The Best Planners Know Just When Not To Plan…

Is there ever a downside to planning? Or perhaps a time when planning everything just gets in the way of possibilities?

This week I want to tell you all: The hell with planning… ok, just once in a while! Perhaps the best planners know just when Not to plan!

I’m sure you all know by now that I am honestly a planning junkie! I love planning things, and I don’t just mean parties either. I plan my day, my month, my activities, and my meals.  Who’s kidding who here? I pretty much plan everything.  By planning out my days I have better control over outcomes, my productivity and have a built in cushion for “putting out fires”.  Hell, having 4 kids, running a business, my own household not to mention how many clients lives I run as well, it’s no easy feat.

But every once in a while… I say screw it! That’s what vacations are really about aren’t they? Great adventures?

I just got back from an awesome vacation with the family.  But while away I did the most astounding down right awful thing ever!  I had no plans. Ok, I’m lying, but I only had a few plans, not a full week itinerary!

But being without a plan and not being fully prepared was downright painful at times…

The first day on vacation I started the day without packing lunches and nearly had an anxiety attack. I was thinking “omg, what will we do without fresh cut fruits and vegetables and plenty of cold drinks”?  I guess we can just buy stuff while we’re out huh?

Each day became a new adventure… the beach? The boat? The indoor gym? We just took one day at a time and allowed our mood to sway our decisions and not mom’s itinerary.

The best time I had though, I have to admit was when my hubby and I snuck off (ok, this part we planned) to Charleston for 2 days alone.  We ate breakfast at noon, wandered in and out of beautiful shops and antique stores.  Bought a couple pairs of shoes.  Ate dinner late in the evening and had an impromptu afternoon nap. It was a glorious way to spend my “down time”. I truly allowed myself to enjoy all that vacation has to offer.  My husband would ask over and over “what do you want to do?” “what do you have planned?” And I just smiled and said…”nothing”! One day we just walked around the town and found ourselves inside a beautiful old historical church and cemetery.  The oldest tombstone we stumbled upon was dated 1815! Can you imagine? 

Like a fallen leaf from a tree, I let myself drift in and out of every day.  Perhaps there is a day in your near future to reboot, relax and let the enjoyment of life’s possibilities come your way! 

Want to know more about how this Type A likes to enjoy her summers? You can read this oldie but goodie! http://www.yourtaskcomplete.com/lazy-days-of-summer-by-the-type-a/

You can get some of my most simple time saving tricks ever right here: It’s my top 5 secrets that save an hour a day! Wouldn’t you want that?