The False Security of Planning

Professionals tend to see themselves as great planners, and they do tons of strategizing. But what happens when you let go of the need to lay everything out and listen for God's plan instead?

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:36] - Strategy is important for mitigating risk, and there is a huge push for people to do what gives them a sense of control because work is so stressful.

[01:46] - The concept of control can lead you to trust no one but yourself, rather than accepting joy and peace as gifts.

[02:34] - There's always something else to tackle, so at some point you have to let it go.

[03:20] - You don't have to plan everything, because God already is in the driver's seat. It's not your job to worry about everything.

[04:52] - Peter and Andrew, two of Jesus' disciples, listened to God's plan and let God upend them. You need to listen for and respond to God's call in the same way, rather than always relying on your own plan.

[06:32] - Prayer

[07:18] - Outro/what's coming up next

[07:52] - Postroll CTA

Key takeaways:

• Strategy matters for managing risk, and work can be stressful. Research shows that a sense of control can reduce stress, and it's the perception of control, not whether we actually have control, that makes the difference. So there's a big push in business to have people look for anything they can control to help them feel better.
• The problem with looking to your own planning for a sense of control is that it can make you trust nobody but yourself, rather than accepting peace and joy as gifts from God.
• Because there's always something to tackle, you have to let it go at some point, or you will see potential disasters everywhere.
• You don't have to plan everything because God is (and always has been) in the driver's seat. And although He wants you to act wisely, it's not your job to handle everything. Your job is to trust God and follow His plan.
• Peter and Andrew are examples of two people who let God upend their plans for good.
• Be responsible, but don't try to carry everything.

Relevant Links:

Self-Efficacy and the Perception of Control in Stress Reduction

Zeignarnik Effect: How Incomplete Tasks Trigger Stress [Mental Models]

CTAs:

• Be responsible and plan where it makes sense, but be courageous enough to let go and draw clear planning boundaries, even if you meet resistance from others who still believe they have to do everything themselves. 
• Head on over to Patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock to become a supporting member for the show. 

What’s coming up next:

In Episode 4 of Faithful on the Clock, we’ll tackle the "fake it ‘til you make it" concept. Find out a better way to make a great impression built on truth and authenticity.