The only thing that is certain about the future is the fact that it is uncertain.
One of the aspects that are assessed in personality tests is the degree to which someone is comfortable with change; the contrast being preference for a more predictable environment, i.e. maintaining the status quo. This implies that some people experience the uncertainty of the future as less threatening than others.
We live in times of great uncertainty. Tom Peters writes in one of his books that even working for a big company does not offer much career security. For many people, retrenchment is probably one of their biggest fears. Peters, who is a great advocate for entrepreneurship and creating your own job, believes that there is more job security in the contacts you have than in the size of the company you work for.
Amidst all the uncertainty we live with currently, we still need to plan and live with direction if we desire to be successful. It is not wise to neglect thorough planning in the light of an uncertain future. People and businesses who, despite all the uncertainty, meticulously plan for their future, still achieve much more than those who believe life should just happen.
Solomon in his wisdom says, “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” (Ecc 11:4) There is seldom or ever a perfect time for something new.
# I remember some ten years ago, I accompanied a client to a farmer who wanted to sell a certain farming implement. Although it was already the middle of May it was still very dry in the Swartland, yet they were busy sowing. The prospective buyer asked jokingly whether the farmer was sowing in wet soil or in faith. The seller’s reply was that he sows according to the date and explained that when the rain is late, they start to sow by the middle of May, trusting that the rain will come.
Grape and other fruit farmers usually follow a carefully planned spraying program, which is usually indicated on a large calendar in their offices. If you look at the weather to decide the right time for crop spraying, one person will say today and the other tomorrow and eventually the harvest will lie on the ground.
If farmers, delivered to the uncertainty of changing climate and weather, can plan like this, I’m sure each one of us can likewise plan for a preferred future.
Do you have a plan of what you would like to achieve in your life, career or business?
For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it – lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? (Luk 14:28-30)
If you do not have a plan of what you would like to do or achieve, someone else will most probably plan something for you, but probably to serve their interests.
The best planning you can do for your future starts with knowing who you really are. A Career Direct Assessment will help you to know and understand your authentic self. I can assure you, it makes all the difference.
