Planning
Turn vision into steps. Make the abstract concrete.
What It Is
The ability to break big goals into executable chunks, sequence them correctly, and anticipate blockers before they hit.
Why It Matters
Vision without a plan is fantasy. A plan without vision is busywork. Planning bridges the gap.
| Without Planning | With Planning |
|---|---|
| Reactive chaos | Proactive flow |
| Constant firefighting | Anticipated obstacles |
| Energy scattered | Energy focused |
| "We'll figure it out" | "Here's how" |
Core Patterns
- Work backward — Start from outcome, trace back to now
- Critical path — What must happen in sequence?
- Dependencies — What blocks what?
- Buffers — Where will things take longer than expected?
- Checkpoints — How do you know you're on track?
How to Develop
- Plan in writing — thinking happens when you write
- Define "done" before starting
- Identify the first physical action
- Review plans weekly — adjust, don't abandon
- Post-mortem finished plans — what did you miss?
The Shadow
Over-planning. Plans that never execute. Rigidity when conditions change.
Archetype Connection
Primary: Engineer — executes the plan Secondary: Realist — validates the plan against reality
Context
- Systems Thinking — Seeing the whole before planning parts
- Work Charts — Planning capability deployment
- Critical Path — What must happen first