Plan Smartly
Planning makes me feel like I’ve already taken a solid step toward achieving my goal, and because of that, I have always enjoyed planning. The part that I haven’t always enjoyed was following the plan. When I was in my sophomore year, having a plan gave me only stress, guilt, and anxiety because I struggled to follow it. Everything changed after I realized I needed to plan smartly––making my plan in a way that I’d be able to follow. Three considerations help me plan smartly now.
First is considering the amount of work that I should plan. I used to make overly ambitious plans because I wanted to accomplish as much work as possible. But when I actually tried to get started, I felt stressed by just thinking about all the tasks that I planned to do. I would open my laptop, imagine how much effort it would take to complete all the work, and close my laptop after just a few minutes. Planning too much made me have no desire to follow my plan. Now I rationally evaluate how much work I could possibly accomplish. Considering the amount of work in the planning phase reduces how much stress I feel during the implementation phase.
The second is considering when I should do the work. I used to plan to study immediately after having lunch. However, I failed those study plans most time because I got sleepy after eating. All the rice in my Chinese-style meals contributes to my rising insulin levels after eating, making my brain not able to process information. I would start studying at my desk and somehow end up on my bed fast asleep. After my nap, I spent a lot of mental energy dealing with the guilt of not following my plan. Now I know I can get more done and avoid feeling guilty by planning to study at a time when I’m usually more awake. When making a plan, I take into account my routine, studying habits, and even procrastination. Considering when I should do the work makes my plans feasible to follow.
Third is considering the possibility that a plan will change. I used to think of a plan as a schedule: I thought I needed to follow every part of my plan. This mindset had a negative consequence: If I failed to follow a part of the plan, I tended to abandon the entire plan. For example, when my mom asked me to give her a ride at the time that I planned to study, I would think my plan was ruined and lose the motivation to do the rest of the tasks on my plan. I didn’t know how to be flexible with such a tightly planned schedule. However, just like a plan can be changed while it is being made, I now understand a plan can be changed while it is ongoing. Moreover, I plan more spare time throughout my day to allow changes to happen. Considering the possibility that a plan will change gives me a chance to adjust my plan and follow through with it.
I’m proud to say that I now enjoy both making and following my plans. If having a plan is the first step that gets me started, then following the plan is the pleasant stroll that follows that first step: It comes naturally and effortlessly. I get to my destination relaxed and happy, even if I took a few detours to get there. Thus, my realistic and flexible plans are helping me be more productive and have more control over my life. If you have difficulty following through on your plans, I recommend you think about your planning strategy and consider how you can make your own plans more feasible and enjoyable to implement.
Yuhan joined the Interactive Measurement Group in the Summer of 2021. She mentored lab members on research as the Poster Supervisor and was our Lab Manager for another full year. Yuhan graduated from UNLV in the Summer of 2023 with a B.A. in psychology and a minor in family studies. After she graduates, she hopes to further her education by pursuing a master’s degree in couple and family therapy.