Are you someone who has remarkable and life-changing ideas that you want to turn into a reality? Or someone who is passionate and strongly believes in an idea that could potentially make a difference in the world? Or perhaps someone who tried to make an idea work in the past, but didn’t get satisfactory results?
I’ve been there.
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The human brain is a very unique and complex organ. It's amazing to think about how brilliant God is for making our brain remarkable the way it is, its faculties, and its processes, giving us the cognitive capacity and ability that has allowed us to build the pyramids, invent the light bulb, discover cures for diseases, and even revolutionize remarkable ideas that turned into the reality that we see now. In each of our minds lie a reservoir of life-changing ideas for this generation, brilliant solutions to global issues, answers to daily problems, and so much more that could make a difference in the world. However, in between our ideas and our execution is a crucial gray area called planning. Good ideas are just as good as a wishful thought without execution. But executing good ideas without careful and strategic planning often turns into a tragedy.
Good ideas + Strategic Planning + Careful Execution = Remarkable Results!
How Do I Successfully Execute Ideas Through Strategic Planning?
We all have unique and remarkable ideas that could potentially change the world and make a difference. But without a plan, it's merely a wishful thought. And without execution, it's merely a dream. Here are 4 Principles to Successfully Execute Ideas Through Strategic Planning:
1. An Idea’s Potential Lies in its Strategic Execution Plan.
There are many brilliant and remarkable ideas over the years that aim to solve problems, bring ease and comfort for people, innovate ways we do certain things, and potentially change the world and make a difference. But these are ideas are worth nothing without strategic planning and careful execution to successfully carry them out. Although some ideas have a lot of potential to achieve success and great results, that potential remains untapped without execution through strategic planning. Without planning and execution, ideas could either remain as ideas, wishful thoughts, and ambitious dreams, or they could be hastily executed into failures or tragedy.
Here are some stories of some companies who had good ideas, but had poor planning and execution:
Webvan was one of the first online grocery delivery services and was launched in 1999. The idea had great potential, but it was way ahead of its time. The company expanded too quickly, investing substantial funds into infrastructure without establishing a stable customer base. With their poor financial planning and an unsustainable business model, it led to their bankruptcy in 2001, just two years after its launch.
Microsoft's Zune was launched in 2006 and was intended to rival Apple's iPod. The concept of developing a digital media player with unique features like wireless sharing was promising. However, poor execution, including a delayed market entry, insufficient compelling content, and weak marketing, led to its failure. Microsoft discontinued the Zune hardware in 2011, marking it as a significant misstep in the company's history.
Google Wave was launched in 2009 and was an ambitious project aiming to revolutionize online communication by combining email, instant messaging, and collaborative editing. The idea was innovative, but poor planning and execution resulted in failure. The product was overly complex, lacked clear use cases, and had a confusing interface. Google discontinued Wave in 2010.
When I was in 2nd Grade, I always dreamed of becoming a scientist or inventor. It kept changing over the years, but for majority of my childhood, they would always call me 'Little Einstein'. I was the kid who happily sees knick-knacks or some junk and made all kinds of stuff with it. I had so many ideas knocking on my brain that I had a notebook for all the 'blueprints' of my 'inventions', and just made prototypes. They weren't impressive, if that's what you're thinking. I remember making a wooden robot out of junk with other materials and screws for movable arms and legs as a prototype for something way cooler which I had in mind that I had jotted down on my notebook. I have also made other contraptions and whatnot that was better in my head than what I had made. It's a fun memory that some of my childhood friends can still attest to this day. Then, I realized that there are so many great ideas that have unlimited potential. However, it all remains an idea without planning and execution.
Not all good ideas lead to great outcomes. Even some seemingly mediocre ideas produce great results with strategic planning and careful execution. Don't waste a good idea. See the potential in your idea, believe in it and the difference it could make for the world, and strategize your plan of action.
“Failing to plan is planning to fail” — Benjamin Franklin
2. A Plan is the Blueprint that Turns Abstract Ideas into Concrete Outcomes.
In building any infrastructure, there must always be a blueprint carefully designed by an architect that meets the need of the client. But this blueprint is merely an idea of what to build. The engineer must work closely with the architect to determine if it's possible to build and with what materials to use to ensure that the design meets the safety and regulatory requirements, and to serve its purpose efficiently and reliably. Between our ideas and execution, it's crucial to have a strategic and careful plan as to how we are to carry it out. Without a viable plan, our ideas are bound to fail.
For several months back in 2022, I have been having that urge to really do something with the gift I believe I have and the passion I have for people. I know that I have a God-given purpose and gift that I am graced to do, and I wouldn't want to leave this Earth without fulfilling what I was called to do, maximizing my life and the gift that God has given me for His glory and for the people. It wasn't until this year, 2024, that I know in myself that there was so much in me to give, and I wanted an avenue where I can write and share my heart to encourage and empower people that might have gone through the same things as me and that they're not alone. This blog was just an idea that was impressed in my heart, but it took a long time for me to plan, learn, and navigate these unknown waters. Though, I didn't just leave it stuck in my head where it could get lost in my busyness and other priorities. I prayed for God to lead me and enlighten me, opened my laptop, and I wrote down the idea. I spent hours of learning about it, seeking the right blog name, my niche, my goal, studied the algorithm and search engine optimizations for the site, spent weeks, and a substantial amount of cash for a student, in building my website and social media platforms.
