Phases of planning and doing
May 10th, 2023
Have you ever tried driving a car while looking at your navigation? Yeah, it’s pretty difficult — and dangerous! Looking at the map while you’re on the road are two tasks that should be kept separate. Though it’s obvious in the context of driving, when it comes to moving our lives forward and planning the “next big step” in our life, we oftentimes forget.
For quite a few months this past year, I’ve tried to simultaneously push myself forward while planning my next step. Ultimately, I feel like I’m not doing either effectively. Instead, I’m just left exhausted and confused.
These past few weeks, I’ve tried adopting a new mindset:
Keep your phases of planning and doing separate but timely.
One keyword to keep in mind is “phase.” The other month, I had the honor of joining distinguished guests visiting my university’s department. I listened to success stories left and right. From tech entrepreneurs who’ve established various companies to professors exploring uncharted territories in the corner of science. They spoke of achievements and successes I could only dream of accomplishing.
Surprisingly, I still heard some of them telling me they were still figuring out what they wanted to do. “What do you mean ‘still figuring out what you want to do’? You’ve already done all these amazing things!” It dawned upon me that it’s probably not the case that they were lost or unsatisfied with the work they’ve already accomplished. Rather, it’s more so the case they’re figuring out what to do next — and that’s the key. There’ll always be a next project. Daydreaming and planning the future next steps can be exciting and fun. The real issue arises when daydreaming and planning start to disrupt your ability to be present with the responsibilities in front of you.
I tried putting this mindset to practice. In recent weeks, I’ve given my all to my work (and leisure) without questioning myself or my longer-term direction. I tell myself, “I’m an instructor right here and right now; I’ll put my all into being the best I can be for my students.” Admittedly, abruptly changing the way you think and function is difficult, but during periods of hours and days when I did stop questioning what I do and just do, I am more focused, present, and overall happier. By the end of the week, I felt fulfilled that I gave it my all — no more and no less.
Another keyword to highlight is “timely.” Planning and doing are necessary. Without a plan, you’ll end up wandering; without doing, you’re living in fantasy land. The two must go hand in hand, but the key lies in their separation and timeliness. I’m reminded of the Abe Lincoln quote
Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
Different people and occasions will call for different ratios of “planning-to-doing.” Test out which balance works for you and tune the frequency and ratio to your preference. If you feel overwhelmed, it’s probably because the frequency is too high or you’re trying to plan/do simultaneously — so adjust accordingly! If you’re feeling disillusioned with what you’re doing, that’s probably an indicator you should shift back into the planning phase to reevaluate your purpose and goal. Just don’t try to sharpen the axe while chopping the tree — you might just hurt yourself and end up with splinters.
Special thanks to my friend and mentor Richard Wu for sparking the inspiration for me to write this piece!