PLAN TO PLAN
- Alan Bomar Jones
- Oct 11
- 6 min read
Traditionally, adults were the primary individuals responsible for meticulously planning their daily activities, from the moment the alarm sounded in the morning until bedtime. However, the concept of life planning has now extended to children as young as six years old. Let us explore this development further.
I always like to start these types of blogs with a definition. Try these on for size:
1. A plan is a program or method prepared ahead of time, a project or definite purpose, or a design or drawing of something.
2. A detailed proposal for doing or achieving something.
3. To already have a pre-arranged activity, event, or intention for a particular time or future, indicating that you are busy or have a definite purpose.
Okay, enough of that. I think you got the picture. Life often feels like a balancing act— between work, relationships, responsibilities, and personal growth. Without direction, it’s easy to get swept away by distractions or react impulsively to challenges. That’s where planning comes in. Planning is more than simply making a to-do list; it’s a process of preparing, prioritizing, and aligning actions with goals. It’s the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. And believe it or not, to lay out your daily, weekly or even lifetime plan can feel like doing homework. (I put that in for the students)
CLARITY AND FOCUS
Planning brings clarity to your intentions. When you map out your goals and the steps needed to achieve them, you define what truly matters. Instead of scattering energy in different directions, planning channels your efforts toward meaningful outcomes. It helps you avoid the trap of busyness without progress. Being able to get up in the morning and know that you have planned your day, gives you purpose. Some people get a real thrill from planning something like a vacation months ahead, even years. It gives them something to look forward to after the day-to-day hustle and bustle. (That would be my wife)
The Music in Me Studio, LLC offers meticulously structured instructional plans that clearly define objectives for each student. Their comprehensive lesson program outlines the necessary steps for each teacher to effectively support students in achieving their goals. This clarity eliminates ambiguity, ensuring that time spent with students is dedicated to meaningful priorities that guarantee their success. An instructional plan that’s proven to be dependable and worthwhile.
TIME MANAGEMENT
Time is a finite resource, and without effective planning, it can be easily squandered due to inefficiencies. Strategic planning facilitates the optimal allocation of time and resources, breaking down large or complex objectives into manageable tasks. This approach minimizes wasted effort, prevents last-minute crises, and enhances overall productivity. Now that we have presented the Spock version from Star Trek, let’s switch gears and do some plain talk.
I think we can all agree that time is one of our most precious resources, and it pretty much runs our lives. We’ve got starting times, working times, ending times, sleeping times, and all those planned moments in between. Planning helps us make the most of it, ensuring we focus our time where it counts to get things done. By scheduling tasks, breaking big projects into bite-sized pieces, and setting deadlines, you create a game plan that cuts down on wasted time and last-minute stress. A solid, time-driven plan helps you juggle urgent tasks with your long-term goals, making sure you don’t run out of time before you’ve wrapped up your planning.
At Music in Me Studio, LLC, everything revolves around time. Every student gets their own slice of it, whether it's a half-hour or a full hour. Time isn't just about how long your lesson is; it's about syncing up schedules. You need to find that perfect time slot when both you and your teacher are free. Once you nail that down, you can set up a lesson schedule at the studio that fits just right. See how planning is key here? Man, I’m good.
BETTER DECISION-MAKING
When life offers multiple options, planning serves as a compass, guiding you toward informed decisions. Rather than making reactive choices, you can assess opportunities based on their alignment with your objectives. This approach minimizes confusion and regret while enhancing confidence in your decisions. Acknowledging that not every opportunity can be pursued, a well-structured decision plan allows you to determine which opportunities align with your long-term or short-term goals. Planning thus facilitates balance and sound decision-making.
Strategic planning serves as a framework for evaluating choices. When decisions are made within the context of a defined plan, they are more likely to align with long-term objectives. This not only streamlines the decision-making process but also builds confidence and consistency in outcomes. When Becky and I started working on the vibe for the Springboro Music in Me Studio, we came up with a step-by-step design plan. We soundproofed each room using materials that also doubled as cool decor. Once a room was done, we figured out the order for decorating—deciding which room to tackle first and what theme each one would have. We didn’t just plan the designs; we also thought about how the materials could flow from one room to the next. This way, each voice studio had its own unique look, but
they all shared some common elements. In the end, every room had its own personality, perfect for the different students who would use them.
PLANNING VOICE, DANCE, MUSIC INSTRUMENTS AND ACTING LESSONS FOR SUCCESS
Whether you’re a student just discovering your love for the stage or an adult pursuing a lifelong dream, voice, music instruments, dance and acting lessons can open the door to creativity, confidence, and new opportunities. But to make real progress, these lessons need to be planned with intention. Without a clear approach, it’s easy to lose focus or feel overwhelmed.
WHY PLANNING LESSONS MATTERS
1. Consistency Builds Skill
Voice, musical instrument, and acting lessons are disciplines that flourish with regular practice and strategic planning. While sporadic lessons can offer bursts of inspiration, consistent scheduling is essential for sustained growth and retention. Much like in sports, adhering to a structured practice regimen enhances the skills necessary for continuous improvement.
2. Clear Goals Create Direction
Some students want to prepare for auditions, others want to strengthen public speaking skills, and some simply enjoy the art form. Knowing your purpose helps shape lessons that meet personal needs. It also provides information that allows the teacher the opportunity to tailor the lesson to your desire.
3. Preparation Reduces Stress
Structured lesson planning, whether through weekly sessions or intensive workshops, allows students to prepare both mentally and physically, thereby minimizing last-minute anxiety. Incorporating these lessons into their regular schedule fosters a sense of anticipation and commitment. A reputable studio, such as The Music in Me Studio, offers students valuable opportunities to enhance their live performance skills. The studio organizes several intimate recitals, known as inner circles, which are exclusive to students and not open to family members. This environment enables students to concentrate on honing their performance abilities. Following participation in these inner circles, students are well-prepared for larger, more public recitals.
SET SHORT- AND LONG-TERM GOALS:
Do you want to land a lead role in the school musical production, improve audition monologues, learn an instrument, improve your vocal skills or simply improve your dancing skills? Consider the following ideas.
• Choose the Right Teacher or Program: Look for instructors who understand your goals and can guide you with constructive feedback. Research studios, schedules, and teaching styles before committing.
• Create a Practice Routine: Plan regular rehearsal times outside of lessons to solidify progress. Even 15–20 minutes daily can make a difference.
• Balance Lessons with Rest: Voice and acting require energy and emotional investment. Scheduling breaks ensure you don’t overwork your voice or burn out.
• Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or record practice sessions to notice improvements and reflect on what still needs work.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In a world full of distractions, planning is a powerful tool. It doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it gives you direction, control, and purpose. Whether you’re organizing your daily tasks or mapping out your long-term dreams, planning is the key that turns vision into reality.
Voice, music, dance and acting lessons are an investment in both artistry and personal growth. With thoughtful planning, students can develop discipline, confidence, and creativity while enjoying the process. A structured approach not only prepares you for the stage but also equips you with skills—like communication, resilience, and presence—that last a lifetime.
The old saying is true: “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” By investing time in planning, you’re not just preparing for the future, you’re shaping it.
This blog was written with grammatical assistance of TinyWow AI

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