Fail to do this and you're in TROUBLE...

As cliché as it may sound, I have found this maxim to be true:

"Failing to plan is planning to fail."

Granted, none of us are perfect. We all make mistakes that ultimately serve as valuable learning experiences. What's more, some of us plan and still end up with less-than-desirable outcomes.

But far too many of my friends have wound up in difficult situations -- from grappling with poor career choices to navigating tumultuous relationships -- that could have been avoided had they only planned ahead.

Here are a couple of reasons why we might fail to plan our decisions carefully:

We're impulsive: We act in the moment without carefully considering the consequences beforehand.
We're lazy: There's a reason why psychologists have dubbed human beings "cognitive misers." Naturally, we try to expend as few mental resources as possible.
We're emotional: Whether we're happy or angry, our emotions often get in the way of reason, leading us to make ill-advised and ill-timed decisions.
We have a "live for today" mentality: Many of us swear by the motto "Carpe diem," which translates to "seize the day." I understand trying to make the most of each passing day, but some people take it to an extreme. What good is living recklessly if it'll only lead to regrettable decisions later on?

Considering the pros and cons of potentially life-changing decisions can go a long way toward living a more stable life. Whether you're considering changing jobs, buying a house, or dating your neighbor, do your due diligence. Research the company online. Ask others in the neighborhood whether they see your neighbor as being a good match.

And if you're ever tempted into making a decision you know you could regret later -- think having unprotected sex or investing all your savings in a business you sense may not bear financial fruit -- always remember to let reason, not your emotions, be your guide.

Are you big on planning ahead? Have you ever regretted making a decision because you failed to plan carefully?

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