I am a Planner and not just in the sense that I love to plan. In truth I honest to goodness (who talks this way?) have the title Product Planner for software company here in the Seattle area. They actually pay me for the opportunity to look 3-5 years out and determine what functionality and strategy we need in order to meet the market needs. For a person that loves to plan, this is a wonderful outlet for my not-so-secret passion.
The morning after we decided to embark on our trip around the world, I woke up to the most exciting and daunting task that any planning enthusiast can ask for. The questions just seemed to swim through my brain as quickly as I could blink:
- How do you plan for a year or more on the road?
- Where do we start?
- How much will it cost?
- What do we want to see?
- Do we go east or west?
- Where will we get our haircut?
- Did I really have 6 margaritas last night and decide to go on a trip around the world?
OK, the last one could be just us. I have never felt so alive once we had actually made the decision. It opens up a world of possibilities (pun intended) and more questions that you can imagine. But if you are a planner like me you start with what comes naturally….make a list. In truth, I started making dozens of lists using my trusty Microsoft OneNote (where to go, things to buy, budget items, haircut alternatives (more on this in a future post), clothing, costs by country, blogs to read, sites I liked, and on and on).
My suggestion to anyone that is waking up today in a similar situation, just wallow in the questions and ideas for a few days. Do not try to filter or answer everything, just embrace that you are embarking on the most exciting planning experience of your life and let it envelope you. I realize that few bloggers have truly embraced the romanticism of planning, but I hope that I can remedy this through my posts. List making, web searches, blog building….OH MY! I can see I am going to enjoy this.
Do you share my passion for planning? How do you approach new projects/adventures?
About Warren
From one planner to another, thanks for coming clean!
Childhood friends used to refer to my family as the ‘List People’, as pieces of paper always covered the fridge door.
This is an addiction that has served me well in adulthood though. It helps me map out my ‘plan’, starting with the big goal in mind. Creating a list of action steps always makes me feel productive, and lessens the feelings of anxiety and lack of control.
OK – how many times did I say ‘list’ + ‘plan’
How exciting! I look forward to living vicariously through you and Warren (with the idea of not living vicariously and doing this myself sooner than later).
I also love to plan, in fact maybe as much as I love actually doing the thing I’m planning for. It’s all about anticipation. That’s good advice to marinate on the idea for a bit, write in your journal, talk it through with friends (supportive friends, natch). Brainstorm and daydream.
Then – start gathering bits and pieces of info, create lists of action steps, and my geeky favorite – do an expense spreadsheet breakdown and start figuring out the numbers. People sometimes avoid this one, but the devil you know (the project’s cost) is much better than the devil you don’t (the cost is often not nearly as much as you think it will be). Viva Excel!
I love planning because it’s opening up to the stage when the possibilities are endless, and you start to shape things to your vision. I don’t overplan actually, but I love asking questions and making lists and then letting the information come in. That way I can arrive at a "loose plan" or "schedule" that allows for mishaps, unexpected opportunities, and spontaneity. We recently dropped a road trip because there was no margin for error- the perfect recipe for disappointment, meltdown, and possible arguments.
It’s great to track your progress and planning toward your adventure.
And I just have to ask: was it really SIX margaritas? Each?
Sandra: I am here to tell you that a "planning addition" does not require any type of intervention and I completely understand your list making neurosis. My name is Warren, and I too am a Planner.
Deonne: we will do our best to make our lives as full as possible and ensure your vicarious experience is well worth it. Great points on anticipation. I do agree this is a major part of the experience. Just having all the guide books open, exploring the potential itineraries, it is intoxicating. And when you add in Excel you are really flying high…I concur.
Angela: First, I must admit that the 6 margaritas was for each of us, though Betsy is adamant that I state that we were there for several hours. I love your concepts of blended spontaneity and planning. Sounds like great advice and something that we can really use on the trip. We are headed out on a road trip in a couple months and will need to practice this.
Planners rule! You be proud Warren – we’re an awesome people!