Today, as you and I prepare for Thanksgiving week or weekend, I ask you to consider how well you plan.

Occasionally, each of us has places to go and people to see.

I know it’s important for me because I’m always backward, planning in my mind how much time I need to be where I need to be on time.

I was raised under the old-school regime of never being late for any event (Vince Lombardi).  The Army reinforced that for me over the years.

During my time in the Army, I remember when we would have so many young people missing Dentist and Doctor’s appointments that we tracked them. We needed to know why they missed their appointment as we heard various excuses.  Eventually, the health organizations imposed a fine upon the unit, and Commanders were required that those who missed the appointments were physically counseled. When you add what it costs for each missed appointment of a $75.00 fine, you tend to make them.

It’s now a matter of respect for the other person’s time lost that I should be on time.

However, it never fails me that when I don’t leave when I’m supposed to depart, I will run in traffic or unexpected delays, causing me a little stress.

I can’t count the Hail Mary’s I’ve done over the years when I made it on time.

This past weekend, I knew that I had a play (The King and I) to attend on Friday morning that was at least 45 minutes away, yet I made it within 10 minutes of the event.  I usually try to be 15 minutes early.

I’ve learned that it’s always better to be early than late.

Backward planning is my way of life; however, you and I must always expect the unexpected to happen.

How conscious are we of the traffic patterns in the morning, noon, and evening in our local areas?

If you have ever been or traveled to Atlanta, Georgia on I-85, those times change constantly with the traffic patterns.

Maybe your area is not like I-85 in Atlanta; however, it still requires some backward planning to get from point A to point B.  At least knowing the shortcut around town.

I know that on any given school day, Monday through Friday in my local area, it takes me 30 minutes or more to get to the interstate I-65 heading towards Birmingham, AL.  By the way there are no shortcuts; because of school buses and traffic lights, it will take even longer.

What I’ve noticed on several occasions are the cars heading into Huntsville on Highway 565 as I’m leaving, making my way to the interstate.

The traffic is usually backed up for miles and almost at a standstill.

I also remembered living in New York in the mid 1990’s, that If I didn’t leave my house in Queen’s NY, by 5:30 AM, I too would be in standstill traffic for 30 minutes.

I’m sure you have your own stories on the importance of backward planning.

Today, we have too many impatient drivers to include the Male and Female versions of Mario Andretti and Janet Gutherie behind the steering wheels.

I know that when we are running late, we all have a little of Mario Andretti and Janet Gutherie in us, but is it worth it?

I’ve learned to drive even more defensively since being run off the road when a truck crossed over the solid line into my lane a few months ago.

By the way, I was heading home, and as statistics show, most car accidents happen close to home.  I was less than five miles away from my house when it happened.

The Majority Of Car Accidents Happen Close To Home | Call Now For A Free Consultation (truscellolaw.com)

In addition, with various people working four ten-hour shifts (4/10’s), Fridays are full of adventures.   With Thanksgiving a few days away, traffic and holiday shopping is even more interesting.

Backward planning in any event of our life must be taken into consideration, especially if we are to be on time and not stressed about it.

The importance of backward planning is a skill required, whether we want to agree or not.

Teaching students the benefits of planning backwards — University Affairs

Although many of us already have the tee-shirt from backward planning and the lessons learned.  It’s a skill that is transferable.

I say transferable if we try not to make the same mistake twice.

Maybe you are like me when you know that you need to be somewhere, you don’t wait until the last minute or the morning of the event to decide what you want to wear, or do you?

I’m also not naïve that I know some people are spontaneous and some are not.  I know serval people that wait until the last minute to do everything.

“Procrastination is the act of delaying or putting off tasks until the last minute, or past their deadline.”

Procrastination: Why It Happens and How to Overcome It (verywellmind.com)

I know that being a member of the 5:AM Club has helped me backward plan and to refocus my energies.

What’s the 5 AM Club, and Should You Join? (betterup.com)

You and I have probably heard the quote by John Wooden “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

Maybe, in 2024, it may be better in the area of Backward Planning!

At least for me, it is! What about you?