Planning is important. It doesn’t matter if you’re having a church retreat, a concert, or even a wedding; if you don’t plan, your event is bound to crash and burn. But while not planning adequately is a valid concern, there is such a thing as over planning.
Everyone gets it; whatever you’re planning is so near and dear to your heart that you simply can’t stop to sit back and enjoy it. The truth, though, is that over planning isn’t just a bad habit; it’s an unhealthy mindset. So how do you know if you’re a victim?
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Here are 4 signs you’re planning too much:
You can’t sleep
Sleep deprivation is almost always a dead giveaway that planning has taken over your life. Planning requires lots of time, dedication, and attention, but not at the expense of your health. Psalm 127:2 says, “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.”
Rest is a precious gift from God; don’t throw it away. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to work until your heart gives out to plan a great event.
Your loved ones worry about you (and rightfully so)
If you are really a chronic over-planner, the chances are that someone (or multiple people) has told you so. Your response to them probably went like this, “I’m not working too hard. I’m just doing my job.” But the simple truth is that your attachment to your project may just be blinding you to the reality- that you’re too attached.
Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Your loved ones only worry about you because they see the negative effects of over planning on your life, and they want to help you escape.
You fret about the smallest of details
As the host of an event, it’s natural to recognize the little things that no one else would even notice. But sometimes it’s best to look at the bigger picture and leave the brushstrokes alone. Often, details serve only to stress us out.
Healthy planners will be thorough and far from sloppy, but plan-a-holics will be so particular that they miss the good of the main idea. If this is you, let go of these unnecessary worries before it’s too late.
You’re booked for this month… and the next
Time, like sleep, is valuable. You can spend it on a number of worthwhile things- traveling the world, being with family, hanging out with friends, going to church, praying, and the list goes on and on.
While whatever you’re planning is clearly important, is it really more important than the life you’re living? You shouldn’t have to sacrifice the experiences that make you who you are for one event that will be over before you know it.
It may not be easy, but try to take some time to just breathe.