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Failing to Plan Is Planning to Fail: Why Intentional Strategic Planning Matters More Than Ever
- Janelle Taveras
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
Failing to Plan Is Planning to Fail: Why Intentional Planning Matters More Than Ever
Every January, organizations and individuals alike feel a renewed sense of motivation. Vision boards are created, New Year’s resolutions are declared, and ambitious goals are set with the hope that this will be the year things finally change. Yet, by February or March, many of those goals quietly fade—not because people lack passion or intelligence, but because they lack a plan.
As the saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” While the wording may vary, the message is clear: good intentions without structure rarely lead to lasting results.
Goals Are Not Plans
Setting goals is important, but goals alone are not enough. A goal answers the question of what you want to achieve. A plan answers how you will get there, when action will occur, who is responsible, and what resources are required.
For example:
“I want to grow my organization” is a goal.
“I will increase program reach by 20% by developing partnerships, securing funding, and implementing a quarterly outreach strategy” is a plan.
Without clarity, timelines, and accountability, even the most meaningful goals remain ideas rather than outcomes.
Why the Beginning of the Year Is the Ideal Time to Plan
The start of the year provides a natural pause point—a moment to reflect on what worked, what did not, and what must change. It is the ideal time to move beyond resolutions and into intentional planning.
For organizations, this means:
Aligning mission, vision, and measurable objectives
Identifying gaps through community needs assessments
Allocating resources strategically
Establishing clear evaluation and accountability measures
For individuals, it means:
Translating aspirations into achievable steps
Identifying barriers and solutions in advance
Creating realistic timelines
Building habits that support long-term success
Progress does not happen by accident. It happens by design.
Breaking the Work into Actionable Steps
One of the most common reasons plans fail is that they are too broad or overwhelming. Effective planning requires breaking large goals into manageable, actionable steps.
Ask yourself or your team:
What is the first step that can be taken this month?
What resources or support are needed?
How will progress be measured?
When will the plan be reviewed and adjusted?
Planning is not about rigidity—it is about clarity and direction. A strong plan allows flexibility while keeping you focused on your desired outcomes.
Planning Is an Act of Empowerment
Whether in business, nonprofit leadership, or personal development, planning is an act of empowerment. It shifts you from reacting to circumstances to proactively shaping your future. It builds confidence, improves decision-making, and increases the likelihood that your efforts will result in meaningful impact.
Most importantly, planning helps turn purpose into progress.
Support When You Need It
If you know you need a plan—whether professionally or personally—you do not have to figure it out alone. JANELLE TAVERAS PHD, Evaluation and Empowerment Coaching and Consulting Firm specializes in helping organizations and individuals move from vision to execution through strategic planning, evaluation, and capacity-building support.
You can connect in the following ways:
Email: janelletaveras@hotmail.com
Phone: 754-275-8865
Website: www.empoweringlives.online
Visit the website to access a downloadable strategic plan template, community needs assessment checklist, tutorials, and additional resources designed to help you plan with intention and act with confidence.
This year do not just set goals. Create a plan. Because when planning is intentional, progress becomes inevitable.
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