In our Creative Power & Potential workshop with a new client last week, I heard a familiar plea. “Can you help me get better at planning because my team needs more of it from me?”
Near the end of the day, this same courageous leader shared that she hasn’t asked for help before because she felt shame. She judged herself that she “should be able to do it better,” it “should be easier.”
PRP’s: People Who Resist Planning (& Organizing)
PRP’s don’t need a plan to get started on a project or task. They don’t naturally create systems to sort or store things…whether it’s data they’ve collected, or brilliant ideas they’ve conceived, or all the materials for their favorite hobby.
I asked this leader if it resonated with her that she’ll jump in and get something done then have to look back to see what steps she took. Yep. That’s how it works.
If you’ve ever asked someone for their plan to get something done and they freeze like a deer in headlights, or scoff at the suggestion that a plan is needed or even helpful…you may be working with a PRP.
Yes, It’s A Strength
People who don’t naturally plan and create systems to organize, who actually resist spending time and energy planning and organizing, have a strength at the opposite end of the continuum.
Their superpower is flexibility, dealing with scheduling and other last-minute changes. They find shortcuts in processes. They keep systems from being too rigid.
They move things along quickly…sometimes too quickly, because they skip steps. Sometimes important ones.
Baby, You Were Born This Way
So, what to do if you have this blind spot in planning?
First, accept and claim it as your truth. This acceptance is actually freeing. When you stop judging yourself for being who you are, it frees you from self-doubt and the shame spiral that can limit you from liberating your creative potential.
Next, appreciate and celebrate the flexibility you naturally contribute.
If you can’t see your own genius, ask people how your flexibility and shortcuts add value to your work together. Sometimes we need others to hold up a mirror to see our strengths, especially if we’ve struggled throughout our careers, and lives, with so little energy for planning and organizing.
The Impacts of PRP Energy
You may already know your team and/or colleagues and collaborators are impacted by your resistance to planning. Like the leader in my workshop.
But it may be hidden in the dark because you don’t know what to do about it.
Ask. Get feedback. Be open.
It’s much easier to be open to this “negative” feedback after you’ve invested some time in Acceptance & Appreciation. Those are steps you can’t skip.
When you’re asking for feedback on the contributions of your natural resistance to planning, those same people have also likely experienced when/how your PRP energy has caused problems for them or others.
Why Does It Matter?
This question always matters! If you’re not clear on your why, then you’ll never change, never create the habits that could make a difference.
Note, you’re NOT changing who you are…you’re addressing a blind spot that isn’t serving you or your people.
You have to want greater agency over your way of doing things to implement any potential solutions. Clarity on your Why is critical path to making this change.
“Move Toward” Goal
What will it make possible for you? What’s worth investing your time and energy to create a learned behavior for this planning blind spot?
One of my coaching clients who struggled with all the productivity and planning systems on the market feels the relief of what she calls her “personalized productivity planning” system. Simple. Customized to her unique strengths, including her resistance to planning.
Don’t Skip This Step
Did I mention you need to start with acceptance and appreciation of this natural talent? Whether it’s yours or someone on your team.
Next Up
Are you a PRP? Do you know a PRP who could benefit from planning hacks?
In the next article, I’ll share some tips and tricks for PRP’s and the people who want to help them succeed.
