Having a detailed plan sounds like a solid idea, something an adult who is organized would do. A positive. As a teacher, I was required to have lesson plans in case I was absent and a supply teacher needed to take over my class. I was also required by my administrators to have weekly plans, unit plans and long range plans for the year. The urge to plan, is strong in me from all those years of practice. But what I’ve learned, is that making plans today may have more to do with anxiety over the future, and less to do with meeting my needs or anyone else’s. Let me explain.
Success Didn’t Follow Plans
When I first started teaching, I thought that if my lesson didn’t follow my plans, it was not a success. It was only over time that I realized this was not true. The best lessons, that had the students fully engaged and learning, didn’t follow any written plan. These lessons followed the students and their needs. Sure, they probably started with the plan but if I was paying attention to my class, the lesson would be lead by their abilities, interests and questions. After all, teaching is a people business.
Success Followed From Presence
Lesson plans were more of a jumping off point, a place to start, rather than a map of the whole process. By Wednesday afternoon, my weekly plans had already been adjusted and revised so many times that my planning book was covered in purple, arrows and yellow, sticky notes. Even an expert planner can’t anticipate the mood, needs and understanding of a class of students. That’s where planning falls flat.
The Struggle Not To Over-Plan Persists
It’s a struggle to remember to use what I know about planning to guide me, now that I’m retired. The urge to plan is strong from all those years of practice, but I know not to put too much time or emphasis on planning. Things will change and evolve and that’s OK.
I still catch myself trying to plan in order to control an unknown future. I over-focus on it, as if it will be a solid, unalterable road map for where I’m going next. It’s scary to work without a well-formed plan and I try to acknowledge my feelings and have compassion for myself.
“…people experience planning stress when they don’t understand the role that spontaneity plays in the process of implementing their plans for the day. Instead of embracing change as part of the process, they get irritated at themselves or others whenever something doesn’t go exactly according to plan…”*
Remembering To Use What I Know
I find that letting go and staying present to my needs, and those I’m interacting with, is worth more than a binder full of ‘best laid plans.’ Communication, listening and meeting our needs happens more effectively when I don’t worry about following plans. I’m trying to pause and trust the process.
Maybe all meeting agendas should be written AFTER the meeting is over? What do you think? Comment below.
*https://hbr.org/2015/08/how-to-stop-overplanning-even-if-youre-a-perfectionist
Retired, And Now What 