"If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up someplace else."

Few people would disagree with this wisdom offered by Yogi Berra, legendary baseball player and every man's philosopher.

Why, then, do most people fail to set goals and lay out a plan of action to achieve career success?

Four Reasons People Don't Plan Their Careers
There are at least four reasons, none of which meet the test of common sense.

1. One is fear that they will be seen as failures in their own eyes and those of their peers if they make a plan and then fail to execute it. The experience of successful people proves that it is better to set lofty goals and fall short than to not have goals.

2. They don't plan because they are convinced there are so many variables beyond their control that planning is meaningless exercise. Sure, there are some variables in every situation; many of them can't be controlled. But it is still better to have a plan, and work around the variables as best one can, than to float along hoping for the best that fate can deliver.

3. They are paralyzed by inertia. Their hopes and dreams are just too big and overwhelming; they don't know where to start to create a plan. Those who have a plan visualize the career path to their goals as a series of small steps to be taken one by one. Getting started is half the struggle. They always feel better after they take the first step in any action plan.

4. They are put off by the fear of being obligated, locked in to a course of action that they no longer want to follow. The very essence of good planning is to allow for changes that have to be made along the way to take advantage of every opportunity.

If You Have A Career Plan Review It Now
If you have made a plan for career success, take the time now to review it. Does your plan still seem to be doable with a reasonable stretch? If you haven't already launched your plan what are you waiting for?

Don't worry if you didn't make a plan or if you are falling short on getting started. You are not alone. Most people spend more time planning their annual two-week vacations than they do their careers. It's never too late.

Be smart, realize that every person who fails to plan broadens the field of opportunity for those who do.

To paraphrase the legendary merchant, J.C. Penny, "Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I will give you a successful manager. Give me a stock clerk without a plan and I will give you a stock clerk."