Intentionality, Planning (& Flexibility)

Every once in a while, I have an experience that gives me the opportunity to gauge how much I’ve grown over the years.  Today, that opportunity came in the form of a few sentences John Maxwell used in his reflection on leadership.

Here’s the quote:  “Successful individuals are intentional.  They aren’t scattered or haphazard.  They know what they’re doing and why they’re doing it.  For a team to be successful,” Maxwell concludes, “it needs intentional people who are able to remain focused and productive, people who make every action count.”

Ten years ago – at the start of my journey as a parish ministry – I would have stood on a table and shouted, “Amen!” in response to Maxwell’s words.  I was all about having a plan in place, and pursuing it with single minded devotion.  I was Mr. Intentional!

Today, my attitude has changed considerably.  I can relate to the Woody Allen quote: “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.”

“So what are you saying, Craig?” you might ask.  “That a person shouldn’t be intentional and plan for her or his future?!”

Absolutely not!

Intentionality is incredibly important.  Making plans should also be a crucial part of our lives.  But here is where I differ from John Maxwell.  I think one of the most important things we need to be aware of when we are creating plans, is that many elements of our plans are subject to change.  And with that awareness, we need to be ready, willing, and able to adapt our plan to fit emerging circumstances.

I guess what I’m saying is that Maxwell’s two favorite words in today’s devotion – “intentional” and “plan” – MUST be paired with a third concept: flexibility.

Watch how you relate to those three concepts today.  As you move through your intentionally planned day, are you willing to be flexible and adapt to the changing circumstances around you; or are you so committed to your plan that you miss out on the opportunity to adapt to a world in constant flux?