It was all worth it. It hasn't been a year yet, but I believe this blog is serving its purpose. And with a strategic plan and careful execution, I was more than satisfied with the outcome. More than the technicality, it feels fulfilling to see how people are encouraged and empowered through these blog posts. Do you have an idea that could potentially make a difference in the world? Write it down. Plan. Take action. Turn your abstract ideas into concrete outcomes!
“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” — Alan Lakein
3. Haste Makes Waste.
Let me share two verses in the bible in Proverbs 18:15 NKJV, "Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.", and Proverbs 21:5 MSG, "Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind." These are very powerful principles we could apply in turning our ideas into a reality. Sometimes, remarkable and life-changing ideas creates a spark of passion in us to make it into a reality. Yes, it could have immense potential for success, but hastily executing the idea without strategic planning just sets ourselves up for failure. We may hear quotes from famous people saying, "Ideas are nothing without execution. Execution is everything." And although they hold some truth to it, it's not always the case. I would like to change this and offer a different take with this statement: "Ideas are nothing without strategic planning and careful execution". Planning and execution go hand-in-hand.
Some people become overly excited with their ideas that they can't wait to share it with people, they can't wait to launch a product, they can't wait to start the business, and that they focus more on the results more than the process. Even with the best of intentions, it might, more often than not, lead to failure and disappointment when you execute hastily with poor planning. If you want ideas to lead to good results, it needs good planning and it takes time. Taking your time doesn't mean you won't set goals and squander your time. Sometimes, slow and steady steps make you sure of where you're going, and it lessens your risks of falling. One sure step at a time is better than taking 10 steps ahead and falling 5 steps back.
As I've mentioned, I started planning for this blog for a long time. Since 2022, the idea started as a podcast. But after thorough learning and planning, even with a document full of what I have envisioned for the idea, I didn't push through with it even though I was so excited to share it to the world. It didn't have a sustainable plan yet, it didn't seem viable with my schedule, it was a huge step that I strongly believed I wasn't ready for. It took time for me to just immerse myself in things that would facilitate my growth—books, hearing experiences and wisdom from people I trust and that share the same heart, vision, and passion as me, and connecting with God as He continues to unfold His purpose in my life. I kept learning and studying, preparing myself for what's in store for me in the future. Until May of 2024, this blog is where it is now, serving the purpose it's meant to do. Good things take time. Great things take even longer. Don't rush, there is no such thing as overnight success!
“An hour of planning can save you 10 hours of doing.” — Dale Carnegie
4. Careful Execution Bridges Good Ideas and Strategic Planning into Great Results.
As a Filipino, there's also that common negative trait we call as "Ningas Kugon", it's a phrase that literally means 'burns like cogon grass'. Dried cogon grass is highly flammable and ignites easily, but it also burns out easily or it doesn't last that long. It describes some people who start with great excitement and enthusiasm but lose their interest and motivation easily; they lose the willpower to finish their goals into fruition, they're great starters, but poor finishers. Reasons why remarkable ideas and brilliant strategies fail to produce successful results is because of poor execution and even no execution at all. Ideas are nothing without a plan to turn it into a reality. Plans and strategies mean nothing if we don't take action or follow through with what we have planned in careful execution.
We don't need to always go after the 'cool' ideas and devise overly complex plans and strategies to achieve successful results. Some life-changing ideas rely on simple strategic plans that successfully work with careful execution. There are some people who become stuck at the planning stage of the process and quit before having the chance to execute their ideas into fruition. Ideas can be inspiring and motivating, it's often times the easiest part of the process. Though, the planning part can be overwhelming. "Am I capable to carry this out?", "Will this work?", "What will others think?", "Will I pull this off?"—these thoughts can cloud and overwhelm our minds that can make us second-guess ourselves.
These are some reasons why people fail in their execution:
Fear of the unknown
Fear of failure
Fear of what others think
Lack of determination
Lack of consistency
Devising overly complex plans
I believe that turning our life-changing ideas into a reality with strategic planning and careful execution—in determination, consistency, focus and discipline—produces remarkable results. Steer clear of fears and the need to complicate things. Stay on course with the vision you see for your idea, keep it simple and S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound), be determined, and be consistent. Your ideas can make a difference in the world. Plan strategically, execute carefully, and reap successfully!
"Plan your work and work your plan." — Napoleon Hill
Even kings and kingdoms prepare for war with a battle plan. They train their armies and prepare their artillery. They don't bring swords to a gun fight. They would devise ambushes and prepare for any kind of attack. They never go to a battle empty-handed. Planning is a crucial part of the success between your ideas and making them into a reality. To conclude, never underestimate your ideas. Believe in the potential it holds to change the world and make a difference in many lives. Then plan a course of action. Strategize. Take your time in the process. And execute with consistency and determination to achieve your goals and produce remarkable results.
May this blog post empower you as you turn your ideas into a reality with strategic planning and careful execution. Do share your heart and thoughts in the comments. See you on the next blog post!
Sending love,
Coleene.
Read the previous blog post: Rise Above: Strategies to Push Through Hard Times
So much wisdom!! 🎯💯