Planning vs. Preparation - What is the difference?

• Planning assumes things will go smoothly and in order
• Preparation assumes things will get messy and chaotic

In real life, you cannot predict economic changes, new rules, or how people will behave. Preparation wins every time.

The Three Timeframe Method

Always think in three windows:

1. Where do I want to be in one week?
2. Where do I want to be in one month?
3. Where do I want to be in three months?

Then ask honestly - where am I right now? That gap creates creative tension, which pushes you to find solutions.

Two big mistakes to avoid:

• Keeping your goal too vague and fuzzy
• Over-planning every step weeks ahead - this kills creativity

Instead, start early, test with real people, and sharpen your ideas as you go. Always set specific dates - vague timelines are not real commitments.