Why You Should Stop Planning

Have you ever been so excited for a particular moment in your life that you just can't seem to stop thinking about it?

You start running through the anticipated event in your head, fantasizing and worrying about it going swimmingly.

We tend to waste so much of our time setting high, unrealistic expectations that we know won't ever be met. We continue to make these expectations every day because we're convinced someday they might become a reality. Well, sorry to be blunt, but they won't.

Expectations are just about as useful in our lives as a dinosaur trying to play cards. So, not useful at all.

We can't help but want control in many facets of our lives. We think by taking all matters into our own hands, we can change and modify things to our benefit. But I'd like you to try and think of a time this has worked for you.

I'll cue the "Jeopardy!" theme song while you think, because if you're a normal human being, you're going to have to think real long and hard about this one.

Having plans is important, yes, because it sets things into motion. Plans create order, structure and much needed communication. However, just like anything else in life, planning is only good in moderation.

When you put everything in your life on an itinerary and live anxiously worrying about things molding to the immaculate visions in your head, it won't take long before you see your picture perfect plans blow up. Thus, making you angry and inclined to whine and complain. And no one likes someone who is angry, a whiner, or a complainer.

Living day by day on a set of plans and expectations not only is unhealthy, but it can also rob you of what life has to offer.

Have a sense of humor. If you spend a little extra than you were anticipating, just roll with it.

If you're having a bad hair day, just embrace it.

I think we all have a muddled perception of what is and isn't scary in life. Spontaneity and equanimity sound like invitations to experience an adrenaline rush, and planning sounds like the "better safe than sorry" route. However, if we choose spontaneity and going with the flow over constant order, we will find ourselves living less uptight and more fulfilling lives.

We won't sweat the small things as much the moment we ditch the plans, learn to laugh at ourselves and let the chaos and crazy that is inevitably part of our world take the reins.

Enjoy life, take a step back, give up some control and you'll be amazed of what will come of it.