What it comes down to is that I'm just not the planning type. I know many people who can look at any given situation and plot out exactly what needs to be done and when for everything to go smoothly. Let's take a simple example from everyday life. (My every day that is, most people's everyday won't be anything like this)
I am big into bowhunting. And it turns out, it's not a very inexpensive hobby. So to save myself some money, I thought I'd build some equipment so I can do some of the work myself. I wanted to start out small. "An arrow saw isn't too big." I reasoned.
Now, let's examine the differences between a planner and someone such as myself.
Step 1: Design
Planner: Research different commercial and DIY arrow saws online. Draw out several sketches of various possible designs. Select the one that requires the fewest materials and least amount of time.
Myself: Have a rough idea of what an arrow saw is.
Step 2: Materials
Planner: Sit down and write a list. For this project, the list could go like this: Motor w/spindle, cutting wheel, 42" angle iron, metal yardstick, 5 1/4"x1" bolts with nuts and washers, 2 3/8"x2" bolts with nuts and washers, etc., etc., until he has a detailed account of everything he will need. They will then proceed to find everything on the list amongst various neatly labeled drawers, bins, and containers. Anything they have not checked off the list at this point they will purchase from the hardware store.
Myself: Have an idea in your head of what it will take to make an arrow saw. Lists are for sissies. Wander around the garage, yard, and sheds looking for things that you think would work. An hour later, having found an old piece of bedframe (angle iron), one bent metal yardstick, and absolutely nothing else; stare blankly at the workbench for approximately ten minutes. When you come out of your stupor, realize that you are short some key ingredients for a proper arrow saw. Spend another hour rechecking all the places you previously looked. Admit defeat and go purchase the rest of the items you think you will need. Upon returning home, make smaller piles of junk on the workbench and come to the conclusion that you need a few more parts from the hardware store. Repeat this process at least twice more.
Step 3: Construction
Planner: From your previous design ideas, determine the proper steps for constructing your arrow saw. Gather necessary tools. Follow steps until saw is complete.
Myself: With the pile of stuff on your workbench, begin anywhere you see fit. It doesn't matter where really, because the end result will be the same. Make several hundred trips between your workbench, drill press, tool boxes, etc. Do this because you didn't bother to gather all necessary tools before hand. This has the added benefit of raising your heart rate during the build process, providing a little extra cardio exercise. Several times during this process break a tool, a critical piece of the saw, or yourself. Apply a strong salve of cuss words to whatever you have broken. This will do nothing to help your problem, but it will make you feel bad for scaring your kids. Replace broken tool or material, or bandage broken self. Repeat the process. If you would like to add a little variety, try breaking different objects instead of the same one. This helps relieve the monotony of the construction process. It's also a good way to stretch your ingenuity muscles as you scamper about trying to find ANYthing that will work in place of what you just broke. Once your supply of material, tools, or appendages has been exhausted, throw the tool you are currently holding across the garage, preferably breaking something you had no intention of breaking. (Warning: Do not attempt if your vehicle is occupying the garage. This will cause severe depression for you, or your spouse if you have one, and may result in a temporary or permanent change of address on your part.) Look at what you just broke, turn away in disgust, and trudge defeated back into the house. Order new arrow saw online.
It's easy to see from this example the vast difference between those who plan and those who do not. Obviously, the planner lives a boring, sedate life with no excitement what so ever.
