In 2019, I experienced a life-altering encounter with my mentor. During this meeting, my mentor stressed the significance of meticulous planning.
As our discussion drew to a close, he assigned me the task of crafting a comprehensive 5-year strategic life plan that addressed every aspect of my life. As a component of this assignment, I was tasked to break down the plan into yearly objectives, complete with practical steps. We allocated specific timelines and scheduled a date for revisiting the plan.
Upon careful reflection and a thorough review of the choices I’ve made over the past 3+ years, coming up with the 5-year strategic life plan stands out as one of the most beneficial decisions I’ve ever made.
You see, most people desire to live an impactful life. They are driven by the passion to leave a mark of change in their families, societies, institutions, countries, and even the world. But while on their deathbeds, very few people are able to put a finger on the impact they are leaving behind as a legacy.
Many individuals aspire to lead a life of significance. They are fueled by the desire to leave a lasting imprint of positive change in their families, communities, organizations, nations, and even the world. Nonetheless, when they reach the final moments of their lives, only a scant few can reflect with pride and confidently affirm that they are leaving behind a lasting and meaningful legacy.
The late Dr. Myles Munroe once stated that the wealthiest location on this planet is not the gold or diamond mines of South Africa, but rather, it’s the graveyard. It may sound surprising, but his insight lies in the fact that the graveyard is brimming with unrealized inventions that never saw the light of day, magnificent books that were never penned, and beautiful songs that were never sung. The underlying reason is that many individuals pass through life without fully tapping into the potential that resides within them.
One of the key factors contributing to the unrealized potential and unfulfilled dreams of many individuals is the absence of strategic planning. Talent, gifts, and inherent potential are akin to raw materials. They necessitate a transformative process that refines and moulds them into a finished product capable of making a meaningful impact and contributing to the betterment of the world.
The transformation of raw talent, potential, or gifts is not a haphazard process. Rather, it requires careful and intentional planning. This plan must be actionable and executed effectively. In my own journey, adopting a five-year strategic life plan with yearly objectives and practical, achievable steps has proven to be a transformative game-changer.
It’s truly remarkable what a well-structured plan, diligently followed, can achieve in a relatively short time. To claim that I adhered to my plan 100% of the time would not be truthful. However, the commitment I dedicated to crafting a plan and faithfully pursuing it has resulted in significant personal growth and achievements beyond measure.
Through all of this, I’ve gleaned a crucial lesson: meaningful events and achievements don’t materialize on their own. Someone must invest effort for positive outcomes and progress to occur. An impactful life isn’t stumbled upon by chance. It’s built through intentional and purposeful work.
Are you aspiring to lead a life filled with significance? It starts with creating a well-structured life plan and then putting it into action.
If you require assistance in developing your plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’ll be more than happy to lend a hand.
Pharmacist I Health Advocate
