Why I Needed Better Future Tense Plans
Last month, I screwed up big time scheduling my nephew’s birthday party. Said “I will bring cupcakes at 3 PM” but totally mixed up the dates. Showed up Sunday when everyone partying Saturday. Felt like a total lemon. Decided right there – gotta stop using “will” like confetti.
Testing Simple Tips in Real Life
Started small next morning with coffee plans. Instead blurting “I will meet you tomorrow,” paused like this:
- Tip 1: Added time anchors – “I’ll grab coffee after my 9 AM Zoom”
- Tip 2: Swapped fuzzy “will” for “going to” when plans fixed – “We’re going to try that new cafe”
Actual magic happened Tuesday. Told mechanic: “My Honda is getting serviced Friday before lunch rush.” No confused calls. Felt like winning Olympics.
When This Stuff Actually Saved Me
Real test came planning camping trip. Old me would’ve barked: “We will leave Saturday.” Disaster recipe. Used my new tricks:
- Marked timeline: “Alex is driving us at 7 AM once I pack tents”
- Flagged variables: “If rain stops, we will hike lakeside”
Boom. Tents packed night before. Coolers iced by 6:30 AM. Even had backup plan when thunder rolled in – switched to board games using “might” rules. Zero stress. Zero screwups.
Now sticky notes everywhere scream my mantra: Anchor plans. Ditch vague “will.” Expect curveballs. Still slip sometimes? Sure. But ain’t missed a cupcake delivery since.
