Fall is harvest time, when you reap what you’ve sown, at least as far as farming cycles go. But on a more personal level, we’re all reaping what we’ve sown, for better or worse, all of the time. At least that’s what’s supposed to happen.
A harvest requires a carefully executed plan, if you have any shot at reaping anything worthwhile. I like a good plan. A plan makes me feel like I have some control.
By following certain steps, you reach a conclusion, or harvest, of your own design, the reward for your careful planning.
Yet, I’ve reached the point where I realize every plan, if one hopes to accomplish anything at all, must have a healthy dose of “Whatever” firmly ingrained.
To illustrate, let’s take a look at my ideal daily plan, as opposed to what actually happens.
Ideal Plan
7:30 AM: Rise, well rested after a full night’s sleep. Go for thirty-minute run (really a walk, but run sounds better).
8:15: Eat healthy breakfast. Shower with luxurious body wash, style hair, apply make-up. Dress in cute outfit that allows me to think I look younger than I am.
9:00: Check email for five minutes, update all social media with witty and intriguing posts, write one new column for online site, update blog, and work on next chapter in new book.
1:00 PM: Meet best friend Chris for lunch.
2:15: Pick up fresh fish and fresh vegetables for dinner.
3:00: Second daily email check. Confirm upcoming speaking engagement. Submit three new speaking proposals. Create outline for quarterly newsletter.
5:30: Prepare fabulous dinner while sipping chilled Pinot Grigio. Serve meal to round of applause from adoring husband.
7:00-11:00 Enjoy intelligent conversation with husband while watching PBS and nibbling on a single square of dark chocolate.
11:30: Retire satisfied after a fulfilling, productive day. Fall asleep immediately, sleep soundly all night, and repeat similar plan next day.
The “Whatever” Plan
Oversleep. Run up and down the steps three times and call it a workout. Cram Pop Tart in mouth while standing at sink. Gulp a mouthful of water to wash it down.
