L I F E of
barbe
by Jana Cohen Barbe
When T hi ngs Don’t Go According to Plan
48
· september/october
I
am a planner and a list writer. On a daily basis, I write a to-do list. Annually, I write a personal business plan. I also write a personal strategic plan laying out my goals for the ensuing five years. And I write plans for my horses and for my development as a rider. I believe deeply in the proverbial “putting pen to paper” and writing down your objectives and aspirations. By doing so, I believe there is greater personal accountability for the outcome and greater success. But, sometimes things don’t always go according to plan. Let me rephrase that – things almost never go according to plan, not personally, not professionally and most assuredly not with horses. Life is filled with unexpected challenges. On our farm, the only surprise is when we make it through a day with no surprises. So how does a compulsive list writer and planner (and an admitted control freak) adapt? Not very gracefully, but I have learned a lot in the process:
1. Just because things don’t go according to plan, doesn’t mean planning isn’t worthwhile. I view planning as a way to be more deliberate in virtually all things I do. My time is valuable; I write plans and lists as almost an exercise in self-respect, to make sure my time is used wisely. Plans also introduce a measure of discipline when the unexpected occurs. When it feels like my life is spiraling out of control, reverting to my plan helps me focus on my priorities. Because I have a plan, I am less reactive to events and more strategic in my response. For instance, if a stated goal for my riding program is to improve my fitness level, an injury to my horse means it’s time to hit the gym. My plan will not be derailed by a temporary change in circumstances.