusion

Planning and execution are two essential components of achieving success. While planning involves creating a roadmap for success, execution involves putting that plan into action. Both are necessary.

Perseverance – Don’t Quit

No one wants to be labeled a “quitter,” but there are times when EVERYONE has felt the pull to quit. It could be a job, a friendship, a project, an educational program, or even a marriage. If you are human, you have felt the temptation to quit. When stress builds to the point that it affects your life it is normal to wonder if it is worth continuing. When we feel threatened either physically or emotionally it is normal to want to remove ourselves from that situation; after all, that is where the “fight or flight” phrase comes from, or the phrase “take this job and shove it.” These are carryover responses prompted by the hormones secreted by the amygdala in our brain.   Or, if you have plateaued at a level where you just aren’t feeling the same joy that you once did, there is a real temptation to quit. This factor alone has been the end of many marriages and has caused most of the job turnover in our society.

Sometimes quitting is the right answer, but most of the time real victory and growth take place when you are willing to persevere; to stick with it, in spite of the temptation to quit. The saying “winners never quit and quitters never win” is truer than we would like to admit.  The grass is NOT greener on the other side of the fence. The same problems you are experiencing now will follow you wherever you go, perhaps in a different form, but no less challenging.

Let’s look at the three examples I mentioned above. First is the person who is experiencing major stress. Regardless of the area where the stress is originating, if it is significant enough it may be affecting your sleep, grinding your teeth, biting your nails, or lashing out in frustration at those around you. The stress could be caused by deadlines or other expectations that you find challenging to meet. While quitting may seem like a good option you will soon find that every area of life is going to put you right back into the same situation. If you constantly are constantly trying to avoid stress you will never find peace in your life, and you will think it is always someone else’s fault. I’m sure you don’t want to hear this but if stress is your motivation for quitting you need to consider finding someone to talk to who can help you dig down to the real source of your stress and begin to resolve those issues at the root.

Second is the person who feels threatened either physically or emotionally to quit. This situation is typical for those going through any physically demanding program, e.g. military boot camp, a major diet program, etc. It can also be connected to an abusive relationship. While there are definite advantages to keeping going when trying to meet a demanding physical goal, staying in an abusive relationship, should be a deciding factor in stepping out of a situation or relationship. Here again, it would be valuable to find someone to talk to who can help you dig down to the root of what you are experiencing and clarify the real issues.

The third is the person who has lost his or her joy and is not feeling as connected as they once did. Again, not what you want to hear, but if you are changing jobs, or marriages, or anything for this reason alone, you are in for a pretty disappointing life. There are two aspects to consider as you work through this issue. The first is that as you mature you will discover that there are seasons to pretty much every aspect of your life with highs and lows. We all go through these seasons as it is a natural part of the rhythm of life. It is when the lows hit that some will bail out on their commitments and quit. They turn the temporary low into a forever depression from which they feel they must escape. The second aspect has to do with how much we are looking for satisfaction from outside ourselves, versus how much of ourselves we are willing to bring to the situation. This comes back to personal leadership that I’ve mentioned in another podcast.

Angela Duckworth has completed a major study on what she calls GRIT.  Look up her TED talk. Grit combines passion with perseverance. Her results show that people with GRIT are more successful AND more fulfilled. Her book by the same title uses research and multiple case studies to demonstrate that quitting undermines our ability to become our best and fulfill our potential. The more GRIT a person has the more likely they are to succeed in life and be happier in the process.

The 80s band Wilson Phillips advises, “Holh On” for one more day, and that is sometimes what it takes; the willingness to hold on for one more day, to invest enough of yourself to rise above the stress, or the challenge, or even the boredom to find the future.

In the Bible, James says “a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (1:7) The inference I take from this passage is the determination to persevere, instead of allowing yourself to be distracted. So, yes, in most cases perseverance is the right choice. I encourage you to persevere.