It can be very difficult to successfully prioritize longer-term planning, whether that means planning to grow your business, to save for retirement, or some other future goal. We’ve all been there.
Busy work weeks and long todo lists can mean you’re focused on just getting through. Initially there’s little cost to putting off longer-term planning. But if you neglect longer-term planning for years, those costs mount. A simple way of thinking about it is that by not planning for your future, you’re putting that future at risk, making it less likely you’ll realize your goals.
There’s no single, magical solution. In large part this is because planning for the future means fighting against the very human tendency to prioritize short term needs and desires.
Over my eight years of coaching, I’ve focused on empowering entrepreneurs so they can identify and meet their longer-term goals. Below I’ll share four strategies that I’ve seen work well to help create time and space to plan for the future.
Feel free to choose those that sound most promising to you. I’d encourage you to experiment and adjust your approach based on what you observe.
Think about the future
This may sound obvious, but it can be valuable to simply set aside some time to think about the future. Set aside just 20 or 30 minutes and give yourself permission to block out other concerns.
You can ask yourself, “In three or five years, where do I want to be? And what needs happen in order to make that possible?” This can help you imagine not just the future you are hoping for, but also think through the steps that could get you there.
Write down what comes to mind. There is nothing like taking pen (or pencil) to paper and writing down your thoughts, dreams, and ambitions. The simple gesture of writing is powerful and often therapeutic!
Break it down into manageable steps
Long-term planning can be overwhelming. One way of making it less overwhelming is by breaking down a single, large challenge into smaller ones.
By breaking down that large challenge into smaller tasks and questions you can find places to start chipping away at the work. And you may be able to identify a path forward. Taking that first step will likely yield positive results and may help you gain momentum so you can take the next steps.
Talk with someone you trust
Planning for the future can be solitary. Finding a partner can change that. Talking through challenges can help clarify your thinking and make you feel less alone. When you reach out, you may find that others are dealing with similar challenges.
A partner could be an expert who can help you strategize. Or your partner could simply be someone who listens and with whom you share ideas and progress. If you’re having difficulty getting started, a partner can help you get unstuck and provide some motivation and accountability.
Set a rhythm for your work
Planning for the future is a long-term effort. Rather than periodic binges of planning and activity, I’ve seen folks have more success when they set a regular rhythm to their work.
This might mean setting aside some time every other week or every month. You can block time on your calendar and make it an appointment. This can become a habit that gets easier with practice.
I’d encourage you to try all of these strategies. See what works for you. Adjust and make them your own. Believing in and working towards your future is hard work, but worth it. The investment will pay off and your future self will thank you for it.