Top o’ the Mornin’ to Ya!
TLDR: Discover how implementing a strategic life plan creates momentum, provides measurable progress, and delivers the dopamine hits of achievement that successful Christian men need to align their purpose with God’s vision and overcome the leadership gap of constantly moving targets.
What?
I was reflecting on my ski coaching days when we created strategic training plans that prepared athletes to peak at specific times. We’d carefully cycle through intensity, ramping up training for weeks before intentionally dropping back down for recovery. These cycles were strategically aligned to optimize performance when it mattered most.
The same principle applies to life planning. Without a life plan, I’ve noticed things don’t go as smoothly and I don’t know where I’m going. When I’m following my life plan—reviewing it regularly and following its systems—my direction is clearer and progress more evident.
Why?
As leaders and visionaries, we often fall into what Johnny Nastor called “the entrepreneurial gap.” It translates to “leadership gap”. We set goals, make progress toward them, then unconsciously move the target ahead before we arrive. This continuous shifting of our vision creates frustration because we never experience the satisfaction of completion.
A life plan counters this pattern by giving us measurable markers that provide those desireable dopamine hits—real, tangible feelings of success and growth that show progress toward our ultimate vision.
Lesson
An effective life plan consists of:
1. Assessment of your current state in each life area
2. Creation of an ideal vision for each area
3. Inspirational quotes to motivate you
4. Inspired actions for the next season to move you from current to ideal
5. Regular review & evaluation (quarterly or more frequently) to measure progress and adjust as needed
This framework allows you to see movement from your current state toward your ideal vision, giving you those critical wins along the journey rather than constantly moving the target before you reach it.
Apply
Ask yourself: Do you have and know how to use a life plan? If so, which one do you use? Consider what areas of your life need clearer direction and how a structured plan might help you experience more fulfillment along the journey rather than postponing it to some ever-shifting future point.
Evaluate whether you’ve been moving your targets unconsciously and missing the satisfaction of achievement. A good life plan will help you recognize and celebrate progress while keeping your ultimate vision clear.
You be blessed.
Life Planning: Your Roadmap to Kingdom Success
