The immediate present is often the focus of our activities.   Being present in the moment obviously has value.  The downside to this tactical approach is that does not prepare us for the future.

Dealing with the “now” cannot be avoided.  Planning is a way to make the results of current actions better.  It also makes it easier to act because the approach is already thought out.

Be Prepared

Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the boy scouts clarified the organizations’ motto (be prepared) as applying to both mind and body.  That is to think out and be physically ready beforehand to take on any issue or circumstance that might occur.

Preparation (advance planning) is key is to do the right thing at the right moment.  Acting and then reacting or reworking depending on the results can be agile but might not be as efficient or effective as taking the big picture into account and being prepared in advance.

Iterative Planning

Planning in advance is unlikely to take into account every possible circumstance.  Developing a view of the big picture must take in account its fluidity.  Things change with time.

Planning should be an iterative process with enough built-in flexibility.  It is important to both be prepared but also have the ability to react to circumstance.

Being ready is simply a tool to assist in acting in the best way possible without surprise, fear or uncertainty.   Being prepared, that is having a plan and a vision of the best strategies, should not be treated as a straightjacket.