There are a few things that you can do today to make sure that your tomorrow will be a great one, and one of those things is called planning ahead. But how many young people really plan ahead for their future? Apart from what you want to study or in which direction you want to take your career, have you given any more thought about the rest of your future?

A well-known author on personal time management, Alan Lakein, said “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” That’s the crux of why planning for tomorrow in the present is important. While some people say plans do not really work, chances are, if you put together a proper plan ahead of time it will help you reach your goals.

If you don’t have any plan or idea of how you’re going to achieve your future goals, such as moving into your own house one day, you may find yourself left behind. An article on Money Market revealed that more South Africans are starting to plan their future finances at a younger age. It highlighted that young South Africans, especially in their thirties, are now prioritising estate planning next to retirement and financial planning. Also check out Five Stats That Show the Importance of Planning Ahead, which highlights that 68% of South African young people believe they will attain their goals in the future.

Here’s why your youth is the best time to plan for your future.

You can measure opportunities and risks

Part of growing up is being able to step out of your comfort zone, and to take risks that are necessary for growth, and obtaining success. By planning ahead you get confidence to take the jumps that others may be afraid to take, and you can move on opportunities others may not be aware of.

Enough time for reworking the plan

Effective plans are revised over and over again. By planning for your future in your twenties or thirties you give yourself enough time to rework the plan, should something not go as planned, or based on new constraints.

Whether it is writing down your financial goals, or what you’d like to leave behind as a legacy, it’s never too early to start thinking about your future and putting detailed plans in place.