Spontaneous Planning

Quiz: Are you a planner?

1. Nothing makes me happier than a well-executed plan. Yes/No

2. I get frustrated when someone doesn’t take care of their responsibilities. Yes/No

3. I have a difficult time adjusting to last-minute situations. Yes/No

4. I dislike rushing. Yes/No

If you answered Yes to two or more questions, you probably experience tension when a situation doesn’t go according to plan, or lacks one entirely.

Are you are interested in increasing your potential for spontaneity?

A PLAN TO GET COMFORTABLE WITH UNPLANNED SITUATIONS:

1. Repeat these affirmations three times daily:

• I go with the flow.
• Things always work out.
• I adjust quickly and easily.
• I am up for anything.
• My life is fun.

2. Check in with yourself

When an unexpected situation occurs, take a deep breath. Why are you tense? Are you annoyed because you think your way is better? Because this person wants you to act quickly? Because the other person procrastinated? Because it’s not what you had in mind? Let go of the irritation—it blocks your way.

3. “Act the way you want to feel.”  –Gretchen Rubin

Ask yourself:

• • Would this be fun? If yes, act like there’s nothing you would rather do. Pretend it has been the plan all along. Let go of any tension around what you should have done ahead of time.
  • Would this be effective? If yes, move forward with purpose and resolve. Block out any thoughts about how it would have been so much easier if it had been well thought-out in the first place.
  • Will I be glad I did it? If yes, combine the actions above.
  • Do I need more information? If yes, ask questions, then start over at #2 (self check-in).
  • If all of the above are no, propose an alternative idea, or just say, No.

4. JUST DO IT. Decide on your action, and replace any negative thoughts with the affirmations in #1.

A plan to handle spontaneity provides the structure many of us need to let go.

To consider:

• In what way would life be better if you were more spontaneous?
• In what way would life be better if you were more of a planner?

Take a minute to write down your answers on your phone or in a journal, or record yourself talking in the VoiceMemos app on your phone.

For more inspiration, see post: Yes Man. “…What if I let someone else handle this? What if I trust that everything is going to be okay? What if I pause and see what happens?”

Be inspired. Go forth. Create your day.