04/02/2026
Hope is not a plan
Another things that I discussed with several people at Coaching Day on Monday were things that are, essentially, not actual plans.
When discussing with people what they want to achieve and change, I'll often ask something like "What's the plan to do that?"
I don't give them the plan.
I want them to create their own, with a bit of guidance.
Because a plan of our own creation is way more likely to happen.
We've been able to get someone else's plan for free on the internet for over a quarter of a century now.
AI can knock you up a perfectly fine workout and / or eating plan in seconds.
Doesn't mean we'll do it though.
We can use tools like that in our plan generation, sure.
But our own plan that we have created.............
That takes into account our preferences and constraints.............
That has our buy-in.................
Is way more likely to happen than a plan we have just been, essentially, given.
But we're not always as good at creating plans for our personal life as we are for our work.
We might say "I'm going to eat better".
Or "more" or "less" of something.
Or "stop" or "start".
Maybe "Hopefully this week will be better".
As the title to this blog says, hope is not a plan.
Better, more, less, stop, start are barely plans.
They'll probably go as well, longer term, as the last time we set such plans.
Specifics, details and scheduling can feel restrictive.
But they actually create freedom.
Get done the things that need to be done as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Gain the benefits.
Feel the knock on improvements to the rest of our life.
When we're reluctant to set a more concrete plan, that's often underpinned by a concern of "What if it doesn't happen?".
But it's useful to remember it's even less likely to happen when we don't set a clear plan.
All that not planning does is hide that.
Setting a good plan is defining the parameters of perceived failure.
It requires a degree of bravery.
To put ourselves in a position where we could "fail".
Knowing that will lead to far more success overall.
Much love,
Jon 'springs eternal' Hall
P.S. When you're ready for "far more success overall", you'll find that if you comment below or send me a DM to find out more.
Yesterday's blog: Maintenance not plateau - www.facebook.com/222067851180423_1560087312791432
