Effective people clarify values and set priorities before they establish goals and go about managing their affairs. They actually plan and do what they want to do. They think ahead, prepare, and prevent problems and closed doors. They know what they have to do and come to enjoy the process of applying themselves. They develop the habit of being realistic and avoid taking impossible journeys.
Winners get tired of working in a crisis mode and put their talents to getting ahead of the curve.
It's not only that they 'plan' generally - they organize their efforts against all kinds of time frames. They can tell you what they currently hope they will be doing at most points in their lives, including the long run, next year, this week, and today. They change and grow as they strive toward the many goals in their lives. They absorb the implications of paradoxical experiences in various roles and avoid burnout. Firm in their independence, they know where they stand and have direction.