Planning and Life

Hi there! We’re in the midweek of December and I’m writing this one from Pakistan. I am here for the weekend due to some family reasons. Today I want to talk about planning in life, but first..

Weekly Inventory Check

Each passing week brings us closer to the end of 2023, offering an opportunity to look back at our accomplishments throughout the year. Reflecting on our achievements, considering the weeks and months gone by, prompts us to understand why we’ve reached where we are. It might sound repetitive, yet a feedback loop is life’s essential tool. It guides and directs us, illuminating the path to where we aim to be.

Planning and Life

Planning is like making a roadmap for your future. It helps you set goals and figure out how to achieve them. Just like planning for vacations, planning in life makes things more organized and enjoyable.

As my current project is wrapping up with my client, it got me thinking about how I’ve been living my life. Working as a consultant has meant a pretty unpredictable lifestyle. Sometimes I have no projects for a few months or weeks, and other times I’m juggling three projects at once. It’s been a bit haphazard. I am not being ungrateful but the fact that I recently became a dad to a little girl, life has changed for me. With increased responsibilities at home, I’m realizing that I need to step up my planning game. Life these days can be a bit too carefree, and we often forget that people depend on us and that systems need to be in place.

What if I don’t have a job at the start of next year? How will it affect my daughter and my wife, who’s going back to work with new responsibilities? These questions need answers, and that’s where planning comes in. I’ve noticed many people around me, just going with the flow, figuring things out as they move ahead, and that’s cool. I used to live like that too. However, having my five-month-old daughter in hand made me realize that I want more stability for her. It’s time to change our ways and build systems that provide security for unexpected situations. Consider, for instance, if you are employed as a consultant, it is advisable to maintain reserves equivalent to a few months’ worth of income or expenses. This precautionary measure ensures that during unforeseen circumstances, such as periods of job transition, the need to urgently secure new employment is alleviated. My spouse and I have diligently implemented such financial planning strategies, so that when “life happens” we have that security which comes as a result of that planning.

`Want More?

·  This article talks about why planning is crucial in life and the good things that come from having a plan for your life.

·  This article discusses how planning is important for doing well in your job and in your personal life too.

·  This article discusses what happens when things don’t go as planned, why it happens, and how to avoid uncertainty in such situations.

Reel of the Week

Check out our reel of the week. It’s about embracing the day with proactive steps—tackling what we know head-on and unraveling the mysteries of the unknown. It’s a journey of diagnosing challenges, understanding the intricacies, and, most importantly, taking the necessary actions to overcome them. Seizing the day isn’t just about living in the moment; it’s about actively shaping the moments to create a meaningful and purposeful path forward.

Instagram post by @thisisvasl

The Weekly Vasl Podcast

Our Episode on Learning the art of making money effortlessly is out now! You can watch it below! Here, I was engaged in a captivating conversation with the financial maestro, George, also known as the Financial Constructor. In this episode, George beautifully explained the essence of financial freedom, stressing on its universal pursuit. He emphasised on the critical role of laying sturdy foundations for financial goals, shedding light on the common challenge many face— aspiring for financial freedom without a clear roadmap. The conversation unfolded to explore the intricacies of budgeting and the establishment of passive income streams crucial for sustaining families. Through this insightful dialogue, George and I unveiled our shared commitment to assisting individuals in navigating the intricate landscape of financial management.

We also are on Spotify, Apple, Google, and wherever you listen!

Meetup

I will not be here for the meet up this week as I had to fly out to Pakistan so, we will get back at this next week.

The Round Table

I am excited to introduce the Round Table at Vasl.

Here, you have the opportunity to join a group for the upcoming quarter. Together, we will determine your quarterly goals and form a cohesive group centered around shared themes. You will get a chance to learn about 12 agile principles in 12 weeks that will help you get closer to reaching your goals. While I aim for a certain level of similarity to facilitate cohesive discussions, I also appreciate the value of diverse experiences. The goal is to create a supportive environment where learning from varied perspectives is encouraged.

We are opening eight seats for this group where I will act as the facilitator. Throughout the journey, you’ll be backed by your fellow peers, have access to shared resources and as I tend to introduce shared Notion Space where we can all collaborate and exchange resources. If this opportunity resonates with you, you can sign up now using the following the link.

Please note that this commitment is non-binding initially. You will first fill out a form, and we will assess if we are a match. Once we think you are a match, you will be officially sent an invitation.

However, I must stress that there are limited seats available—only six to eight seats. So act quick to secure a spot in this cohort, as we wouldn’t want you to miss out on this opportunity. The upcoming cohort will commence at the beginning of the year, with the following cohort scheduled for March 2024.

I look forward to welcoming you to the Round Table and witnessing the positive impact it will have on your personal and professional growth.

Thoughts to Leave You With

I often hear people say, “Life happens”, and I totally get it. Life can be unpredictable, but I believe instead of just letting life unfold like that, take charge and make things happen for yourself. What I mean is, focus on what you can control and don’t stress about things beyond your control. Life will always have its ups and downs, but it’s essential to have systems in place. These systems act like safety nets, ensuring that when life throws a curveball, you’re not completely caught off guard.